Earlier this week, Max Nicholson of IGN spoke with director Dean Israelite about the upcoming Power Rangers film from Lionsgate. Given the film’s still-distant release date (not to mention the fact that it is still in pre-production phases), Israelite was barred from revealing too much about the film, but was able to discuss some details regarding the script.

Israelite stated “I read the script and was really surprised by it and thought there was a really cool, contemporary, mature but still playful, buoyant and fun take on the material, and was updated in a really interesting way. It had this wonderful character that’s essential to going on a fantastic adventure.” He further noted that “Oh, yes, it needs to be completely playful, and it needs to be really fun and funny.” It is clear that Israelite is excited by the potential this film holds, as is Lionsgate, which anticipates a potential film franchise from this property. One may note that Joseph Kahn’s fan film Power/Rangers from earlier this year held a grittier, more “mature” tone, whereas Lionsgate’s official release is anticipated to retain a fun identity while grounding itself in some semblance of maturity..

Dean Israelite serves as the film’s director, with Ashley Miller and Zack Stentz writing the piece, and Saban Brands’ Haim Saban and Brian Casentini remain in their producer roles, as does Lionsgate’s Alison Shearmur. Power Rangers will hit theaters on January 13, 2017.

h/t IGN