Unveiling the Enigmatic Cast of Jason David Frank's Epic Farewell Movie: Legend of the White Dragon

The cast of The Legend of the White Dragon includes several former Power Rangers, tying in with the inspiration drawn from the Power Rangers franchise. Additionally, this movie serves as a posthumous release for legendary Power Ranger Jason David Frank, who portrayed Tommy Oliver in various Power Rangers projects throughout his acting career.

The idea for Legend of the White Dragon originated from Frank's desire to present a darker and more intense Power Rangers narrative. Through a collaboration with producer/writer/director Aaron Schoenke, the movie found its footing as a Kickstarter project. Schoenke and Frank had previously collaborated on web series such as My Morphin’ Life. Although the initial crowdfunding attempt fell short of its target, the project successfully relaunched on Kickstarter as a miniseries concept. This time, it exceeded its funding goal, ensuring the realization of Jason David Frank's final movie endeavor.

Who Is Jason David Frank?

Jason David Frank, an actor and martial artist, began his professional career in 1993 with the series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. While he had various roles in movies and television throughout his nearly four-decade-long journey, he is most known for his portrayal of Power Ranger Tommy Oliver. Frank not only starred as Tommy Oliver in the original series but also appeared in Power Rangers Zeo, Power Rangers Turbo, Power Rangers Dino Thunder, and made guest appearances in other seasons such as Power Rangers Wild Force, Power Rangers Super Megaforce, and Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel. Additionally, he made a cameo in the Lionsgate Power Rangers movie as a resident of Angel Grove.

Having gained experience in different forms of martial arts from a young age, Frank developed his own unique style, which he efficiently utilized in both amateur and professional matches, as well as in his teaching. However, in 2022, Frank announced his retirement from his role within the Power Rangers franchise and declined participation in the 30th-anniversary special. Prior to this announcement, he had been involved in the production of Legend of the White Dragon, a film funded through a Kickstarter campaign.

Legend of the White Dragon will be released posthumously as Frank died in late 2022.

What Is Legend Of The White Dragon About?

The Legend Of The White Dragon is a superhero film that draws inspiration from the Power Rangers franchise and its predecessor, the Super Sentai series. Unlike existing superhero properties, this movie is a unique creation. Actor Jason David Frank has long been interested in exploring a darker and more mature version of his character, Tommy Oliver, from Power Rangers. Although not an exact portrayal of that concept, Legend of the White Dragon comes close to fulfilling that idea.

Jason David Frank portrays Erik Reed, a former superhero who has been evading capture for three years. Despite his time in hiding, he returns to the city he once protected as a champion to safeguard his estranged wife and daughter. In addition to reclaiming his reputation, Reed must confront Dragon Prime (played by Aaron Schoenke, co-writer and director) as the formidable White Dragon in order to accomplish his goal.

Similar to how Power Rangers derive their abilities from coins, crystals, or other specific items, Legend of the White Dragon introduces a crystal that empowers both Dragon Prime and the White Dragon, granting them extraordinary powers and protective armor.

Who Else Is In The Legend Of The White Dragon Cast?

The initial cast of Legend of the White Dragon on Kickstarter differed from the final cast of the film. Although Jason David Frank was always intended to be the star, there were originally plans for several other Power Rangers alumni to appear, including Johnny Yong Bosch who portrayed Power Ranger Adam Park. However, when the project was relaunched and successfully funded on Kickstarter, Bosch was no longer involved.

The final cast of Legend of the White Dragon, led by Frank and writer/director Schoenke, includes a few other actors from the Power Rangers franchise. Cerina Vincent, known for her role as Yellow Ranger Maya in Power Rangers Lost Galaxy, portrays Rebecca, the wife of Frank's character Erik. Jason Faunt, who played Red Ranger Wes Collins in Power Rangers Time Force, takes on the role of Connor Frost, Erik's ally. Ciara Hanna, who played Yellow Ranger Gia Moran in Power Rangers Megaforce, plays Vanessa, the love interest of Jai Katua, who transforms into Dragon Prime.

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In addition to the Power Rangers alumni, the cast of Legend of the White Dragon also includes David Ramsey (Arrow), Dhalet Lizette Brannan (Dystopia), Mayling Ng (The Suicide Squad), Rachele Brooke Smith (The Last Exorcist), Nicole Fong (Call Me Kat), and Charlotte Benesch (Outer Banks). It is also noteworthy that the cast features the renowned Mark Dacascos, known to movie fans for his appearances in projects such as the John Wick and Mortal Kombat franchises.

Michael Madsen, who is reportedly Jason David Frank’s favorite actor, is a part of the Legend of the White Dragon cast as Erik Reed's father. Erik Reed happens to be a skilled thief. Madsen's career began in theater in the 1980s and he has amassed an impressive body of work, including projects with Quentin Tarantino, commentary in docuseries like I Love The ‘70s, and voiceover work in animated projects like Bob's Burgers. Also, making her debut on the big screen is Jenna Frank, who happens to be Jason David Frank's real-life daughter and plays his daughter in the movie.

After several delays, Legend of the White Dragon is expected to hit theaters in early 2024.