10 Dark Truths About Power Rangers

10 Disturbing Dark Truths About Power Rangers

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at the bleak and harsh realities of this multicolored superhero franchise.

Cassie in Lost Galaxy

The ending for “The Power of Pink” was a heartbreaking experience, where Kendrix sacrificed herself to save Cassie and all of Terra Venture. However, originally, Cassie’s story with the Galaxy Rangers wasn’t meant to end there. It’s been reported that she was to take Kendrix’s place as the Pink Galaxy Ranger. Her actor, Patricia Ja Lee[a], even filmed several scenes. However, Lee was unsatisfied with having a guest star billing instead of a main cast one. So, she walked off-set, and Melody Perkins as Karone became the Pink Galaxy Ranger in her place. While this change was well-received by fans, it’s amazing how often a refusal to compromise can shake everything up for the series.

Production Troubles

With everything we see on screen, one would think that working for “Power Rangers” is a dream come true. In reality, production is a nightmare behind the scenes. For one, the show has been handed off to different companies too many times, which causes major inconsistencies with the series’ direction, tone, and output. The working conditions were also hazardous for the stars, as prop malfunctions have put their lives at risk more than once. Worst of all, the filming schedule was so strict that the Rangers were told to film during the 1994 Northridge earthquake. With so much happening against it, it’s a miracle the show happened at all.

Austin St. John[b]’s Downfall

Austin St. John has been praised for his role as Jason, the OG Mighty Morphin Red Ranger. Unfortunately, unlike his character, St. John hasn’t been acting very heroic. Many already know about his infamous feud with Jason David Frank, but this was just the tip of the iceberg. In 2022, he was charged with attempting to embezzle COVID relief funds and was given a plea deal. In early 2024, he announced a controversial idea for a clothesline that sparked a major backlash with his fans, and even fellow Ranger alumni, Amy Jo Johnson. St. John can’t seem to stay out of trouble, making it hard to separate him from his iconic character.

The Infamous Background Actor

If you thought the on-screen talent had their problematic moments, just hold onto your hats. Skylar Deleon[c] was a child actor who appeared in Power Rangers commercials in the background. Many years later, they were back in the spotlight... but for a horrifying reason. It turns out that they murdered a couple on their yacht. For their crimes, they were sentenced to death, and it was unfortunately discovered that they were connected to “Power Rangers.” It was originally believed that they were a different child who played a supporting role in an episode. This was proven false, but the association still leaves an ugly mark on the franchise’s reputation.

Matthew Sterling

Being a TV icon sounds fabulous until you meet a troubled fan who takes things way too far. In 2017, one Matthew Sterling attended Phoenix Comicon armed with actual real-life weaponry and malicious intentions. He had set his sights on Power Ranger legend, Jason David Frank to settle a supposed grudge. He went so far as to call himself “The Punisher.” Thankfully, he was arrested before he got anywhere near JDF and was committed to the Arizona State Hospital for over twenty years. Every fandom has at least one bad apple, but it’s terrifying to know that not even the Power Rangers are safe from the more extreme ones.

The Disturbing Case of Pua Magasiva[d]

New Zealand actor Pua Magasiva brought Shane, the Red Ninja Storm Ranger, to life with his serious yet fun charisma. Sadly, his life post-Power Rangers wasn’t as glamorous. In 2019, he was convicted of domestic violence against his wife, Elizabeth Sadler. Not too long after, it was reported that Magasiva took his own life. Following his passing, a diary entry supposedly written by Magasiva details his failing battle against self-loathing, alcohol use disorder, and inability to find his self-worth. Suffice it to say, it makes revisiting the moments in “Ninja Storm” where Shane deals with his insecurities incredibly uncomfortable given how on-the-nose it turned out to be.

