Sci Fi Channel Set to Ruin Flash Gordon

Setting to prove that there is no intelligent life in the universe (or no new ideas) the Sci Fi channel will be doing it’s take on Flash Gordon. Now let me be clear on something, Flash Gordon has has always been a silly pulp concept. However the orginal film serials from the 1930s starring Buster Crabbe are beloved classics in their own campy way.

The last time someone tried to update the series was with the 1980 film which was produced by Dino De Laurentiis. I was never a big fan of this film, but in many ways it was sort of so bad it was good! The acting was slightly worse than a porno movie, but the costumes and theme song by Queen made up for it.

But now I’ve just read that the Scoi Fi channel filled with their Galactica gusto is set to ruin Flash Gordon:

Johnson rockets with Sci Fi ‘Flash’

“Smallville alum Eric Johnson has landed the title role in Sci Fi Channel’s upcoming series “Flash Gordon.” The 22-hour series, a contemporary take on the popular comic strip franchise, is slated for an August premiere. It will feature Johnson as space traveler Flash Gordon embarking on all-new adventures.

Peter Hume penned the first two episodes, which will be directed by Rick Rosenthal (“Smallville”). Production is to begin May 1 in Vancouver. “Flash” is being produced by Reunion Pictures under an agreement with property owner King Features Syndicate. RHI Entertainment is distributing the series internationally. RHI’s Robert Halmi Sr. and Robert Halmi Jr., who recently worked with Sci Fi on the miniseries “Legend of Earthsea,” are executive producing, with Hume also expected to exec produce. Casting is under way for the other roles, including Flash Gordon’s fellow space travelers Dale Arden and Dr. Hans Zarkov.”

…well to bring you campers back to the good old days of the early 80s here’s a neat poster I found that’s from the Japanese release of the Dino De Laurentiis film: