Behind the Scenes of the Original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers

1 minute read

When Power Rangers hits theaters on March 24, a long-running franchise gets its latest installment. Starring Becky G, Bryan Cranston and Elizabeth Banks, the movie reboots a cast of characters introduced to the world in the popular series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Though it’s been more than two decades since its first season in 1993, the show still holds a special place in millennials’ hearts thanks to its campy storyline — a group of teenagers are recruited to defend Earth against the evil sorceress Rita Repulsa — and dramatic visual effects, which were adapted stock footage from the Japanese series Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger. There have been numerous spin-offs and costume alterations since that series ended in 1995, but to many, the original Power Rangers are still the real deal. Here, TIME looks back at rare behind-the-scenes images from the show that started it all.

The original cast of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. From left: Jason David Frank, Thuy Trang, Austin St. John, Amy Jo Johnson, Walter Jones, and David Yost.
The original cast of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. From left: Jason David Frank (Green Ranger), Thuy Trang (Yellow Ranger), Austin St. John (Red Ranger), Amy Jo Johnson (Pink Ranger), Walter Jones (Black Ranger), and David Yost (Blue Ranger).Disney-ABC Domestic Television
Jason David Frank and Danny Wayne, as Goldar.
Jason David Frank and Danny Wayne as Goldar. Disney-ABC Domestic Television
David Yost, left, and Jason David Frank, right, with Arsenio Hall, center.
David Yost, left, and Jason David Frank, right, with Arsenio Hall, center. Disney-ABC Domestic Television
Carla Pérez as Rita Repulsa and David Wald as Goldar.
Carla Pérez as Rita Repulsa and David Wald as Goldar.Disney-ABC Domestic Television
David Yost, wearing Rita Repulsa's hairpiece.
David Yost, wearing Rita Repulsa's hairpiece. Disney-ABC Domestic Television
Jason David Frank as the White Ranger.
Jason David Frank on set as the White Ninja Ranger.Disney-ABC Domestic Television
An unidentified actor as Rhinoblaster and Jason David Frank as the White Ninja Ranger.
An unidentified actor as Rhinoblaster and Jason David Frank as the White Ninja Ranger.Disney-ABC Domestic Television
Austin St. John as the Red Ranger.
Austin St. John as the Red Ranger. Disney-ABC Domestic Television
From left: Walter Jones, David Yost, Thuy Trang, Amy Jo Johnson, and Austin St. John.
From left: Walter Jones, David Yost, Thuy Trang, Amy Jo Johnson, and Austin St. John. Disney-ABC Domestic Television
From left: David Yost, Steve Cardenas, Karan Ashley, and Johnny Yong Bosch.
From left: unidentified crew member, David Yost, Steve Cardenas (the second Red Ranger), Karan Ashley (the second Yellow Ranger), and Johnny Yong Bosch (the second Black Ranger). Disney-ABC Domestic Television

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