Jason David Frank's Legend Of The White Dragon Cast, Directors, Teaser Trailer, Plot And More Details
MMA fighter and "Power Rangers" actor Jason David Frank played Tommy Oliver in the "Mighty Morphin" franchise for many years. The movie "Legend of the White Dragon" will see the late actor portray another teleporting martial arts hero, and promises to be an action-packed sci-fi thrill ride with plenty of "Power Ranger" alums and former DC actors in the lineup.
Before Jason David Frank's death on November 19, 2022, the Green Ranger had embarked on a brand new project. In 2019, a Kickstarter campaign was launched with the hopes of getting "Legend of the White Dragon" made into a sci-fi action miniseries. A clip was also released starring Frank and Johnny Yong Bosch from "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers," Jason Faunt from "Power Rangers: Time Force," and Ciara Hanna from "Power Rangers: Megaforce." Frank's character is on the run, and Young and the others play soldiers sent to track him down. When they encounter him, a fight ensues, and Frank's persona gets the better of them. It is then revealed Frank's character has lost everything after a traumatic event but is told that his daughter is still alive. He then takes a crystal from them and transforms into the White Dragon before flying away.
In April 2020, the Kickstarter reached its ambitious goal of $100,000, meaning a miniseries was on the way. But then in May, a bold flex target of $500,000 was finally reached, giving the story for "Legend of the White Dragon" to get the green light to become a feature-length film. Here is everything we know about the movie so far.
When will Legend of the White Dragon be released?
The journey "Legend of the White Dragon" has embarked upon since it started its crowdfunding endeavor has been a wild ride, and after years of waiting, fans are very excited to see the movie from start to finish. They've certainly had to wait awhile: Initially, fans heard the flick would hit screens in fall 2023. After a while, however, it became clear that this release window was not going to pan out.
Luckily, new info was on the way. In July 2023, it was revealed that "Legend of the White Dragon" will hit theaters in 2024.
What is the plot of Legend of the White Dragon?
According to the About section of the film's official website, "Legend of the White Dragon" follows Jason David Frank's character Erik Reed, a hero with a Power Rangers-like suit summoned from a White Dragon crystal. Three years before when the flick's narrative takes place, Reed, aka the White Dragon, lost a battle with Ashtagor, leaving the city heavily damaged. Now with his identity revealed to everyone, he is on the run, and must find a way to redeem himself and get back his next-level strength. Reed teams up with Iris and Conner on his journey. They assist the protector of Virtuo City against the fiery foe Dragon Prime, a villainous menace with a similar suit to the White Dragon's, who has an unhealthy obsession with exacting revenge on the titular persona.
Based on the plot synopsis and the White Dragon's suit, some people may think that Frank's character won't be that far off from what fans see from Tommy Oliver in "Power Rangers." But apparently, that won't be the case. "The audience, I think, is going to really relate to Erik Reed because he's completely different opposite than Tommy Oliver," the actor told ComicBook.com. "And I think if they can imagine what my... It has no relation at all, but I'm saying as far as my audience, it's a deeper, older, I wouldn't say version of Tommy Oliver at all. It's a completely different character." Viewers will be in for a brand new experience when they finally get to see "Legend of the White Dragon."
Has Legend of the White Dragon finished filming?
It appears that "Legend of the White Dragon" has completed the production stage. Jason David Frank confirmed as much on July 31, 2021, when he gave an interview with "Morphin Squad" member Ryan from the Morphin Network (via YouTube). He seemed very enthusiastic about the film, especially the collaboration between talented individuals that made it possible. "People from the DC universe, people from different things all collaborating in one making one awesome movie," he remarked, "and I say that because we are done filming." The late actor did mention there were some pickup shots left to shoot, but those seem to have been concluded easily.
Who is starring in Legend of the White Dragon?
Jason David Frank isn't the only recognizable face in "Legend of the White Dragon." Certain individuals on the roster have DC credibility on their resumé, like Mayling NG from "The Suicide Squad," who plays Tek Boh, and David Ramsay, known for playing Diggle in the "Arrowverse." The latter portrays Mayor Trevon Stevens, who is determined to get Frank's character Eric Reed to face accountability for his actions that lead to the destruction of Virtuo City.
Other big name stars on the roster include Michael Madsen from "Kill Bill" as Max Reed and Kingbach from "Greenland" as a hologram called U.R.I. Mark Dacascos from "John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum" is playing the role of Xang, a monk sworn to protect the White Dragon crystal.
Johnny Yong Bosch, who is seen in the Kickstarter teaser, said in an interview (via YouTube) that he left the feature after a contract dispute. But the other two former Rangers from the clip are still involved. "Power Rangers: Megaforce" alum Ciara Hanna plays Vanessa, and "Power Rangers" Time Force" actor Jason Faunt portrays Connor. "Power Rangers: Lost Galaxy" star Cerina Vincent is also in the movie as Rebecca Reed.
In addition to these major names, Rachelle Brooke Smith plays Iris Maine, who has been described by the film's Instagram as "the main HERO girl, in our new SuperHero Universe." Also, Aaron Schoenke is playing Jai and Dragon Prime, the villain looking to get revenge on the White Dragon. Jason David Frank's daughter, Jenna Frank, whom he referred to as "definitely a Method actor" (via Instagram), plays his character's daughter Angela Reed.
Who is directing Legend of the White Dragon?
"Legend of the White Dragon" will be directed by the dynamic father-son duo of Sean and Aaron Schoenke, the latter of whom is credited as playing Jai and the film's villain, Dragon Prime. The filmmakers and creators of Bat in the Sun have several intriguing credits, including the "Super Power Beat Down" series, the "Super Horror Beat Down" series, and the short Batman fan film "Dying is Easy," in which Aaron stars in as the Joker.
Aaron has worked with Jason David Frank on several films, including "Power Rangers Legacy Wars: Street Fighter Showdown," "Ninjak vs. the Valiant Universe," and "My Mighty Morphin Life." But by far, the biggest endeavor the two have worked on is, without a doubt, "Legend of the White Dragon." The Schoenkes are eager for everyone to witness the end result of all their hard work. As Aaron put it on his Instagram, "The amount of talent and sweat put into this film is incredible! Can't wait for you all to see it!"
Is there a trailer for Jason David Frank's Legend of the White Dragon?
A teaser trailer for "Legend of the White Dragon" was released by Bat in the Sun in December 2021. It starts with the Mayor of Virtuo City (Dave Ramsay) revealing that Erik Reed is alive, as the character is shown losing his suit in fiery rubble. The mayor promises his citizens that Reed will face justice for his actions. After that, the action kicks into high gear. Fans get a good glimpse of the bullet-proof Dragon Prime as well, who is shown burning someone alive, indicating he's working with some serious firepower.
Then, in July 2023, another trailer was revealed. This trailer confirms the movie's 2024 release date, and features a whole host of exciting sequences and details. In between instances of fast cars, wisecracking holograms, sci-fi ships, and luxurious mansions, viewers are continuously hit with a barrage of pulse-pounding shots. We see Frank get into plenty of shoot-outs and fight almost every other character in the motion picture. Between these two trailers, we get a vivid look into the movie, which will surely have fans on the edge of their seats.