A Power Rangers Stunt Artist Reflects on Nearly 30 Years of Mighty Morphin’ Action

io9: Do you have a particularly memorable stunt you’re most proud of from your time on the series? What made it so important to you in the first place?

Noguchi: My favorite stunt I’ve done is the battle after the Red Ranger’s first transformation in episode two of Power Rangers S.P.D. It was a scene that was done with a fairly large setup in one shot, such as wire stunts and explosions. Despite incorporating explosions and wire stunts, all of which are difficult, we finished an energetic fight scene suitable for the first battle of the Red Ranger.

io9: What would you say has been the biggest change to how the series approaches stuntwork in your time on the franchise?

Noguchi: Moving the shooting location to New Zealand affected the stunts. American members [of the stunt team] have been with us for years, and we were now hiring New Zealand stuntmen who aren’t familiar with Sentai and Power Rangers as which naturally affects the quality of the action. We compensated with heavier use of wire work, which was quite effective at the time, but now, New Zealand stuntmen are mixed with Japanese stunt performers. However, at first after the move, most of the action in front of the camera was performed by Japanese stunt artists. New Zealand stuntmen weren’t used to that fight style—but they began to participate in the Japanese team’s action style and improved their comfortability in that regard.

io9: There’s been all sorts of discussion recently about the industry across film and TV not giving stunt work the credit it’s due—for example, awards categories at the Oscars or other technical awards. As a professional in the field, what do you hope audiences, Power Rangers fans or otherwise, take from seeing the sort of work you’ve done over the years?

Noguchi: There is no doubt that awards will motivate individuals in the field. I think it is very valuable because it can be a guide for the success of the younger generation who are aiming for that profession, not just those already involved.

I just want the industry to have more support for Power Rangers as a whole. Power Rangers has been a popular show for many years, but it’s a young person’s show, so it’s not talked about as much which is a shame. I want viewers and fans to enjoy the program as before, and parents to watch it with their children. Your child will learn that there are other professions in the process of growth. It’s a difficult world, but if you have a strong feeling, your wish will surely come true. If your child says they’re aiming to be a stunt performer, please don’t object, listen to their thoughts!

io9: You’ve been working on the physical side of Power Rangers for over two decades now. What do you think it is about the series that has kept it going across all these generations, and what is it that keeps you so involved with the franchise all these years later?

Noguchi: I have been involved in the Power Rangers series for many years—it has always been in my stunt life and presented new challenges for me that I’ve grown from. Among my colleagues at that time, there are many producers and directors who are currently active in the United States and Japan. Children who grew up watching Power Rangers are also now stuntmen and stunt coordinators, directors and producers. Don’t you think it’s wonderful?

We work to give our children dreams. A new generation will always be born, and eventually they will enter some kind of profession. Power Rangers is a series that tells such children what they need in their lives, such as friendship, teamwork, courage, and the importance of individuals. I want the show to be something that parents want to show to their children—that is also the reason why I continue to follow the rules of the MMPR era.

Episodes of Power Rangers: Dino Fury are currently streaming on Netflix.

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