We have our next Ranger - and it's easily Lionsgate & Saban Entertainment's most impressive piece of casting to date on this movie. RJ Cyler has been tapped to play the Blue Ranger in the upcoming big screen adaptation of Power Rangers. The young talent impressed audiences earlier this year with a fantastic supporting turn in the brilliant Me And Earl And The Dying Girl.
If early rumors are to be believed, Cyler will be portraying 'Billy Cranston' - despite drastically differing in appearance from his Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers' predecessor David Yost, who is Caucasian. When you pair this with the fact that Ludi Lin will play the Black Ranger (a.k.a. Zack Taylor - a character who was originally African-American), it's possible this movie could be dealing with entirely new protagonists. Alternatively, they could just be mixing up the old heroes' ethnicities, while keeping their personalities and characteristics intact.
Only time will tell which theory is true, as Lionsgate have yet to officially confirm the characters' names. In the meantime, here is the rumored description of the Blue Ranger (courtesy of Collider):
17 years old, slight & awkward. Billy is challenged in his abilities to communicate and interact socially. Whip-smart and sweet, but always odd. Sometimes in a fun way, sometimes not, Billy is a kid with no filter. Showing his emotions, understanding sarcasm, and dealing with his OCD is a constant challenge. Has never really had any friends and instantly gravitates towards Jason.
Power Rangers hits theatres January 13, 2017.