Power Rangers introduces first gay superhero to feature in big screen movie
The 'high school outcasts' that transform into the Power Rangers will not only fight evil - they will also be fighting for representation.
In a bold and progressive move, the upcoming film - which is a reboot of the beloved '90s children's television show - features both a gay character and a character who is on the 'autism spectrum.'
During the film's second act, the other rangers come to realize that Yellow Ranger Trini - played by singer Becky G - is coming to terms with her sexual orientation, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Back to save the world: The upcoming Power Rangers movie will feature a gay character
Groundbreaking: The film features both a gay character and a character who is on the 'autism spectrum.' Pictured is Becky G as Yellow Ranger and Elizabeth Banks as Rita Repulsa
The moment is 'small' but 'pivotal' for the entire film, said director Dean Israelite.
'For Trini, really, she's questioning a lot about who she is. She hasn't fully figured it out yet. I think that's what's great about the scene and what that scene propels for the rest of the movie is, "That's okay."
'The movie is saying "That's okay," and all of the kids have to own who they are and find their tribe,' Israelite divulges.
Game changer: Becky plays Yellow Ranger Trini, who is coming to terms with her sexuality
The Lionsgate reboot made some major changes to its superheroes' backstories, which could be a hit or miss with audiences - but will surely be a step in the right direction for inclusion of LGBTQI and differently-abled on-screen characters.
The decision to have a questioning teen in a lead role is rare, however, a recent study may have influenced how Hollywood portrays some of its protagonists.
Dr. Stacy Smith's study about inequality in films at USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, shed a light on representation in Hollywood.
The study found only 19 characters represented as gay, lesbian, or bisexual in the top 100 films of 2014.
The moment is 'small' but 'pivotal' for the entire film, said director Dean Israelite
Of those characters, two-thirds were male, and 84.2% were white.
The solution? A lesbian, Latina protagonist.
The original '90s Blue Ranger actor David Yost left the series after facing harassment over being gay - and now, nearly 25 years later, he praised the film's progressive step in the right direction.
He said in a TooFab interview: 'They really stepped up to the plate. I think so many people in the LGBTQI community are going to be excited to see that representation.'
Equally as groundbreaking and significant is the new Blue Ranger Billy - played by RJ Cyler - who is on the 'autism spectrum'
Equally as groundbreaking and significant is the new Blue Ranger Billy - played by RJ Cyler - who is on the 'autism spectrum.'
According to the Autism Society, one in 68 children in the U.S. are on the autism spectrum, which is in stark contrast to their on-screen representation - not unlike race, sex, and gender representations.
The 2017 Power Rangers storyline follows a group of high school outcasts who stumble upon an old alien ship where they acquire superpowers.
The Rangers (L-R) Becky G as Trini, RJ Cyler as Billy, Dacre Montgomery as Jason, and Naomi Scott as Kimberly
The Rangers discover that an old enemy of the previous generation has returned to exact vengeance, forcing the superheroes to band together to save the world.
The film trails bravely on the heels of Beauty and the Beast, which was met with anti-gay backlash because of a minor gay character.
Following suit is the upcoming Wonder Woman film led by Israeli actress Gal Gadot, in theaters this summer.
Diana, princess of the Amazons, is portrayed as bisexual.
Power Rangers hits the big screen this Friday, March 24.
Gaining momentum: Following suit is the upcoming Wonder Woman film led by Israeli actress Gal Gadot, in theaters this summer - Diana is portrayed as bisexual
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