The Power Rangers will try to save the day on the big screen once again come 2017, and this time around the group of teenage superheroes looks more dangerous than ever. In a new photo released today by EW, the group is shown in the latest version of their iconic suits — and they look ready to rumble.
While many past Power Rangers suits have incorporated white with each Ranger’s trademark color, that is not the case with this upgrade. There are no white accents to lighten up their outfits, hinting at the film going in a darker direction. This is backed up by information from production designer Andrew Menzies (G.I. Joe: Retaliation). “We are trying to appeal to a more mature audience and gain new fans,” he told EW.
The new suits are especially unique because they’re supposed to be made from extraterrestrial material that provides special armor. “Ours is an alien costume that grows on them, that’s not man-made,” said Menzies. Apparently, it crystallizes around their bodies to offer up extra protection.
Suits fit for extraterrestrial encounters will be key, given that they’ll battle an evil humanoid alien witch, Rita Repulsa (played by Elizabeth Banks). What’s less practical, however, is the fact that the female Rangers’ costumes appear to have built-in wedge high heels. In space or otherwise, surely Yellow Ranger Trini (Becky G) and Pink Ranger Kimberly (Naomi Scott) would be better off fighting villains in flats?
In spite of any added challenges, Becky G raved about the suits. “It’s the coolest costume ever,” she told EW. “I’m gonna wear it for Halloween for, like, five years.”
The Power Rangers cast also includes Ludi Lin as Black Ranger Zack, Dacre Montgomery as Red Ranger Jason, and RJ Cyler as Blue Ranger Billy. The film is directed by Dean Israelite.
Power Rangers hits theaters March 24, 2017.