Hollywood has not been kind to Flash Gordon, who has long been considered one of the most significant characters in science fiction history. The most recent attempt to bring the space adventurer to life was in 1980, which resulted in the overly campy and “so bad it’s good” adaptation from director Mike Hodges. Now, it seems thaty Flash Gordon may finally be returning, thanks to Star Trek 3 writers JD Payne and Patrick McKay.
Film Divider has the scoop, and they’re claiming that Payne and McKay have been hired for the reboot. Though they don’t cite their source, MormonArtist.com did an interview with Payne last month that backs the report up.
At this point in time, we don’t know what direction the movie might take, when it could arrive, or who might be producing or directing it. Chances are the writing duo will aim to steer Gordon away from the camp and ridiculousness that obliterated any excitement for the character back in the 80’s, and I’m sure that we’ll soon hear about it being “dark and gritty,” because that appears to be what all the cool kids are calling their movies nowadays.
For those unfamiliar with the property, Flash Gordon began in 1934 as a comic strip by Alex Raymond. In the series, Flash, a Yale graduate and polo player, is kidnapped and taken into space by a man named Dr. Zarkov. After travelling through space, Flash lands on the planet Mongo and finds himself fighting against the rule of dictator Ming the Merciless. The foundation is certainly there for an exciting science fiction blockbuster, so let’s hope that Payne and McKay have what it takes to do the character justice.
If there’s any truth to rumors of a new Flash Gordon movie, who would you like to see direct? And which young actor would you cast in the iconic lead role? Sound off below!