‘Power Rangers’ writer reflects on racial optics of casting, calling it a ‘mistake’

• Tony Oliver, the original writer of “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers,” admits the show made a mistake in casting decisions by pairing a Black actor as the Black Ranger and an Asian actress as the Yellow Ranger, overlooking racial implications. He says the realization came only after an assistant on set pointed it out.
• The series became a global phenomenon after its debut in 1993, despite undergoing early cast changes due to pay disputes.
• Oliver’s comments have reignited discussions around diversity in children’s television, with fans reflecting on the franchise’s impact and subsequent improvements in representation.

---

Full Story

The original writer of “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” says the show made a big mistake in how it cast its diverse lineup. In a new docuseries, he admits racial implications were overlooked during production.

Tony Oliver, head writer of the 1990s hit series, appears in ID’s docuseries “Hollywood Demons.” In it, he reflects on the now-infamous casting decision that placed a Black actor in the role of the Black Ranger and an Asian actress as the Yellow Ranger.

“I didn’t see it at first,” Oliver says. “It was such a mistake.” He says it wasn’t until an assistant on set pointed it out that the team realized the implications.

The comments have reignited conversations around diversity and representation in children’s television. “Power Rangers” debuted in 1993 and became a global phenomenon, known for its action-packed episodes and color-coded heroes.

‘Power Rangers’ early cast changes

The show underwent cast changes in its second season. Following a pay dispute, Walter Jones, the original Black Ranger, was replaced by Korean-American actor Johnny Yong Bosch. Thuy Trang, the original Yellow Ranger, was replaced by Black actress Karan Ashley.

In a 2013 oral history of the series, co-creator Shuki Levy said the original casting wasn’t intentionally based on race. “We didn’t grow up in the same environment that exists in America with regard to skin color,” he said. “We grew up in Israel, where being a Black person is like being any kind of color… it wasn’t a big issue.”

Though later iterations of the franchise have featured more thoughtful casting, fans say Oliver’s recent admission is important. Especially for a show that shaped a generation.

“Hollywood Demons” is now streaming on Discovery+ and Max.