Power Rangers Lost Galaxystar Archie Kao, who portrayed Kai Chen in the series, addresses his potential return to the franchise. Season 7 of thelargerPower Rangersfranchisewas the first to introduce an entirely new cast for its core team, with Kai acting as the Galaxy Blue Ranger for the team. A strict, by-the-books team member, Kai uses the Gorilla Galactabeast, and often found himself in conflict with team leader and Galaxy Red Ranger Leo Corbett (Danny Slavin). Kao’s last time as Kai included providing his voice in the episode “Forever Red” of 2002’sPower Rangers Wild Force.
Speaking withScreenRantabout his new series on Hulu,Interior Chinatown, Kao addressed the possibility of returning as Kai following his prominent role inPower Rangers Lost Galaxy.The actor said he’s open to coming back to the roleand rejoining the franchise, reflecting on how lucky he feels to have been part of the show in the first place. However, he is very much open to the idea of coming back. Check out what Kao had to say below:
As a middle-aged Kai? I would be delighted to reconnect with that character. I don’t know how that would make sense, but I’d be game to have a conversation about it. Where’s the show now?
I wish I could take credit for its impact, but I was just lucky enough to join the cast. All these years later, I see that it has brought joy to all these people, and I got to be a beneficiary of that. I wish I could say it was my doing, but it wasn’t. But I’m so thrilled for any possible experience with them in and around the franchise. I’d be delighted to entertain that.
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WhileKao himself hasn’t portrayed Kai since 2002, the character has shown up multiple times in archival footage throughout a multitude of series in the franchise. His last direct, on-screen appearance was in the final episode ofPower Rangers Super Megaforce, where he appeared without lines in a major crossover pulled fromSuper Sentaifootage. He’s also implied to have appeared during theend ofPower Rangers Cosmic Fury, where he’s helping to pilot the Galaxy Megazord. Although Kao himself hasn’t shown up again, his presence remained strong throughout the franchise.
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The actor’s interest in reprising his role shows just how beloved the series is from those who were involved with it, even decades later. However, it doesn’t seem likely he’ll get a chance to return, withCosmic Fury’s finale serving as the final chapter of the timeline that began withMighty Morphin Power Rangers. Although thePower Rangersrebootshow hasn’t had any details confirmed yet, Hasbro’s decision is seemingly to start from scratch, something that would make it impossible for Kao to come back to the series.
Our Take On Kao’s Interest In Coming Back To Power Rangers
A Nostalgic Tribute To Lost Galaxy Could Be Well-Received
Although there are plans to start the franchise from scratch, Kao’s interest in returning emphasizes the potential the series still has to tap into the nostalgia of past teams. A tribute toPower Rangers Lost Galaxyin a similar vein toMighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Alwayscould work well, bringing the show’s old team together in honor of its history. While the TV show remains dormant for right now, there’s still a possible future where Kao returns as Kai and dons his Galaxy Blue Ranger persona once again.
2024 was the first year since the series began in 1993 where a newPower RangersTV show didn’t air.
Power Rangers Lost Galaxy
Cast
Power Rangers Lost Galaxy is the seventh season of the Power Rangers franchise, airing in 1999. The series follows a new team of Galaxy Rangers, led by Leo Corbett, as they defend the galaxy from the evil Scorpius and his followers. Along the way, they encounter other powerful villains and unexpected allies in their quest to save the universe.
