Adi Shankar Re-Teams With 'Power/Rangers' Director Joseph Kahn on Racial Satire (Exclusive)

Adi Shankar and Joseph Kahn, the filmmakers behind the popular “Power/Rangers” bootleg short film, are re-teaming for a feature-length satire about race relations, TheWrap has learned exclusively.

Kahn, who is directing “Bodied,” developed the story with screenwriter and champion battle rapper Alex “Kid Twist” Larsen. Shankar is producing alongside Jil Hardin and Bryan Brucks.

Although principle photography is already underway in Los Angeles, the log line is being kept under wraps. But “Bodied” tackles race relations using the world of hip-hop rap battles as an entry point.

Also Read: Bryan Cranston Compares 'Power Rangers' Movie to 'Dark Knight'

Callum Worthy, Jackie Long, Rory Uphold, Anthony Michael Hall, Debra Wilson, Charlamagne tha God, Walter Perez and Shoniqua Shandai star in the film.

In addition, celebrated battle rappers Jonathan “Dumbfoundead” Parks, Dizaster, Loaded Lux, and Hollow Da Don will be featured.

The 14-minute short “Power/Rangers” is the most recent narrative from Kahn, whose previous feature films include “Detention” (2011) and “Torque” (2004).

He also has a number of music videos under his belt with some of music’s biggest stars. Most recently, he directed the videos for Taylor Swift‘s “Bad Blood” and “Out of the Woods.”

Also Read: 'Power Rangers': See Reboot's New Teaser Poster (Photo)

Shankar has previously produced “The Grey,” “Lone Survivor” and “Dredd,” and will make his feature directorial debut with upcoming superhero drama “Adi Shankar‘s Gods and Secrets.”

“I’m honored to continue my collaboration with Joseph Kahn,” Shankar said. “In an era where it feels like movies aspire to play it safe as the world appears hungry for artists to take a stand this film dares to say something.”

'Power Rangers': Where Are the Mighty Morphin Actors Now? (Photos)

THUY TRANG (Yellow Ranger): The actress who played California teen Trini Kawn tragically died in a car accident in 2001. But before that, she starred in two movies outside of the "Power Rangers" universe, 1996 comedy "Spy Hard" and 1996 action film "The Crow: City of Angels."
AUSTIN ST. JOHN (Red Ranger): The real-life martial artist who played Jason Scott Lee on the hit Fox Kids program is now an EMT serving overseas, according to his Facebook profile. After the original series ended, the Ranger appeared in three other incarnations of the famous fighting force, including "Power Rangers Zeo," "Turbo" and "Wild Force."
DAVID YOST (Blue Ranger): The oldest cast member, who played high school student Billy Cranston, has said he left the series in 1996 due to homophobia he experienced on set. Although he has racked up a few acting credits since ("After Diff'rent Strokes: When the Laughter Stopped," "Degenerate"), he spent much of the last decade producing reality television, including "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills."
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WALTER JONES (Black Ranger): This 43-year-old actor played Zack Taylor, a.k.a. the most color coded Ranger on the team, still acts to this day. He has 46 acting credits to his name, including TV guest star appearances, movies and voice work.
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AMY JO JOHNSON (Pink Ranger): The 43-year-old actress who played Kimberly Hart is arguably the most successful of the "Power Rangers" in Hollywood. Since leaving the series in 1995, she has starred as regular on TV shows including "Felicity," "The Division" and "Flashpoint." The married mom is also an accomplished singer/songwriter, with three studio albums under her belt.
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JASON DAVID FRANK (Green/White Ranger): The 40-year-old mixed martial artist who played Tommy Oliver reprised the role in 2014 for an episode of "Power Rangers Megaforce." In a 2013 interview, the MMA fighter said he's, "talking to Saban about making a PG-13 Green Ranger movie," and shot a reality show called "This Is My Morphin Life."
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