Bat in the Sun Productions and Bascule Productions Ltd. have set a North American theatrical release for the late Jason David Frank’s final film, Legend of the White Dragon. The former Power Rangers star who passed away last November tragically from suicide had been working on the film for years and his death cast momentary doubt on the production.
Deadline is reporting that the film's release will coincide with what would have been Frank's 50th birthday. Scott Kennedy's Falling Forward Films will release the movie exclusively in theaters this fall.
Directed by Aaron Schoenke and Sean Schoenke the film follows Erik Reed, the White Dragon (Frank), who returns to the city he protected after being declared a fugitive. Upon his return, Reed has to now clear his name before the mysterious Dragon Prime (Aaron Schoenke) unleashes his own revenge.
Legend of the White Dragon launched on Kickstarter in 2020. Initially, it was intended to be a mini-series, but it grew into a full-feature film. The film includes past Power Rangers actors Jason Faunt and Ciara Hanna. Other cast members include Mark Dacascos (who had originally been cast as the first Red Ranger in Saban's first attempt at an American sentai adaptation), Michael Madsen, Andrew Byron Bachelor, and Jenna Frank, Jason's daughter. The movie wrapped in 2021 and anticipation has been building since.
"We are proud to have worked with such a talented actor, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share his final performance with the world," Aaron Schoenke said in a statement. "Having been on this journey with Jason for 10 years, I know he would be beyond excited to know that Legend of The White Dragon will be opening in theaters."
Frank was famously known for playing Tommy Oliver across numerous Power Rangers film and television series for over 25 years. Over the weekend after Frank's passing was confirmed, tributes from all over the world and across fandoms poured in celebration and appreciation, with condolences to his family.