The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Movie Suits: A Hot and Restrictive Nightmare
20th Century Studios
The iconic Power Rangers franchise, which captivated audiences in the 1990s, faced a unique challenge with its movie debut: the costumes. When 'Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie' hit the big screen in 1995, the rangers' suits were not only uncomfortable but also impractical. The production team's decision to use a tight, heavy material for the costumes proved to be a disaster, leaving the actors struggling to move and the suits in a state of disrepair by the end of filming.
In the early 1990s, children's television was thriving. 'Batman: The Animated Series' enthralled viewers with its mature themes and stunning Dark Deco art style, while the X-Men series captivated audiences with its adult themes and an iconic theme song (now recreated for the Disney+ series 'X-Men '97'). The Power Rangers, which premiered in August 1993, quickly became a phenomenon. Kids clamored for Power Rangers action figures, and assembling the complete Megazord was a status symbol among schoolchildren.
The movie, released in 1995, aimed to capitalize on this success. However, the redesigned costumes, while visually impressive, were a nightmare for the actors. The suits were made from a tight, heavy material that restricted movement, causing the actors to sweat profusely and even experience hypothermia. The production team's insistence on a smooth, wrinkle-free appearance led to further issues, as the suits were damaged during cleaning attempts using turpentine and kerosene.
Stunt coordinator Jeff Pruitt recalled the challenges, stating that the suits were so tight that the actors could barely move. This led to creative solutions, such as cutting the suits in the crotch and underarm areas to allow for movement. Special effects artist Jennifer McManus, however, was instructed not to add gussets or ventilation, which further exacerbated the discomfort. The actors' struggles were not limited to the suits; they also had to deal with the restrictive nature of the costumes, which made it difficult to perform even the simplest of actions.
The production team's insistence on a perfect, smooth appearance led to a series of unfortunate events. The suits were so damaged that they couldn't be used in the third season of the TV show. Despite the challenges, one ranger reportedly enjoyed the experience, exclaiming, 'I feel great! I'm like a superhero!' before performing a double backflip. The Power Rangers movie suits remain a memorable, albeit uncomfortable, part of the franchise's history.
