FLASH GORDON Reboot Back In Development

‘Star Trek 3’ scribes working on script…

Heat Vision has learned that 20th Century Fox has acquired the screen rights to pulp comic-strip hero ‘Flash Gordon,’ with plans for a film that could be a franchise starter.

Created in 1934 by iconic artist Alex Raymond, the comic strip followed the adventures of Flash Gordon, an all American athlete who, along with his sweetheart Dale Arden, is kidnapped by eccentric scientist Dr. Hans Zarkov and taken to the planet Mongo, which was ruled by Ming the Merciless.

The sci-fi hero was featured in three serial movies starring Buster Crabbe, many spin-off comics and TV shows. Most notably was the Mike Hodges camp epic from 1980, starring Sam Jones, Chaim Topol, Melody Anderson, Ornella Muti, Timothy Dalton, Max von Sydow (with a soundtrack by Queen).

Screenwriters J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay are attached to provide the script, working from a treatment by George Nolfi (‘The Bourne Ultimatum,’ ‘The Adjustment Bureau’).

Veteran producer Jon Davis (‘Chronicle,’ ‘Man from U.N.C.L.E.’) is on board to produce alongside Nolfi.