Rejected Power Rangers Movie Rita Repulsa Designs

Saban’s Power Rangers movie is in theaters now, featuring Elizabeth Banks as the Power Rangers’ evil arch-nemesis, Rita Repulsa.

But before Banks would morph into the film’s primary villain, her character’s appearance went through a series of design variations behind-the-scenes. Concept artist Aaron Sims shared his concept art for Rita Repulsa on his Instagram page – designs which almost came to life for the original Green Ranger gone rogue.

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In fairness to Sims – while some of his designs didn’t make the final cut, some of his revealed concept art also did make their way onto Elizabeth Banks’ final costumes, which was constructed by Hollywood costume designer Kelli Jones.

The first concept art image shows a much different design for Rita’s Green Ranger armor, but the third concept art image shows the final design which was eventually nailed down for Rita’s fighting form. With green intertwined from start to finish, it’s clear the evil villainess was always intended to be Zordon’s former teammate who turns on her unit.

Rita also sports a secondary costume in the movie before she morphs into her Green Ranger armor. With ropes around her neck, and a black skirt around her waist, Sims once again appears to have nailed down part of the final look for Rita’s more humanoid form – perhaps minus the fish nets.

With successful designs for other Hollywood franchises including Planet of the Apes and Marvel’s The Incredible Hulk, perhaps it should come as no surprise that Lionsgate turned to Sims for Rita Repulsa’s look in their Power Rangers re-imagining.

Saban’s Power Rangers follows five ordinary teens who must become something extraordinary when they learn that their small town of Angel Grove – and the world- is on the verge of being obliterated by an alien threat. Chosen by destiny, our heroes quickly discover they are the only ones who can save the planet. But to do so, they will have to overcome their real-life issues and before it’s too late, band together as the Power Rangers.

Starring Becky G, Ludi Lin, Naomi Scott, Dacre Montgomery, RJ Cyler, Elizabeth Banks, and Bryan Cranston, Saban’s Power Rangers is in theaters now.