From Power Rangers to Riddick and Beyond: Unpacking the Careers of RJ Cyler and Hollywood's Crossover Stars
Ever wonder about the quirky Blue Power Ranger from the reboot? Or about the guy who was in "The Book of Clarence" with Teyana Taylor? Let's discuss RJ Cyler. He's a name that should be on your radar. We'll explore actors like him, who take on diverse roles.
RJ Cyler is not just another actor in Hollywood. He has made a mark with memorable roles. You might know him as the autistic Blue Ranger, Billy Cranston, in the 2017 Power Rangers reboot by Lionsgate. This portrayal added depth and representation to the character. For more, check out his comprehensive filmography on Rotten Tomatoes.
Cyler’s journey began well before Power Rangers. His rise to fame was not an overnight event. He built his career through gradual steps. He took on roles that sharpened his skills and expanded his experience. MovieWeb details his background and career highlights in this great biography.
Recently, Cyler appeared on Tamron Hall with talented Teyana Taylor. They discussed their film, "The Book of Clarence." Teyana generates Oscar buzz for her role in "A Thousand and One." It’s great to see actors like Cyler explore various genres. This highlights his versatility and willingness to take on diverse projects.
Power Rangers has a complex history. Did you know that they scrapped plans for Power Rangers 2? This was a direct sequel to the 2017 movie. The first film underperformed at the box office. Despite Lionsgate's hopes, the sequel was canceled. Hollywood often tells such stories of abandoned franchises.
Hasbro's partnership with Netflix ended in 2024, adding more uncertainty to the reboot landscape. Netflix had tried to create a Power Rangers reboot series for two years. Unfortunately, these plans faced cancellation too. Revitalizing Power Rangers for a new audience has been challenging. The 2023 season, "Power Rangers Cosmic Fury," is now seen as the last chapter in the Power Rangers saga. But there's hope! A rebootseason is slated for 2025.
Now, let’s discuss Rita Repulsa. She was not the original Green Ranger. That title belongs to Tommy Oliver. Rita's influence was significant. She used a spell with the Dragon Power Coin to corrupt Tommy into the evil Green Ranger. Tommy is a key character in Power Rangers lore.
Why did the original Power Rangers cast change so early? It wasn't due to monster attacks but contract disputes. Jason, Zack, and Trini left because of disagreements over pay. This serves as a reminder that show business can be just as tough behind the scenes. Walter Emanuel Jones played Zack, the first Black Power Ranger. His and others' exits allowed Johnny Yong Bosch to become the new Black Ranger.
Disney's association with the franchise is another notable chapter. They became embarrassed to be linked to Power Rangers, despite promoting it heavily at first. Eddie Guzelian, a producer, noted that Disney grew tired of airing the show. It’s curious how a giant media company can view their assets differently over time.
There are Orange Power Rangers, too! Yes, they exist. You can find them in Power Rangers SPD and Power Rangers Cosmic Fury. In Cosmic Fury, Jacqueline Joe played Fern, the Orange Cosmic Fury Ranger. In SPD, there were multiple orange Rangers, both in dreams and in quirky forms.
Don't forget Power Rangers Jungle Fury. This season introduced RJ, the first official Purple Ranger. RJ’s path to getting Morphers is unique. He said it involved "knowing a guy who knew another guy." Classic Ranger logic! Jarrod, from Jungle Fury, is seen as a strong Ranger, while Camille is a villainess with an interesting backstory.
Why did Amy Jo Johnson, the original Pink Power Ranger, leave? Safety concerns and low pay drove her decision. She faced many near-accidents during stunts, including fire and electrocution risks. Feeling the dangers outweighed her earnings, she moved on to other opportunities. Similarly, Rocky DeSantos left after a severe back injury during training.
Bizarrely, Power Rangers was once banned for being "too violent." In the '90s, some action scenes faced censorship. Ironically, the production moved to New Zealand in the early 2000s for more episodes. On a serious note, Ricardo Medina Jr., known for Power Rangers Wild Force, faced legal issues and served time for manslaughter.
Was Zordon a Power Ranger? No. Zordon was the wise mentor. He supported the Rangers from an energy tube with guidance and strategy. In "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always," it was revealed that Rita killed Trini, adding a shocking twist to the legacy.
Switching topics, let’s dive into the world of Riddick movies. There are three: "Pitch Black" (2000), "The Chronicles of Riddick" (2004), and "Riddick" (2013). All were directed by David Twohy, solidifying his vision for this franchise. Get ready for "Riddick: Furya," which is coming soon.
What's up with Riddick's glowing eyes? They aren’t contacts! His eyeshine comes from his Furyan heritage. This trait gives him incredible night vision.
It's like the tapetum lucidum in cats. This reflective layer makes their eyes glow in the dark. But this night vision has a downside: extreme light sensitivity. That's why Riddick wears welding goggles during the day. In "The Chronicles of Riddick," the truth about his eye surgery is a lie, adding mystery to his past.
Remember Johns from the films? In the series, Riddick injures him and leaves him for dead. But in a twist, Johns returns to help Riddick. Their relationship is complex. Despite a loyal fanbase, Riddick 4 saw delays. Vin Diesel’s return was considered risky after "Bloodshot." Hollywood is a gamble, even for stars.
Why do Necromongers call Riddick a "breeder"? Necromongers do not reproduce. Their culture revolves around conversion, not procreation. They label all non-Necromongers as "breeders." This highlights their bleak worldview.
Back to Tamron Hall. Besides RJ Cyler, Teyana Taylor is another notable guest. But who is Tamron Hall's husband? She is married to Steven Greener, a music executive. They share a son, Moses Greener, born the same year they wed. Tamron became a mother at 48. This proves motherhood has no age limit. Tamron and her husband still share a solid bond in the entertainment world.
