New Power Rangers Movie A Reboot; Original Cast Jason David Frank Insists Filming Start This Year; Film To Introduce New Generation Of Rangers; Will Tommy Oliver And Originals Still Join The Fold?

The new Power Rangers movie could be a reboot, but it's still expected to involve familiar faces from the original cast.

With the new Power Rangers movie already slated a July 22, 2016 release date, details of production and casting remain sketchy. The mainstay and brand promoter for the franchise, Jason David Frank, did insist filming will jumpstart this year.

Jason David Frank played Tommy Oliver on the TV series; he's practically identified with a franchise which goes back to the early 1990's shows. In a recent interview with Comicbook.com, Frank says the reboot is pushing through as planned, and he expects to be involved as well.

"We're definitely not in a holding pattern. The movie is definitely set for this year. Everything is in place. They won't give me specific details because it's all like hush-hush."

Zack Stentz of "X-Men: First Class" and Ashley Miller are tapped for the screenplay; no details on the plot or the casting as yet, though. Frank admits even he is clueless on the production for the new Power Rangers movie.

Frank is quite confident he'll be involved in the movie one way or another, though.

"I email Saban and ask them kind of what you're asking me, but they do feel that I'm going to be part of it, because they feel there's no movie, at least, without me. The funny thing is, one way or another, whether it happens or it doesn't, I've been great to Lionsgate and I've been loyal to Saban."

The new Power Rangers movie will likely bring in a new generation of Rangers, with originals like Frank joining as mentors of sorts. Roberto Orci, who stepped out as director, said the new movie will be a continuity within the Power Rangers universe, so it's expected to prep the franchise for new audiences.

"I believe it's going to happen anyway, but when it does, I'll keep my fans involved, " Frank said. "but I will tell you it is being filmed this year. I know that for a fact. It's going to be great when it is." (screenrant.com)