Since the "Power Rangers" reboot was announced earlier this year, no announcements regarding the casting have been made, although wish lists and leaks have kept this topic running on all four gears since then.
And now, it's been reported that the Lionsgate has begun testing actors for the project.
"The studio is about to begin testing young talent, looking at up-and-coming actors and actresses to make up the team," sources allegedly told Variety. "Daniel Zovatto ('It Follows'), Ross Butler ('Chasing Life') and Brian 'Sene' Marc are among those testing for Zack (aka the Black Ranger), while KJ Apa ('Shortland Street'), Austin Butler ('The Shannara Chronicles') and Mitchell Hope ('The Descendants') are testing for Jason (aka the Red Ranger)."
"Naomi Scott ('The Martian') and newcomer Stephanie Scott are up for the role of Kimberley (aka the Pink Ranger)," the publication went on to reveal. "Insiders say the studio is looking for fresh faces to fill out the team and will probably look for a big name to play the antagonist for the films, though no offers have been made for that part."
"If this report is accurate, then the names of these Rangers - which match those of the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers - sync up with previously rumored character details, which outlined the main characters' personality traits," ScreenRant noted. "Those rumored names and character profiles also seemed to fit in nicely with supposed plot details, exploring each characters' own personal struggles as they try to work as a team."
The entertainment news portal also observed that the age group of the said actors appear to "confirm Lionsgate's commitment to put the Power Rangers brand first and not rely on any one central star."
The reboot, which has been slated for a January 13, 2017 release, will be directed by Dean Israelite. Haim Saban, Brian Casentini and Allison Shearmur will be producing, with Ashley Miller Zack Stentz doing scriptwriting duties.
The "Power Rangers" franchise is Saban's creation and was launched on the small screen the early 90s. It became a big hit of a TV series, so much so that it "became the most-watched children's television program in the United States and remains one of the top-rated and longest running boys live-action series in television history," according to ComingSoon.net. Although the series had gone through different incarnations, it essentially follows the story of a group of teenagers who can transform into masked superheroes and fight evil.
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