Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always - Which Rangers are returning?
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It's Morphin time! Well, almost. It is but a mere few weeks before our Mighty Morphin Power Rangers spring back into action, but who's snapping on the spandex for the 30-year reunion?
Not Amy Jo Johnson (aka Pink Ranger Kimberly Hart).
Part of the original Ranger ensemble, Johnson has broken the silence about the rumours surrounding her absence. News flash: it has nothing to do with pay. More about that here.
No doubt her non-appearance will be a devastating blow to fans of the '90s series who were looking forward to all the nostalgic vibes.
It may also leave many people wondering who else has hung up the Ranger suit and who will take one more spin piloting the Zords.
Here's everything we know about who's coming back.
Who's coming back for Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always
Billy Cranston portrayed by David Yost
Fans of the show will be delighted to learn that Yost is returning to the franchise as Blue Ranger Billy.
The original Ranger line-up consisted of Black Ranger Zack (Walter Emanuel Jones), Red Ranger Jason (Austin St. John), Pink Ranger Kimberly, Yellow Ranger Trini (Thuy Trang) and Yost's Blue Ranger Billy.
Back to wield the power lance once more; as the longest-lasting member of the classic team it's only fitting that Yost be a part of the anniversary episode. He's practically Ranger royalty.
Zack Taylor portrayed by Walter Emanuel Jones
Walter Jones will also slip on his Black Ranger helmet once again as he reprises the role of Zack Taylor.
Jones was last seen as The Black Ranger in season two before being written out and replaced by Johnny Bosch.
Though Jones has returned to the franchise previously to voice different characters this will be the first time since 1994 that fans will see him as the Black Ranger. Who's excited? Definitely us.
Who's Not coming back for Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always
Jason Scott portrayed by Austin St John
Along with Johnson, it's been confirmed that Austin St John will not be reprising the role of Red Ranger Jason Scott.
The two entangled in an on-again, off-again romance that was shaken up by the introduction of Green/White Ranger Tommy, creating a tense love triangle.
Austin did return to the Power Rangers universe in the Beast Morphers episode Grid Connection, however it's possible that his absence is down to ongoing legal proceedings related to a 2022 fraud indictment.
Trini Kwan portrayed by Thuy Trang
Sadly, Yellow Ranger Trini Kwan will not feature in the special episode due to the tragic death of the actress Thuy Trang in 2001.
Trang's beloved character will be honoured in Once & Always with the introduction of a new character Minh (Charlie Kersh) who will play her daughter.
Minh is out to avenge her mother after she was killed at the hands of classic villain Rita Repulsa and we have no doubt this storyline will be every bit as heartfelt as expected.
Tommy Oliver portrayed by Jason Frank
Despite being filmed before his unexpected death, Jason Frank did not take up the mantle of Green Ranger in Once & Always.
Frank's last appearance as Tommy was in Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel's Dimensions in Danger. The episode saw the Green Ranger team up with old and new Rangers to save the multiverse.
No official reason has been given to explain Frank's absence, only that both he and Johnson chose not to reprise their roles for their "own reasons". However it's possible that while he may not be returning, his character might.
The Green Ranger can be spotted in the Once & Always trailer so it's likely that the creative team have opted to include his character and have him not remove his helmet.
This is something that has been done before in the past, most notably with the Yellow Ranger following Trang's passing.
There's no doubt that Frank's absence will hit fans hard.
Initially billed for a limited episode arc, Frank's Tommy became an undeniable fan favourite and the leader of the Rangers until the series' 1996 end.
Hopefully Once & Always will have found a meaningful way to complete his character's story.
Other characters returning to Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always
While it's true quite a few of the original cast will not be back it doesn't mean that their helmets will remain empty shells throughout Once & Always.
The Red, Yellow and Pink Rangers will be replaced by their season two and three counterparts. Season two's Red Ranger Rocky (Steve Cardenas) will be back and he will be joined by his fellow season two Yellow Ranger, Aisha (Karan Ashley) and season three Pink Ranger, Kat (Catherine Sutherland).
Also joining the throng will be season two's Black Ranger Adam (Johnny Yong Bosch).
With an additional Black Ranger it will be interesting their dynamic plays out on set, though it's not the first time we've had multiple same-coloured Rangers share the screen.
This mish-mash of classic and newer age Rangers will be facing off against a familiar foe while in the midst of a global crisis.
Naturally they can't do that without the guidance of Alpha 5 (Richard Horvitz) who will be there to steer the team. Fans will also be delighted to hear that the special will also feature Barbara Goodson (aka voice of Rita Repulsa). Though a force to be reckoned with, we have a feeling she isn't the old threat that's been teased.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always premieres April 19 on Netflix.
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