5 Shocking Updates On The 2017 Black Power Ranger: Where Is Ludi Lin Now In 2025?

The Black Power Ranger from the 2017 cinematic reboot, Zack Taylor, was a pivotal character in the film's modern, grounded reimagining of the classic franchise. Portrayed by the Chinese-Canadian actor and martial artist Ludi Lin, this version of the Black Ranger broke away from the original *Mighty Morphin Power Rangers* series by shifting the character's ethnic background, a move that sparked significant discussion among fans and critics alike.

As of late December 2025, Ludi Lin is no longer just the former Black Ranger; he has become a major figure in the action and fantasy genres, securing high-profile roles that have catapulted his career to new heights. His journey from Angel Grove’s reluctant hero to a global martial arts star is one of the most compelling stories to emerge from the 2017 cast of young actors, with several massive projects slated for release in the coming years.

Ludi Lin: The 2017 Black Ranger's Complete Biography and Profile

The actor who brought the troubled, yet fiercely loyal, Zack Taylor to life in the 2017 *Power Rangers* film is Ludi Lin. His background in martial arts and his international upbringing gave him a unique perspective and physical capability for the role.

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• Full Name: Ludi Lin (Chinese: 林路迪)
• Role in *Power Rangers* (2017): Zack Taylor / The Black Ranger
• Date of Birth: November 11, 1987
• Place of Birth: Fuzhou, Fujian, China
• Nationality: Chinese-Canadian
• Education: Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Performance from the University of British Columbia (UBC). He also studied Meisner technique and film acting in Los Angeles.
• Martial Arts Background: Lin is an accomplished martial artist, trained in Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, and Olympic-style wrestling. This background was instrumental in his action roles.
• Other Major Roles: Liu Kang in *Mortal Kombat* (2021) and *Mortal Kombat 2* (Upcoming), Murk in *Aquaman* (2018), and Lance in the *Black Mirror* episode "Striking Vipers" (2019).
• Current Status: Highly sought-after action and fantasy actor with major roles confirmed through 2026.

The Radical Casting Shift: Zack Taylor's 2017 Character Arc

The 2017 *Power Rangers* reboot, directed by Dean Israelite, fundamentally changed the core personalities and backstories of the five main characters, moving them away from the simple archetypes of the original series. The transformation of Zack Taylor was particularly notable, focusing on a deep emotional core that resonated with modern audiences.

A Chinese Teenager with a Family Burden

In the 2017 film, Zack Taylor is portrayed as a Chinese-Canadian teenager living in his mother's trailer near the Angel Grove quarry. This was a significant departure from the original *Mighty Morphin Power Rangers* character, who was African-American and one of the most popular characters in the franchise.

The film’s Zack is an outsider, a loner who is constantly skipping school to care for his sick mother. His primary motivation is his deep-seated fear of losing her, which manifests as a reckless, daredevil attitude. This intense family burden gives his transformation into the Black Ranger a profound emotional weight, as he struggles with the responsibility of saving the world while fearing for his mother's life.

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The "Color-Blind" Casting Strategy

The casting of the 2017 team was a clear attempt to address and subvert the racial stereotypes that were unintentionally—or intentionally—present in the original 1990s series. The original show featured a Black actor (Walter Emanuel Jones) as the Black Ranger and an Asian actress (Thuy Trang) as the Yellow Ranger, a controversial decision that many critics pointed to as racially insensitive.

The 2017 reboot deliberately mixed the races and colors:

• Black Ranger (Zack Taylor): Played by Chinese-Canadian Ludi Lin.
• Yellow Ranger (Trini Kwan): Played by Latina actress Becky G.
• Blue Ranger (Billy Cranston): Played by Black actor RJ Cyler.
• Red Ranger (Jason Scott): Played by Australian actor Dacre Montgomery.
• Pink Ranger (Kimberly Hart): Played by British-Indian actress Naomi Scott.

This "color-blind" approach was praised for its diversity, yet it simultaneously created a new dynamic where the character's color no longer matched the actor's race, completely detaching the two. This casting decision is a crucial part of the 2017 film’s legacy and is often discussed alongside the recent backlash against the original series’ creators.

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Where is Ludi Lin Now? The Massive 2025/2026 Resurgence

While the 2017 *Power Rangers* film did not launch the multi-movie franchise that Lionsgate had hoped for, it served as a powerful launchpad for its young cast, particularly Ludi Lin. As of late 2025, his career is thriving, with several major projects cementing his status as a leading action star, far surpassing the exposure of his *Power Rangers* days.

1. The Return of Liu Kang in *Mortal Kombat 2* (2026)

Ludi Lin’s most significant and current role is that of the iconic martial arts champion Liu Kang in the *Mortal Kombat* cinematic universe. After the success of the 2021 reboot, Lin is confirmed to reprise his role in the highly anticipated sequel, *Mortal Kombat 2*. The production details and set photos indicate that his character will have an expanded and more central role, leading the Earthrealm champions against the forces of Outworld. This film is expected to be one of the biggest action releases of 2026, keeping Lin in the global spotlight for the next two years.

2. Starring Role in *Art of Eight Limbs* (2024)

Further capitalizing on his extensive martial arts training, Ludi Lin is starring in the 2024 movie *Art of Eight Limbs*. This project, whose title is a reference to the eight striking points in Muay Thai, showcases his physical prowess and dedication to authentic action choreography. This role is a testament to his commitment to the action genre, moving beyond the CGI-heavy sequences of the Power Ranger suit and showcasing his skills as a genuine martial artist.

3. The Enduring Legacy of *Aquaman* and DC

Ludi Lin also holds a key role in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) as the underwater warrior Murk, the leader of the Atlantean army’s frontline known as the Men-of-War. He first appeared in *Aquaman* (2018) and returned in the sequel, *Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom* (2023). Playing a recurring character in two major film franchises (*Mortal Kombat* and *Aquaman*) is a rare achievement, solidifying his position as a reliable actor for large-scale, tentpole productions.

4. The *Black Mirror* Deep Dive

Beyond action blockbusters, Lin demonstrated his acting range in the critically acclaimed Netflix series *Black Mirror*, in the Season 5 episode "Striking Vipers." He played Lance, a character involved in a complex, virtual reality-based relationship. This performance allowed him to explore a more dramatic and nuanced role, proving he is a versatile actor capable of handling complex emotional and psychological narratives, not just fight choreography.

5. The Future of the *Power Rangers* Franchise

While the 2017 film did not get a sequel, Ludi Lin, Dacre Montgomery, Naomi Scott, RJ Cyler, and Becky G remain the definitive modern cast for a generation of fans. The franchise itself is undergoing another major reboot with Netflix taking the reins. While there has been no official word on the 2017 cast returning, the enduring popularity and the "what if" scenarios for a sequel continue to be a hot topic among the fanbase, with many hoping for a future multiverse crossover that could bring Lin's Zack Taylor back to the grid.

Ludi Lin’s career trajectory since playing the 2017 Black Power Ranger has been a masterclass in leveraging a breakout role into a sustainable, high-profile career. From the emotional depth of Zack Taylor to the legendary power of Liu Kang, Lin has successfully navigated the challenging landscape of Hollywood, proving he is a force to be reckoned with in the action genre for years to come.