‘Power Rangers’ RJ Cyler & Becky G On First Autistic & LGTBQ Superheroes [VIDEO EXCLUSIVE]

The alien-fighting, color-coded teen heroes from your youth have returned in the newest Power Rangers movie. With a new cast, this iteration is more inclusive than any other Power Rangers film or television show to date, or, for that matter, more inclusive than any other blockbuster superhero movie to date.

The film, which was released nationwide on March 24, features both an LGTBQ Ranger and a Ranger diagnosed with autism. Billy Cranston (RJ Cyler), is the Blue Ranger and on the spectrum, while Trini Kwan (Becky G) is the Yellow Ranger and grappling with her sexuality.

“[Trini] is definitely embarking on this journey of self discovery in this movie, I think all the characters are, but especially her,” said Becky G in an exclusive video interview with uInterview.

“I think she is questioning [her sexuality]. She doesn’t even know,” said Becky G. “You don’t just wake up and know and accept it and talk about it with people.”

But throughout the film, Trini finds a way to become comfortable with herself, both as a member of the LGTBQ community and as a world-saving superhero.

“[Trini] hates everyone at the beginning of the movie and at first, she kind of feels [the Power Rangers] is an inconvenience but then she realizes that she is exactly where she is supposed to be.”

Billy, on the other hand, has trouble making friends but actively searched for a group to fit into, despite his disability.

“He’s like this whole-hearted kid, he is socially awkward, and he doesn’t really know how to make friends but he takes that chance to make friends because he finds other people that…relate to him a little bit,” Cyler told uInterview exclusively.

When asked about playing the role of a character not often depicted in major films, Cyler said he was grateful.

“It means a lot,” he said, “I get the opportunity to learn something totally new and that excites me in general.”

“We all have these different ways that we think [autism] works or how we think [people with autism] think, and we really don’t know because we aren’t in their shoes. It’s really cool to play a part that is honest to how people on the spectrum feel and it just connects with them in some way.”

Similarly, Becky G feels proud to play an underrepresented character in an honest way and hopes that her portrayal helps those who watch the film.

“Its an honor, truly, because I feel that it is something that is really relevant and really current especially for this generation. I want people to love themselves and to accept themselves and its definitely not something that is easy.”

Power Rangers is currently in theaters across the country and also stars Bryan Cranston, Bill Hader, and Elizabeth Banks.