Bryan Cranston Compares 'Power Rangers' to 'Dark Knight'

Photographed for TheWrap by J.R. Mankoff

Bryan Cranston wants “Power Rangers” fans to get ready for a whole new experience when the upcoming film reboot debuts, because it’s “unrecognizable for the most part” from the the TV series that inspired it.

“This is as different a reimagining as the ‘Batman’ television series as it became the ‘Batman’ movie series. You can’t compare those two, and nor can you compare this movie version of the ‘Power Rangers’ to that television series,” Cranston told the Huffington Post. “The approach to the film making is completely different.”

Cranston also answered in the affirmative when asked if the Batman movies he was referring to were those created by Christopher Nolan, like “The Dark Knight.”

Also Read: Bryan Cranston Returns to 'Power Rangers'

“I don’t know if the tone is as dark as that, because you’re dealing with teenagers,” he said. “So the appropriateness of that, and real teenage life, and going through high school and the cliques and the popularity or lack thereof, and the bullies and all the different sections and sub-sections of high school life, and the insecurities of these kids and things like that — hopes and dreams — and you embrace all of that into a retelling of the ‘Power Rangers.'”

Cranston is set to play Zordon, the Rangers’ spiritual leader who grants them their powers, in the film. It will also star Elizabeth Banks as villain Rita Repulsa.

Of course, Cranston’s own ties to the series go back much further. He did uncredited voice work on the original show, leading the producers to name the Blue Ranger’s character — Billy Cranston — after him.

See photo: 'Power Rangers': See Reboot's New Teaser Poster

“Power Rangers” is hits theaters on March 24, 2017.

'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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