Well Lionsgate and Saban isn't letting up are they? Just yesterday it was revealed that the new Black Ranger would be played Ludi Lin. Right before that Darce Montgomery was announced as the new Red Ranger. And today the latest Blue Ranger has been cast in the new Power Rangers film.
RJ Cyler will be the new actor entrusted with the Blue Ranger power. Cyler recently co-stared in director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon's indie hit, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl. He played the title's “Earl” and the film earned him a Teen Choice Award nomination. Like with Lin, fans are wondering if Cyler's casting represents a reboot of the classic character Billy Cranston or a new player entirely.
The original Blue Ranger, Billy Cranston, was played by David Yost—Notably not African-American. Although it wouldn't be the first time a African-American actor played a nerdy Blue Ranger with a Triceratops themed costume/power. (If in fact it is the Mighty Mophin' prehistoric creature themes they're going for.)
In 2004's Power Rangers: Dino Thunder (not to be confused with the current iteration, Power Rangers: Dino Charge) Kevin Duhaney played Ethan James—A high school brainiac who harnesses the blue “dino gem” and morphs into the Blue Dino Thunder Ranger, commanding the powerful “Tricerazord. His character was a clear homage to Billy Cranston who piloted the Triceratops Dinozord.
If announcements continue the way they have been going I would expect to hear more casting news tomorrow with, hopefully, a larger announcement once all the rangers have been revealed. Stay tuned.
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