Sadly, Tamron Hall has faced tragedy. Her sister, Renate, was murdered in 2004 after years of domestic violence. That case is unsolved, a reminder of domestic abuse's long shadow. This somber truth is important alongside her career success.
Now onto lighter topics: the world of wrestler-turned actors. Heavy hitters include Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, John Cena, and Dave Bautista. They have transitioned from wrestling to Hollywood stardom. Others are also making waves! Adam Copeland is making his mark in "Percy Jackson and the Olympians." Even Chavo Guerrero appeared in A24's "The Iron Claw." Wrestlers bring performance skills and charisma to screens.
"Rowdy" Roddy Piper was also an actor, known for his wrestling persona and kilt. Roderick George Toombs, a Canadian wrestler, embraced both roles. Drew McIntyre also dons a kilt, showing that wrestling and kilts go hand in hand! Roddy Piper and Drew McIntyre represent this enduring trend.
Next, let's discuss fitness icon Terry Crews. He entered acting after playing in the NFL. His journey also included "Battle Dome," an action competition show. Terry Crews transitioned from football to acting. Yes, he is "natty," achieving his physique naturally without drugs. This shows dedication and hard work. He values sleep, getting eight to nine hours each night. For his diet, Terry practices intermittent fasting, fasting for 16 hours daily.
Let’s talk about enigmatic Sean Penn. He began acting in a family affair. As an extra, he appeared in a 1974 episode of "Little House on the Prairie." His father, Leo Penn, was a director. His upbringing ties directly to Hollywood! Sean was once a heavy smoker. He reportedly smoked four packs a day. Contrast this with his current healthy image! Sean Penn’s marriage to Madonna was rocky. They divorced in 1989 but remained on good terms. Madonna said in 2016 that she was "still in love" with him and offered to remarry for charity. They even shared birthday parties. Hollywood relationships, especially tumultuous ones, are always interesting.
Now we focus on character actor Jack Elam. How many movies did he star in? Jack Elam appeared in 73 films and over 41 television series. That is quite impressive! He starred with John Wayne in "Rio Lobo." Fans of classic TV may remember him as Gomez in "Zorro." What about his unique eye? He lost vision in his left eye at age 12 due to a pencil fight accident. This became a memorable part of his screen persona.
The historical significance of the Buffalo Soldiers is undeniable. There’s even a movie titled "Buffalo Soldiers," a satirical war film from 2001 starring Joaquin Phoenix and Ed Harris. It fictionalizes their experiences. Buffalo Soldiers faced many wars. How many died? They served and fell in several conflicts. This includes the Spanish-American War where 26 died at the Battle of San Juan Heights. In total, 36,847 Black soldiers died during the Civil War. They faced dangers in peacetime too, like the Buffalo Soldier Tragedy of 1877, where four soldiers and a buffalo hunter died. The most famous Buffalo Soldier? Charles Young (1864-1922), a leader representing their legacy.
Switching to music – let’s discuss Avenged Sevenfold. Did you know they have movie credits? Their work includes "Big Momma's House 2" (2006), "Avenged Sevenfold: Bat Country" (2005), and "Call of Duty: Black Ops II" (2012). Quite an eclectic mix! The name Avenged Sevenfold is a biblical reference! It implies punishment for killing Cain. This ties back to themes of retribution. Metallica influenced Avenged Sevenfold along with Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Slayer, Elton John, and Leonard Cohen! Despite the name's biblical origin, the band members are not religious.
In other movie trivia, Clint Walker from "Cheyenne" stood tall at 6 ft 6 in. Kristen Stewart portrayed a soldier in "Camp X-Ray." The chaos of "Bruce Almighty" occurs in Buffalo, New York. Jack Wagner’s ex-wife, Kristina Wagner, joined him on "When Calls the Heart." Kevin Bacon, recognized for "Footloose," is 66 years old in 2024. Kyra Sedgwick has a diverse family background with a German Jewish mother and an English father. Golf legend Jack Nicklaus also has movie credits. Kirk Douglas starred in classics like "Spartacus" and "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." Jack Nicklaus admired Bobby Jones and considered remaining an amateur golfer to emulate him. In Power Rangers lore, Billy Cranston from Mighty Morphin is seen as the weakest Blue Ranger. Teyana Taylor had emergency surgery to remove breast lumps in 2021. Wrestling figure Jimmy Hart also competed in Memphis Wrestling during the 2000s. The absence of a Yellow Power Ranger in "Once & Always" relates to Trini's fate. The Black Power Ranger, Zack, was omitted due to contract disputes. Rita Repulsa betrayed Zordon while seeking the Zeo Crystal’s power. Zordon was a mentor, not a Power Ranger.
In "Pitch Black," Riddick wounds Johns and leaves him for dead. Riddick himself was wrongfully jailed for murder prior to these events. Vin Diesel wore prototype contacts for Riddick's eyes. Johns survives in "Riddick" because of a settlement he negotiated. Vin Diesel did not write "Pitch Black." It was primarily penned by Ken and Jim Wheat, with notable changes by director David Twohy.
Vin Diesel bought Riddick rights by agreeing to cameo in "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift." Avenged Sevenfold's sound on "Hail to the King" was described as a "dumber" version of Metallica by their frontman. In the 1986 Transformers movie, Orson Welles voiced Unicron, which devoured planets. "Power Rangers Beast Morphers" wrapped in December 2020. Also, "corban" from Mark 7:11 denotes a gift or offering made to God.
From the morphinominal world of Power Rangers to Riddick's gritty universe, Hollywood displays a tapestry of stories and connections. This deep dive aims to answer questions and spark curiosity about our beloved entertainment world.
For more on RJ Cyler's career, visit his IMDb page for complete filmography and details.
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