Hasbro and eOne yesterday revealed the first look at Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’ anticipated 30th-Anniversary Special Once & Always, which will reunite some of the franchise’s legendary Rangers. After the footage was released, many fans wondered if the special would pay tribute to the late Jason David Frank. Although it is now known if any tribute will be shown on the screen, it seems likely, as in the official press release Hasbro and eOne revealed that they dedicated the episode to Frank and the late Thuy Trang.
The excerpt from the official press release reads “Hasbro, eOne and Power Rangers are honored to dedicate Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always to late Mighty Morphin cast members Thuy Trang and Jason David Frank.” Hopefully that includes an on-screen tribute somehow, but it’s wonderful to have the episode dedicated to her.
The special had previously been filmed prior to Frank’s passing, and he had revealed in interviews that he was not involved in anything currently happening in Power Rangers. Tommy’s character still seems to be a part of this episode, as the Green Ranger can be seen in the footage. As for Trini, her legacy looks to be a big part of the special as well, as her daughter Minh will make her first appearance and will likely be the one in the Yellow Ranger suit (unless that’s some kind of flashback is).
Once And Always will bring back Power Rangers stars David Yost (Billy Cranston) and Walter Emanuel Jones (Zack Taylor), as well as Johnny Yong Bosch (Adam Park), Steve Cardenas (Rocky DeSantos), Karan Ashley (Aisha Campbell), and Catherine Sutherland (Cat Hillard). They will also be joined by Barbara Goodson as the voice of Rita Repulsa, Richard Horvitz as the voice of Alpha, and the newest addition to the franchise Charlie Kersh, who will play Minh, the daughter of Trini.
“It was such a surreal experience to be back on the set of Power Rangers after 28 years! I was so at home,” Jones said. “Can’t wait for the fans to see what they’ve been waiting for. The ZackMan is back and ready to rock!! Working with David Yost as Ranger was great again! Our Ranger family runs deep!! “
“It was great to work with Walter Jones again. We went through the audition process together and launched the Power Rangers franchise 30 years ago. I am so grateful to the fans of Power Rangers for their undying commitment to the original cast,” said Yost.
You can find the official synopsis for Once & Always here: “The Rangers come face to face with a familiar threat from the past. In the midst of a global crisis, they are once again called upon to be the heroes the world needs is. Inspired by the franchise’s legendary mantra ‘Once a Ranger, Always a Ranger,’ Once & Always reminds everyone that when you become a Ranger, you are always a part of the Ranger family and always welcome.”
Season 2 of Dino Fury is now available on Netflix, and Cosmic Fury is scheduled to hit in 2023. Once & Always will hit Netflix on April 19. Are you excited for the 30th anniversary? Let us know in the comments and as always you can talk all things Power Rangers with me on Twitter @MattAguilarCB!
