The Power Rangers Movie continues to add to its cast list. And the expanding cast is a mix of stars and newcomers. First of all, five relative unknowns are playing the rangers. Zordon’s actor is Bryan Cranston, most noteworthy as he voiced characters in the original series. And, of course, Elizabeth Banks is playing a newer, deadlier, Rita Repulsa. In addition to these names, you can now add Bill Hader as Alpha 5.
Alpha 5 is Zordon’s faithful robot assistant who takes care of the day to day running of the command centre. Zordon is a great and wise mentor figure yet is also trapped inside a tube. As a result, Alpha takes care of the button pushing and contacting the rangers. Alpha is probably best known for his catchphrase of ‘Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi!’ Alpha is a light-hearted counterpoint to Zordon’s near constant seriousness.
Therefore, Bill Hader’s casting is an inspired choice, given his knack for funny voices.
Aye-yi-yi! Welcome #BillHader as #Alpha5 to the #PowerRangersMovie – Coming in 2017! pic.twitter.com/tEeJqEPISE
— Power Rangers (@ThePowerRangers) September 22, 2016
Because filming concluded in May, it’s almost certain that Hader is only supplying Alpha 5’s voice. Alpha was a person in a robot suit in the original series. However, it seems like Alpha’s physical presence will be CGI for the movie. Hader is no stranger to supplying voices for robots as Cinema Blend notes.
“he’s also made a name for himself as a voice actor in recent years. Those credits include playing Fear in Inside Out, Firewater in Sausage Party and Leonard in The Angry Birds Movie. His voice was also combined and digitally altered with Parks and Recreations star Ben Schwartz’s to portray BB-8 in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”
We may not have to wait long to get a glimpse at Alpha and the rest of the cast. This is because we’ll be getting a ‘first look’ next month at New York Comic-Con.
