 This article is about an actor in Power Rangers Dino Thunder.
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James William Napier Robertson, credited as James Napier, is a New-Zealand actor and director who portrayed Conner McKnight/Red Dino Thunder Ranger, in Power Rangers Dino Thunder. Prior to this, he made an appearance that was retroactively declared his twin, Eric McKnight in the two part season finale of Power Rangers Ninja Storm. Napier's most recent reprisals of his role as Connor were in the Power Rangers S.P.D. episodes "History" and "Wormhole".
The Red Dino Thunder Ranger has since then gone on to make minor appearances, but Napier has yet to return to the role.
Biography[]
Napier grew up in Devonport and first began acting with a Shakespearean theater in his teens, later describing this period as his most favorite period of acting. After being cast in several locally produced TV shows, he auditioned for and joined Power Rangers Dino Thunder as Conner. Napier stated that he was less interested in acting and more so wanted to used his acting credits to fund a directing career.
After Dino Thunder, Napier began to pursue a off-camera career as a director and released his first film I'm Not Harry Jenson in 2009, which received strong reviews but box office performance was low. In 2010, Napier began working on his next film, The Dark Horse, which he wrote and directed. It released in 2014 to critical acclaim and is considered one of the greatest New Zealand films ever made. It continued to win awards in film festivals across the world, and its 2016 theatrical release in the United States was presented by the prolific James Cameron.
In 2023, Napier wrote and directed Joika, which was released to positive reviews, with critics comparing the film to Whiplash.
Personal Life[]
- Since the end of Dino Thunder, Napier has continued to stay close friends with co-star Tom Hern, who has produced many of Napier's films, including The Dark Horse.
- Many of Napier's family members are actors, including his great-grandfather Alan Napier, uncle Marshall Napier, and cousin Jessica Napier.
- Napier is married and has two children.
Filmography[]
- Power Rangers Ninja Storm (2003) - Eric McKnight
- Power Rangers Dino Thunder (2004) - Conner McKnight/Red Dino Thunder Ranger
- Power Rangers S.P.D. (2005) - Conner McKnight/Red Dino Thunder Ranger