David Yost
Billy Cranston
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always
“A Mighty Morphin reunion 30 years in the making.”
2023
55m
G · EnglishDirector: Charlie Haskell
Overview
After tragedy strikes, an unlikely young hero takes her rightful place among the Power Rangers to face off against the team's oldest archnemesis.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
4 min readThe Ghost in the Morphing Grid
I sat down to watch Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always expecting a sugar rush of nostalgia, the kind that leaves your cheeks sticky and your heart a little too full. What I got instead was something quieter—a story about grief disguised as a superhero reunion, where the real villain isn’t Rita Repulsa but the relentless march of time. The special, clocking in at a brisk 55 minutes, doesn’t just revisit the past; it buries it, mourns it, and then hands the shovel to the next generation.
That’s a heavier lift than anyone could’ve predicted for a franchise built on spandex and catchphrases.
The film opens with a gut punch: Trini Kwan, the original Yellow Ranger, is dead. Not retired, not off-screen—killed by Rita Repulsa in a cold open that feels like a violation of the franchise’s unwritten rules. Power Rangers was always about teamwork, about five teenagers with attitude saving the world before curfew. Death wasn’t part of the equation.
But here it is, stark and sudden, and the film never lets you forget it. The camera lingers on Billy Cranston (David Yost) as he stares at Trini’s empty chair in the Command Center, his face a mask of something raw. It’s the kind of performance that sneaks up on you—Yost, who left the original series under fraught circumstances, carries the emotional weight of the special like it’s his penance and his privilege.
When he tells Minh, Trini’s daughter, that her mother was “the bravest of us all,” it doesn’t feel like a line. It feels like a eulogy. That’s the strange alchemy of Once & Always: it takes the campy, formulaic DNA of the original Power Rangers and twists it into something melancholic.
Audience Opinions
Audience 4.4/10
"A nostalgic but uneven reunion for longtime fans, hampered by a short runtime and mixed execution."
Viewers appreciate the return of the original cast and the nostalgic throwback to the 1990s series, which evokes fond memories for longtime fans. However, the short runtime leaves little room for character development or a satisfying plot, and the special often feels rushed or underwhelming compared to expectations. Some technical aspects, like CGI and pacing, also draw criticism for feeling outdated or disjointed.
What viewers praise
- Nostalgic cast return The reunion of original cast members is a major highlight, bringing back beloved characters and evoking strong nostalgia for longtime fans.
- 30th anniversary tribute The special effectively celebrates the franchise’s 30th anniversary, offering a heartfelt nod to its legacy and fanbase.
- Fan service moments Several callbacks and references to the original series resonate well with dedicated fans, delivering satisfying fan service.
Common complaints
- Short runtime The 55-minute duration feels too brief, leaving little time for meaningful character arcs or a fully developed story.
- Weak CGI effects The visual effects, particularly the CGI, are criticized for looking dated and failing to meet modern standards.
- Rushed pacing The story moves too quickly, making it difficult to connect with the plot or characters on a deeper level.
- Underwhelming villain The antagonist lacks depth and impact, failing to deliver the same menace or presence as classic Power Rangers foes.
- Mixed fan reactions While some fans enjoy the nostalgia, others feel the special doesn’t live up to the legacy of the original series.
Recommended for
Longtime Power Rangers fans Nostalgia seekers 90s kids revisiting childhood Superhero reunion special lovers
Full Plot (Spoilers)
Spoiler warning
This section contains the full plot, including major story reveals. Overview above stays spoiler-free.
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsReunion, Revenge, and a 30-Year Legacy: Inside Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always
The Power Rangers franchise roared back to life in 2023 with Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always, a Netflix special marking the 30th anniversary of the iconic series. Directed by Charlie Haskell, the film reunites original cast members for a nostalgic yet fresh battle against a familiar foe—with a tragic twist. Here’s what we know about the behind-the-scenes magic (and drama) of this long-awaited reunion.
A Cast Reunited—With One Heartbreaking Absence
The special’s biggest draw is its star-studded lineup of returning Rangers, including Walter Jones (Zack), Steve Cardenas (Rocky), Catherine Sutherland (Kat), and David Yost (Billy). But the reunion was bittersweet: Thuy Trang, who played Trini (the original Yellow Ranger), passed away in 2001, and her character’s death in the film serves as the emotional core of the story. The plot revolves around Rita Repulsa’s return and her scheme to manipulate time by kidnapping Rangers—with Trini’s daughter, Minh (played by Charlie Kersh), seeking vengeance.
Karan Ashley (Aisha, the second Yellow Ranger) also returns, though her role is smaller. The film’s cast list confirms the full lineup, including voice actors Richard Steven Horvitz (Alpha 5) and Barbara Goodson (Rita Repulsa), who reprised their roles from the original series. Notably absent? Jason David Frank, the original Green Ranger, who passed away in 2022. His character, Tommy, is mentioned but doesn’t appear on-screen—a poignant nod to the franchise’s losses.
A Standalone Sequel with Deep Roots
Once & Always isn’t just a nostalgia cash-grab. It’s the fourth installment in the Power Rangers film series and a direct sequel to Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie (1997), bypassing the 2017 reboot. The special was produced to celebrate the franchise’s 30th anniversary, blending callbacks to the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (1993–1995) with a modern storyline.
The film’s runtime is short—just 50 minutes—but it packs in action, humor, and emotional beats. Netflix released it on April 19, 2023, making it the first Power Rangers project to debut on the streaming platform. While details about the production process are scarce, the special’s tight focus on the original team suggests a deliberate effort to honor the franchise’s legacy rather than overcomplicate it.
Rita’s Return and a New Generation
The plot centers on Rita Repulsa’s resurrection and her plan to rewrite history using a time machine. Her scheme involves kidnapping Rangers to power her device, forcing the remaining heroes to reunite. Minh, Trini’s daughter, steps into the Yellow Ranger role, bringing a fresh dynamic to the team. The film’s villainous twist—Rita’s manipulation of time—adds a sci-fi layer to the classic Power Rangers formula.
Voice actors Horvitz and Goodson’s return as Alpha 5 and Rita, respectively, was a highlight for fans. Their performances bridge the gap between the original series and this new chapter, reinforcing the special’s dual appeal to longtime viewers and newcomers.
What’s Next for the Rangers?
With Once & Always serving as a love letter to the franchise’s past, the future of Power Rangers remains uncertain. The special’s standalone nature leaves room for more sequels, but no official plans have been announced. Rumors of a potential follow-up have circulated, though nothing has been confirmed.
For now, fans can relive the magic of the original team—flaws, losses, and all—through this anniversary special. Whether it’s a one-off tribute or the start of something bigger, Once & Always proves the Rangers’ legacy is far from over.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.