The comic strip science fiction hero Flash Gordon is heading back to the big screen! The Hollywood Reporter today brings word that 20th Century Fox has secured the big screen rights to the character, who celebrates his 80th anniversary this year.
Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne (who are, alongside Roberto Orci, writing the next Star Trek feature film as well) will draft Flash Gordon, based on an outline by The Adjustment Bureau writer/director George Nolfi. There is no word yet on whether or not Nolfi may be looking to direct.
Created by Alex Raymond in 1934, Flash Gordon began life as a serialized comic strip, following the intergalactic adventures of the titular hero, his fellow adventurer and love interest, Dale Arden, and brilliant scientist Dr. Hans Zarkov. Together, the trio explore fantastic interplanetary locales like Mongo, home of the devilish Ming the Merciless.
Tremendously popular in the late 1930s as a trio of big screen serials, Flash Gordon has since been adapted for both the big and small screen in a variety of different forms. Director Mike Hodges’ feature film (which boasted a soundtrack by Queen) failed to impress at the box office in 1980, but the movie has since emerged as genuine cult classic. That film’s star, Sam J. Jones, played homage to the character in Seth MacFarlane’s 2012 comedy Ted.
