Rita Repulsa Looks Different In 'Rangers' Reboot

The popular television franchise known as the Power Rangers is headed back to the big screen in a brand-new reboot, with actors Naomi Scott, Becky G, RJ Cyler, Dacre Montegomery, and Ludi Lin are gearing up in their respective colors. However, with the return of alien-fighting teens also comes the return of the alien villains they must face. And, now, fans finally have a first look at Elizabeth Banks as Rita Repulsa, the alien witch herself. While there's no denying how incredibly awesome Banks looks in her latest extravagant character costume, fans also happen to be confused to say the least.

The Rita Repulsa fans remember from the '90s television series looks very different. In fact, the green and gold armored look released exclusively through People magazine is an altogether new take on the character. "It's definitely a modern and edgy re-imagining of the original Rita Repulsa," Banks shared with the magazine. "We wanted to give her a backstory that connects her to the new Rangers." And, yeah, her reimagining is certainly different than what fans might be used to. Just take a look at this side-by-side of the new poster with an image of the character in the past.

Between her complete change of a color scheme from dark browns to lighter greens and the removal of that infamous headpiece, you basically wouldn't recognize the character if you first saw Elizabeth Banks show up at the latest cosplay convention. However, luckily, it seems as if Repulsa's motives haven't at all changed. “Obviously, first, world domination,” Banks excitedly shared with People magazine when discussing her character. “I’ve never played a villain before, let alone an alien warrior.” And, obviously, an alien warrior certainly sounds like the kind of role the actor could nail no matter what.

What do the fans think about all of this? It seems like feelings are mixed. While the excitement for the Power Rangers getting a motion picture reboot at all is enough to keep us all pumped, any changes to a classic characters is never easy to deal with. Especially when questions of who she resembles and whether or not her character is being white-washed come into play.

Fans will have to wait until the movie comes out on March 24, 2017 in order to really assess the new take on the character themselves. Until then, let the curiosity continue, because these '90s reboots just seem like they're going to keep on coming our way.