Legend of the White Dragon, the final project starring the late Jason David Frank, has officially been released in United States theaters as of August 28, 2026. The film represents a significant milestone for Frank’s legacy, securing a unique place in his filmography as his highest-rated project among fans, despite a stark divide in professional reception.
As of September 6, 2026, the movie holds an 80% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes based on more than 100 verified ratings. This fan approval rating marks a career high for Frank, who passed away in November 2022. The 80% score notably exceeds the audience reception of his previous major theatrical releases, such as 1995’s Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie, which holds a 57% audience rating, and 1997’s Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie, which sits at 41%.
While audiences have embraced the film as a tribute to the actor’s career, professional critics have been significantly less receptive. The movie holds a 10% Tomatometer score, creating a 70-point gap between critic and fan scores. This disconnect reflects the film’s nature as an independent, specialized project specifically tailored for Frank’s long-term followers. Produced by Bat in the Sun Productions and directed by Aaron and Sean Schoenke, the film was developed following a successful crowdfunding effort and years of production delays.
Unlike the TV-Y7 and PG-rated projects that defined much of Frank’s early career, Legend of the White Dragon is rated R for violence. With a 97-minute runtime, the film serves as a dual posthumous release; along with Frank, it features actor Michael Madsen, who passed away in 2025. The story follows Erik Reed (Frank), a disgraced hero who returns to the city he once protected to clear his name and face a new threat, marking a tonal shift toward the “gritty” superhero storytelling Frank had long expressed interest in pursuing.
