The Legend Of The White Dragon: 7 Shocking Updates On Jason David Frank's Final Film And Its Controversial Release Status In 2025

The Legend of the White Dragon has become one of the most talked-about independent superhero films in recent memory, primarily due to its star: the late, iconic actor and martial artist, Jason David Frank. As of today, December 10, 2025, the film's distribution status remains a topic of intense discussion and confusion among fans who are desperate to see the final performance of the man who brought Tommy Oliver, the legendary Green and White Ranger, to life.

This film is more than just a superhero flick; it is a profound tribute and a cinematic farewell to Jason David Frank, who tragically passed away in November 2022. Directed by Aaron Schoenke of Bat in the Sun Productions, the project was crowdfunded through Kickstarter, promising a dark, mature take on the genre. Despite an initial limited release date announced for September 2024, the wide theatrical, VOD, or streaming release is still officially listed as "To be confirmed," leaving a massive fanbase in suspense.

I. The Man Behind the Dragon: Jason David Frank and Aaron Schoenke Biography

The core of The Legend of the White Dragon lies in the powerful legacies of its star and its director.

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Jason David Frank (Erik Reed / White Dragon)

• Full Name: Jason David Frank
• Born: September 4, 1973, in Covina, California, U.S.
• Died: November 19, 2022 (Age 49)
• Best Known For: Portraying Tommy Oliver, the original Green Ranger and later the White Ranger, in the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers franchise.
• Martial Arts: An accomplished martial artist, holding a black belt in multiple disciplines, including 8th Dan in Shōtōkan Karate and a 5th Dan in Taekwondo. He also founded his own style, Toso Kune Do.
• Final Role: The Legend of the White Dragon marks his final feature film performance.

Aaron Schoenke (Director & Jai Katua / Dragon Prime)

• Role: Director, Screenwriter, Producer, and Co-Star.
• Company: Co-founder, along with his father Sean Schoenke, of Bat in the Sun Productions.
• Notable Work: Known for his high-quality, fan-favorite web series, Super Power Beat Down, and the acclaimed fan film Batman: City of Scars.
• Vision: Schoenke’s work is characterized by its focus on comic and sci-fi genre films, often exploring darker, more complex storylines than traditional superhero fare.

II. 7 Essential Facts and Updates on The Legend of the White Dragon

Here are the most critical and current details every fan needs to know about the film, from its plot to its confusing distribution timeline.

1. The Plot: A Darker, Post-Apocalyptic Superhero Saga

The film follows Erik Reed, the White Dragon, a former superhero who was banished from the city he swore to protect. After a devastating event known as the "Dragon Prime" event, Reed returns after three years of exile to find the city of Dragon Prime overrun by crime and a new generation of super-villains. He must confront his past, including his estranged family and the corruption that led to his banishment, all while harnessing the power of the legendary White Dragon crystal.

2. The Controversial and Confusing 2025 Release Status

Despite previous announcements of a limited theatrical release on September 4, 2024, the film's official website currently lists the wide release date as "To be confirmed." This ongoing delay, well into late 2025, is primarily due to the complex distribution logistics following Jason David Frank’s passing. The filmmakers have stated their mission is to honor his legacy by ensuring the film is completed and released in the best possible way, which has necessitated a slower, more deliberate path to securing a major distributor for VOD and streaming platforms.

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3. A Power Rangers Reunion Cast

The film serves as an unofficial reunion for several actors beloved by the Power Rangers community, adding significant nostalgic appeal and topical authority. Alongside Jason David Frank, the cast includes Jason Faunt, known for playing Wes Collins/Red Ranger in Power Rangers Time Force. This casting choice reinforces the film's independent spirit and its deep roots in the tokusatsu and superhero fan culture.

4. The Ensemble Cast of Comic and Action Icons

Beyond the Power Rangers alumni, the cast is packed with recognizable faces from the comic and action genres, significantly boosting the film’s credibility and star power. Key cast members include:

• David Ramsey: Known as John Diggle/Spartan in The CW's Arrowverse, he plays Mayor Trevon Sterns.
• Mayling Ng: Known for her role as Orana in Wonder Woman, she brings major action film experience.
• Aaron Schoenke: The director also stars as Jai Katua, the Dragon Prime.
• Andrew Bachelor (King Bach): A social media star and actor, adding a modern touch to the ensemble.

5. The Film’s Independent, Crowdfunded Origins

The Legend of the White Dragon was not funded by a major Hollywood studio. It was successfully crowdfunded, primarily through a massive Kickstarter campaign. This independent status gave the filmmakers, Bat in the Sun Productions, complete creative control, allowing them to craft the gritty, fan-service-heavy vision that Jason David Frank championed. This grassroots origin is a testament to the dedication of the fanbase and the team.

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6. The Lack of Public Critical Reception (So Far)

As of late 2025, there are virtually no major critical reviews available on aggregate sites like Metacritic. The few existing user ratings reflect the anticipation and the emotional connection fans have to Jason David Frank. The absence of widespread reviews confirms that the film has yet to receive its full, public distribution, meaning the official "word" on the film's quality is still to come. This is the biggest piece of current news: the film’s true impact remains unseen by the public.

7. The Enduring Legacy of the White Dragon Crystal

The White Dragon crystal is the central MacGuffin and power source of the story. Unlike the magic coin of the Green Ranger, this crystal grants Erik Reed superhuman powers and the White Dragon armor, framing the story around a powerful, almost mystical artifact. The film’s focus on the crystal and the "Dragon Prime" event establishes a unique mythology separate from the Power Rangers universe, allowing the story to explore mature themes of redemption, exile, and responsibility. The White Dragon character stands as a powerful, final embodiment of Frank’s commitment to the superhero genre.

III. Why The Legend of the White Dragon Remains Highly Anticipated

The continuous anticipation for The Legend of the White Dragon, despite the prolonged distribution delay, speaks volumes about the impact of Jason David Frank. Fans view this project as a sacred piece of his legacy—a passion project he poured his martial artist skill and acting talent into.

Director Aaron Schoenke and the Bat in the Sun team have been meticulous in their post-production process, ensuring the final cut is a fitting tribute. The film’s status as the definitive final performance by Frank is the ultimate draw, promising a powerful, emotional, and action-packed farewell to a true icon of pop culture. The hope is that a major streaming service will secure the rights soon, finally providing the global audience with the chance to witness the final chapter of the White Dragon.