Dacre Montgomery has been cast as Jason, the Red Ranger, in the upcoming Power Rangers reboot, set to hit theaters in 2017. Best known to many for his later role in Stranger Things, Montgomery was a relative newcomer at the time, and his casting signaled the filmmakers’ intent to bring fresh energy to the classic franchise.
The character of Jason has long been central to Power Rangers lore — often portrayed as the group’s natural leader. In this new take, the film appears to be grounding the character in a more emotionally complex backstory. According to a bio released through Collider, Jason is a teenager dealing with the weight of lost potential and personal failure.
“17 years old, the makings of someone or something great if he would just get out of his own way. Jason was a legend of this town—a freshman quarterback with the skills to take him all the way. People knew his name. Children wore his jersey. Until, one night Jason wrapped his car around a pole and busted out his knee. Everything Jason was going to become ended in an instant. And with it, he lost himself. When we meet him at the start of the film, he’s a kid in need of redemption. By the end, he’ll be leading this disparate group of teens to shed their individual baggage and find who they truly are.”
This modern take on Jason positions him as more than just the stereotypical high school jock. He’s a young man facing consequences, regret, and the challenge of finding purpose again — themes that align with the reboot’s more serious tone compared to the 1990s television series.
Montgomery’s casting fits the profile of the updated franchise, which aimed to blend action, character development, and a touch of real-world gravity. The film brings together a new generation of Rangers, each dealing with their own issues, forming a team not just to fight evil, but to grow from their struggles.
With a new creative direction, modern effects, and a more character-driven approach, Power Rangers (2017) looked to reinvent the franchise for longtime fans and new audiences alike — and Jason’s arc, as portrayed by Montgomery, is expected to play a key role in that transformation.