The producers of the latest Power Rangers film are taking large steps to ensure representation in the movie, which is a reprise of the hit 90’s show. It features both a gay character and a character who is on the autism spectrum, thus making them the first superhero film to include a gay protagonist.
The film includes a scene whereby the character Trini, the Yellow Power Ranger played by singer/actress Becky G, is coming to terms with her sexuality.
Director Dean Israelite tells The Hollywood Reporter, “For Trini, really she’s questioning a lot about who she is. She hasn’t fully figured it out yet. I think what’s great about that scene and what that scene propels for the rest of the movie is, ‘That’s OK.’ The movie is saying, ‘That’s OK,’ and all of the kids have to own who they are and find their tribe.”
In the original Power Rangers series, Trini was portrayed as straight, but the change is definitely a step in the right direction.
The original ’90s Blue Ranger actor David Yost left the series after facing abuse over being gay – and has since praised the film’s progressive step towards equality and representation.
He said in a TooFab interview: ‘They really stepped up to the plate. I think so many people in the LGBTQI community are going to be excited to see that representation.’
On the other hand, the blue power ranger Billy, played by RJ Cyler, is on the autism spectrum. In the UK, there are around 700,000 people on the autism spectrum which is a shocking contrast to how well they are represented in films.
The rangers are five teenagers from different backgrounds who find they have to work together to prevent an alien invasion.
The rangers are played by Dacre Montgomery, Naomi Scott, RJ Cyler, Ludi Lin and Becky G.
Power Rangers hits the big screen this Friday, March 24.