Elizabeth Banks to Play Rita Repulsa in 'Power Rangers' Movie
Fresh off her stint playing the wacky, fabulously-dressed Effie Trinket in the "Hunger Games" series, Elizabeth Banks is set to portray another character with iconic fashion sense: Rita Repulsa, the major villainess of the "Power Rangers" series.
Banks has just joined the new "Power Rangers" movie, a reboot of the popular -- and campy -- '90s kids show (and subsequent movie) that followed a bunch of teens battling monsters created by Rita, an alien witch who's trying to take over the world. And if you're a "Hunger Games" fan who's eager to see more of Banks in crazy wigs and cracked-out costumes, you're in luck: Rita has been portrayed in the past with some pretty spectacular hair, and an opulent cape and staff to boot.
The Hollywood Reporter first broke the news of Banks's casting, followed soon by confirmation from the official Twitter account of the production, and then Banks herself. The actress referenced Rita's origin story from the series in her gleeful message to Twitter followers.
After 10,000 years, I'm free! It's time to conquer Earth!!⚡️ Time to play #RitaRepulsa#PowerRangersMoviepic.twitter.com/ouzd2BtkUI
— Elizabeth Banks (@ElizabethBanks) February 2, 2016
"After 10,000 years, I'm free!" Banks wrote on the social media site. "It's time to conquer Earth!!"
We're 100 percent on board with this casting, and can't wait to see Banks in all her villainous glory.
"Power Rangers" hits theaters on March 24, 2017.
[via: The Hollywood Reporter, Power Rangers, Elizabeth Banks]
Photo credit: Getty Images