The "Power Rangers" movie is set to launch in early 2017 and while it will be keeping elements from the original television it will also be introducing a few changes to the lore. New information has surfaced indicating that the origins of both Zordon (Bryan Cranston) and Rita Repulsa (Elizabeth Banks) will see such changes.
According to a photo outline from The Wrap, Rita is no longer just a powerful witch. For the reboot film she is now depicted as one of the original Power Rangers, a Green Ranger that went rogue 65 Million years ago. She was then defeated and trapped in a dimensional prison. Promotional photos for Rita do show her keeping the Green Power Coin atop her staff.
Zordon, on the other hand, is stated to be the original Red Ranger. However, he was then transformed into a "state of pure energy." This has sparked speculations that Zordon and his team of Power Rangers had to fight the traitorous Rita all those millions of years ago.
The Power Rangers are also given new origins and duties. It is stated that they are warriors chosen from the free planets, trained from childhood to become the most disciplined defenders.
As noted by Cinema Blend, this is all a large departure from the television show. Zordon was never stated to have been a Ranger but he did find the Power Coins. Rita Repulsa was never the Green Ranger in the series but she did possess the Power Coin and had control over a Green Ranger, one she used to fight the five Power Rangers.
By giving this back story Rita and Zordon are no longer just archenemies. Altering their origins they are now former teammates and this reportedly adds a new dynamic to their relationship. It also opens the doors for the Green Power Coin to be passed to someone else, potentially introducing a new Green Ranger in a sequel.
"Power Rangers" opens in theatres on March 24, 2017.