Exclusive interview – Red Power Ranger Connects with Top Gun Icon: Jason Faunt discusses his collaboration with Tom Skerritt in An Old Friend.

      Tai Freligh speaks with Jason Faunt from An Old Friend…

      You might recognize Jason Faunt as the renowned Red Ranger from Power Rangers Time Force, but his new project unveils a compelling new aspect of his talents. In the acclaimed short film An Old Friend, Faunt takes on a poignant leading role alongside the esteemed Tom Skerritt. The film has already made significant strides on the festival circuit, screening in locations from Portland to Newport Beach and earning Faunt a Best Actor award. I had a conversation with Jason on behalf of Flickering Myth to explore his shift from a childhood hero to a dramatic lead, as well as the deeply personal motivations behind his performance.

      (This interview has been lightly edited for brevity and clarity)

      Tai Freligh: It's a pleasure to discuss your new short film, An Old Friend, with you. This film seems to be a stark contrast to the “superhero” genre. When you first encountered the script for An Old Friend, what moment made you feel, "I need to be a part of this"? Was it the concept, the emotional elements, or something more personal?

      Jason Faunt: My relationship with producer Ben Andrews was a deciding factor for me. I have complete trust in him, and when he mentioned that the script was a must-read, I knew I had to check it out. However, it was the twist at the end and the emotions that ensued that truly drew me in!

      Tai: I noticed a detail in the waiting room—one of the imaginary friends wears a red jumpsuit. Was that a purposeful reference to your Power Rangers character?

      Jason: Haha, I believe it was! The director and many crew members grew up watching the show, so yes, I think it served as a nod to the Power Rangers franchise! Great observation!

      Tai: Your character’s main role is to bring joy, but that takes on a significantly different meaning at the end of a life. How did that understanding impact your portrayal?

      Jason: Initially, my character was quite lost—he didn't know who he was, where he was, or what his purpose was. However, he embraced his role, only to find that his “child” was actually an elderly man bedridden and unable to move. We all felt strongly that my character needed to remain positive and continue to search for what his ultimate purpose would be. My favorite moment is at the very end when my character realizes that there may be a deeper significance to this imaginary friend. The emotional shift occurs so quickly that we don't really get to see its impact on Calvin. I think the film's strength is that the audience hopes for the character to discover that William was his son, but sadly, he never does. Or does he?

      Tai: One line that resonated with me was about the “unexpected catch.” What does that concept mean to you in the context of this film?

      Jason: The line, “unexpected catch,” symbolizes the bond these two shared as a young man. After experiencing loss around the same time as this film, I've realized that we all long to recover those moments spent with lost parents from our childhood. For these two characters, fishing was akin to playing catch with their fathers, highlighting their love for the sport. I believe it's a line that lingers in the young boy’s mind as he reminisces about his father.

      Tai: There's a touching dedication to your late father, Patrick Faunt, at the end of the film. Can you share a bit about him?

      Jason: My father was an incredible man. He had his flaws like everyone else and took some time to mature, but despite his early divorce, he was always there for me and would have preferred me to live with him full-time. As I grew older, he became my biggest supporter. Much of the courage I found to move to California and pursue acting stemmed from his encouragement to chase my dreams. He often thought he could have been an actor himself, as people remarked he resembled Robert Redford, so I believe he took pride in his son taking bold steps. I think of him every day.

      Tai: Nostalgia is a prominent theme in this film. Did working on this project evoke any childhood memories or reflections for you?

      Jason: Absolutely! My father passed away from cancer recently, and the hospital scenes mirrored my experiences all too closely. We were both avid football fans, and I fondly recall playing catch in our backyard. Fishing for these characters represented our similar experiences with playing catch and our love for football. Like in the film, I'd do anything for one more catch with him.

      Tai: Fans are accustomed to seeing you in heroic roles like the Red Ranger. What do you hope those longtime fans notice differently about you after watching An Old Friend?

      Jason: As an actor, I always aim to undertake challenging roles to showcase my versatility. Obviously, having starred in Power Rangers, people might perceive me solely as a kid superhero, which can sometimes pigeonhole