Cole Goes Rogue

Many will recognize Ricardo Medina Jr.[e] for his talents portraying both Cole Evans, the Red Wild Force Ranger, and Deker – the human/Nighlok foe from “Samurai” and “Super Samurai.” Two very different characters played flawlessly. Unfortunately, in 2015, he would be recognized for a more morbid reason. He was arrested and charged with murdering his roommate with a sword. He claimed it was in self-defense, but pled guilty in the end and was sentenced to six years in jail. He only served three years in jail before being released and is said to be doing well for himself. Knowing what we know now, though, makes rewatching “Wild Force” and the “Samurai” seasons a little more uncomfortable.

David Yost[f] Faces Harassment

Of the original five actors, David Yost - Billy the Blue Ranger - lasted the longest before finally leaving near the end of “Zeo.” It was reported that it was due to pay disputes, but David’s side of the story is much more heartbreaking. He faced constant harassment and belittlement for his sexuality behind the scenes from the crew and a few cast members. He walked off-set and fought an ongoing battle with his mental health before finally learning to accept himself. Thankfully, his fans offered the love and support he needed. He returned to the series for its 30th anniversary.

The Great Walkout of ‘94

With how much fanfare the series has received, you’d think the stars would be treated well and given the paychecks they deserve. Unfortunately, the show was non-union, despite its success, and the actors were paid little for their hard work. Zordon[g]’s actor only got less than $200 for an entire day of filming his head, and the actor who originally auditioned for Trini was reportedly replaced due to pay disputes. Combine this with the hazardous working conditions, it’s no mystery why Austin St. John, Walter Jones, and Thuy Trang finally walked away during Season Two’s production. We can’t help but wonder if unionizing the show could’ve helped prevent so much heartache.

‘The Power Rangers Curse’

Even with the show’s critical acclaim, “Power Rangers” has a reputation for being cursed. Along with the behind-the-scenes drama and controversies, several actors had passed away due to unnatural causes. Thuy Trang, who portrayed Trini in “Mighty Morphin,” was killed in a car accident in 2001. Peta Rutter[h], aka Udonna from “Mystic Force,” was taken from us by a brain tumor. Worst of all, Jason David Frank - legendary Tommy Oliver - took his own life following his struggle with mental health. Sadly, the list only gets more tragic from here. We’re honestly shocked that the show survived for 30 years given all the heartache surrounding it.

What do you think of “Power Rangers” knowing what we know now? Share your thoughts in the comments.

[a]patricia jaw lee https://youtu.be/rK8aRr7xdYw?si=lYR9q8M--oL0BLm-&t=88
kuh-ROAN https://youtu.be/HdOUlW9Lia8?t=53
[b]austin saint john https://youtu.be/o1et66ta1pw?si=DGBXcRYRIzUssVqc&t=2
[c]duh or day lay-OWN https://youtu.be/VMsakHYvtcg?si=RUVOnDDBCK32N2Hs&t=233
[d]POO-uh monga-SEE-vuh https://youtu.be/S9F2OTrsjmo?si=OdhSTIm39vkeJduo&t=21
[e]rick-CAR-doh muh-DEENA junior https://youtu.be/N_goLzi_aqM?si=bmEC5TmrikEE9sjm&t=8
decker https://youtu.be/rj_CGCIN4XY?si=C1XGvpOI7LcEOHlF&t=148
NYE-lock https://youtu.be/rj_CGCIN4XY?si=tElXmFTfu-6N8H38&t=41
[f]Yost rhymes with "host" https://youtu.be/8OBxCZQZdFk?si=kH7FPeqXv6sS7IV6&t=23
[g]ZORE-dawn https://www.yarn.co/yarn-clip/d781de12-ac75-4128-b901-ca1d0ce47cfd
treeny https://www.yarn.co/yarn-clip/8ed47f97-029c-45d5-91fb-fb0ba79dff2c
TWEE trang https://youtu.be/tGHzko9kDSE?si=hyn6ZAzPt8BXkiLe&t=34
[h]PEE-tuh https://youtu.be/_g7PwSREPKE?si=VveGHPwgwOP5QUpj&t=334
I cannot find her family name anywhere but I presume it rhymes with "butter"
oo-DONNA https://youtu.be/T-gPeXST2M0?t=48