Netflix will reunite multiple members of the original cast of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers for the upcoming reunion movie Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once and Always. The film goes back to the roots of the series with David Yost and Walter Emanuel Jones both returning to reprise their respective roles as Billy and Zack, the original Blue and Black Power Rangers. They'll be joined by fellow franchise stars Steve Cardenas (Rocky), Karan Ashley (Aisha), and Catherine Sutherland (Kat). The movie will hit Netflix on April 19, and ahead of the release, the streamer released the official trailer, which you can watch below.
The trailer introduces Charlie Kersh as Minh, the daughter of Thuy Trang's Trini - the original Yellow Ranger. Sadly, Trang passed away in 2001 when she was just 27 years old, the result of an auto accident. As seen in the above trailer, Once and Always also brings back classic villain Rita Repulsa with longtime performer Barbara Goodson reprising the role. Declaring that it's "time for revenge," Rita can be seen utilizing a weapon to send a powerful blast into the Yellow Ranger, killing Trini. Billy and Zack can be seen mourning the loss as they remove their helmets after Rita gets away.
This plays directly into the plot of the film. Trini's daughter Minh is furious with Rita for killing her mother, and she approaches Billy and Zack with plans for vengeance. While initially reluctant to accept Minh's help, the Rangers agree that Rita must be stopped before she hurts anyone else. An image of Trini can be seen in a frame as a way of further acknowledging Trang, serving as a way of getting the late actress posthumously into the film.
Trini Will Be Avenged
Trini will be avenged by her daughter along with some classic fan favorites from the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers teams. Of course, some fans will notice the absence of others from the first season. Amy Jo Johnson, aka Kimberly the Pink Ranger, previously explained that the offer given to her to reprise the role wasn't satisfactory, but that she was "looking forward to watching my friends kick ass." Jason the Red Ranger actor Austin St. John was dealing with legal issues last year, which might be why he's absent. As for late actor Jason David Frank, who was Tommy the Green Ranger, he said months before his passing that he didn't want to take part as he was focused on developing his personal passion project, Legend of the White Dragon, which will be released posthumously in theaters.
The official synopsis for Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once and Always is as follows:
"The Rangers come face to face with a familiar threat from the past. In the midst of a global crisis, they are called on once again to be the heroes the world needs. Inspired by the legendary mantra from the franchise 'Once a Ranger, Always a Ranger,' Once & Always reminds everyone when you become a Ranger, you are always a part of the Ranger family and always welcome."
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once and Forever will start streaming on Netflix on April 19, 2023.