Overview of Behind-the-Scenes Challenges on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
- Cast members reported hazardous working conditions and inadequate salaries.
- The actors faced grueling hours and physically strenuous scenes with insufficient safety measures.
- Instances of discrimination and lack of healthcare support were highlighted by several cast members during their time on the show.
Years after filming the iconic Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series, former cast members have shared their troubling experiences, shedding light on what they describe as abusive conditions on set.
This beloved series, which ran from 1993 to 1995, became a cultural phenomenon, spawning action figures, video games, and costumes that captivated children worldwide. The original ensemble included notable actors like Austin St. John (Jason Lee Scott), Walter Emanuel Jones (Zack Taylor), Thuy Trang (Trini Kwan), Amy Jo Johnson (Kimberly Hart), David Yost (Billy Cranston), and Jason David Frank (Tommy Oliver). At the time of filming, these actors were in their late teens and early 20s, yet they navigated a work environment that, according to them, failed to reflect the show’s immense success.
In the recent docuseries on Investigation Discovery titled Hollywood Demons, specifically the episode “Dark Side of the Power Rangers,”the show’s troubling working conditions were revisited. Tony Oliver, who served as the head writer, admitted that the production practices surrounding the show were unfair, particularly towards the actors. They were not merely reciting lines; they were physically engaged in demanding action sequences with little to no safety protocols in place. Previous reports confirmed that some actors performed stunts without proper training, often resulting in injuries. Oliver commented, “Basically, these contracts made it okay to work you to death, and they did,”as reported by Entertainment Weekly. He also noted that the days stretched well beyond the typical union limits, stating, “Our shoot days were much longer; we shot 12- to 14-hour days where unions were eight to 10, so it could be a little abusive to the actors.”
Aubri Dubois, who was initially cast as the Yellow Ranger, recounted her firsthand observations of these extreme conditions during the filming of a pilot episode that ultimately aired without her. The production team arbitrarily relocated a battle scene to a desert locale where temperatures soared to a blistering “110 degrees.”In this oppressive heat, one crew member suffered heat stroke while wearing a cumbersome villain costume. Dubois and her co-stars refused to proceed with filming until the individual received medical attention in an ambulance.
The Struggles of Working on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
Both Walter Emanuel Jones and Austin St. John have expressed concerns about the disappointing pay from their roles in the popular series. Jones remarked that despite the show’s staggering success, their earnings did not amount to wealth. St. John echoed these sentiments, revealing that the non-union nature of the project hindered adequate compensation, leaving them struggling financially. In fact, both actors revealed they often earned more money from appearances at car shows than from the TV series itself.
While the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers program gained acclaim for its vibrant characters and thrilling storylines, the behind-the-scenes realities painted a vastly different picture. Many cast members faced issues like low wages, dangerous conditions, and feelings of discrimination. David Yost has openly discussed the homophobic bullying he encountered from crew members due to his sexual orientation. Fortunately, the franchise has made strides since incorporating union standards in 2018, leading to improved pay and working conditions for the actors.
Despite the challenges faced during their time on the show, many original cast members continue to cherish their experience. In 2023, they gathered to celebrate the franchise’s 30th anniversary in the special Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always.
Source: Entertainment Weekly