A report from People gave audiences their first good look at Elizabeth Banks as the villain witch Rita Repulsa for the upcoming "Power Rangers" movie reboot. According to a report from Comic Book, the drastic change in design and costume may be hinting at something that could play out in the film or in a potential sequel.
Rita Repulsa, in the original television series, wore something more traditional and mystical, with her hair in a loop and a large bell dress. In the new film, however, she is depicted in green armor tainted with dirt and a few slashes of gold highlights. According to the report, this could mean she is closely connected to the story of the Green Ranger.
In the original series, Rita already had the Dragonzord, the Green Ranger's giant robot, in hiding on Earth and she already owned the Dragon Dagger that he used to summon his machine. It is speculated that in the reboot film, it will be Rita, not the Green Ranger, that will initially use these tools against the titular Power Rangers.
There is no mention of Tommy or the Green Ranger in any of the marketing for the film, hinting that the character will not appear except for a possible cameo appearance. Without the Green Ranger, it is likely Rita will using his powers first.
Her costume is speculated to resemble that of a green dragon, with sharp edges and talons, and given her close ties to the Green Ranger it would come as no surprise if she uses his iconic weapons during the climactic battle of the movie.
Speculations rise that by the end of the film, she will create the Green Ranger and pass on her powers and tools to him after the Power Rangers have defeated her, setting up the events for a sequel.
"Power Rangers" will hit theaters on March 24, 2017.
