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Flash Gordon (film)

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Flash Gordon (film)
Company typeFilm
IndustryMotion picture
Founded1980; 46 years ago (1980)
FounderDino De Laurentiis (producer)
Key people
Mike Hodges (director), Lorenzo Semple Jr. (screenwriter), Sam J. Jones (lead actor)
ProductsFlash Gordon (1980 film)

Flash Gordon is a 1980 space opera and superhero movie helmed by director Mike Hodges, adapted from the King Features comic strip originally created by Alex Raymond. The cast features Sam J. Jones in the title role of Flash Gordon, alongside Melody Anderson, Ornella Muti, Max von Sydow, and Chaim Topol, with notable supporting performances by Timothy Dalton, Mariangela Melato, Brian Blessed, and Peter Wyngarde. The narrative centers on quarterback Flash Gordon, who, together with allies Dale Arden and Hans Zarkov, rallies the disparate factions of the planet Mongo to confront the despotic ruler Ming the Merciless (portrayed by von Sydow), whose ambitions endanger Earth.

The film’s producer, Dino De Laurentiis, recognized for adapting comics into films such as Danger: Diabolik and Barbarella, had sought to create a Flash Gordon adaptation since the 1960s. After declining involvement from director George Lucas (creator of Star Wars) and shelving a version proposed by Federico Fellini, De Laurentiis initially engaged director Nicolas Roeg and screenwriter Michael Allin in 1977. However, dissatisfied with Roeg's direction, he replaced them with Hodges and screenwriter Lorenzo Semple Jr., who had previously collaborated with De Laurentiis on King Kong.

Principal filming took place mainly in the United Kingdom at Elstree and Shepperton Studios. The movie embraces a camp aesthetic reminiscent of the 1960s Batman television show, an approach developed by Semple. A disagreement with De Laurentiis led to Jones departing before filming concluded, resulting in much of his dialogue being overdubbed by actor Peter Marinker; this incident and its repercussions on Jones' career are explored in the documentary Life After Flash. The soundtrack features the rock group Queen, complemented by orchestral scores arranged by Howard Blake.

In terms of box office performance, Flash Gordon achieved financial success in the United Kingdom and Italy but did not meet expectations elsewhere. Critics have generally responded favorably, contributing to its lasting status as a cult classic.

Plot

Emperor Ming the Merciless of planet Mongo, seeking to alleviate his boredom, instigates catastrophic events on Earth. Football star "Flash" Gordon boards a small aircraft and encounters travel agent Dale Arden. When a meteor strike incapacitates the pilots, Flash crash-lands inside the greenhouse of ex-NASA scientist Dr. Hans Zarkov. Suspecting alien involvement behind the disasters, Zarkov has constructed a spacecraft to investigate. He compels Flash and Dale to accompany him to Mongo, where they are captured by Ming's forces.

At Ming’s throne room, rulers from Mongo’s various kingdoms pay homage. Prince Thun of Ardentia, devastated under Ming’s rule, pledges allegiance but is commanded to commit suicide. After an unsuccessful assassination attempt on Ming, who becomes infatuated with Dale, Flash is sentenced to death. However, Ming’s daughter, Princess Aura, intervenes and rescues Flash. While Aura and Flash flee to Arboria, Zarkov falls under the influence of Klytus, Ming's secret police chief. Dale manages to escape captivity; Zarkov resists brainwashing and joins her. They are later seized by hawkmen led by Prince Vultan and taken to Sky City.

Aura requests protection for Flash from Prince Barin of Arboria. Though skeptical but enamored with Aura, Barin spares Flash yet subjects him to a lethal contest. Flash escapes but is recaptured by hawkmen. Aura is imprisoned and tortured on charges of treason. Meanwhile, Ming prepares to wed Dale. Flash briefly reunites with Dale in Sky City before being forced into a death duel with Barin; he spares Barin’s life, earning his alliance. Together they eliminate Klytus, prompting Vultan to withdraw his forces and evacuate Sky City, leaving Barin, Flash, Dale, and Zarkov behind. Ming captures Barin, Zarkov, and Dale but offers Flash dominion over Earth in exchange for loyalty; Flash declines. Ming orders Sky City destroyed; Flash escapes via rocket cycle.

Forming an alliance with Vultan, Flash launches an assault on Mingo City. General Kala defends the city using the war rocket Ajax, which is commandeered by hawkmen. Princess Aura frees Barin and Zarkov from execution during Ming’s wedding ceremony to Dale. Risking great danger, Flash pilots Ajax through Mingo City's lightning defenses to enable the hawkmen's invasion.

Barin kills Kala within the control room and disables the lightning shield just before Ajax crashes into the wedding hall, impaling Ming. Flash offers clemency if Ming ceases attacks on Earth; Ming refuses and appears to self-destruct using his power ring. Victory ensues.

Barin and Aura ascend as Mongo’s new rulers; Vultan is appointed general. Flash, Dale, and Zarkov prepare for their uncertain journey back to Earth.

Meanwhile, an unidentified figure discovers Ming’s ring as his sinister laughter echoes. The words "The End" appear followed by a question mark.

Cast


Development

Producer Dino De Laurentiis, recognized for Danger: Diabolik and Barbarella, had been pursuing a Flash Gordon adaptation since the 1960s. His initial approach was to collaborate with Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini, who secured the rights but never moved forward with production. A character named Fellini (Deep Roy) was ultimately included in the finished film, and the elaborate sets and costumes were designed by Fellini’s longtime production designer, Danilo Donati.

During the 1970s, filmmaker George Lucas intended to create a Flash Gordon movie but, unable to obtain rights from De Laurentiis, he instead developed Star Wars. Subsequently, De Laurentiis brought on director Nicolas Roeg, with Ferdinando Scarfiotti serving as production designer. Roeg dedicated a year to pre-production, drawing inspiration from the original comic strips; however, he departed after his vision was rejected by De Laurentiis. The producer also approached Sergio Leone, who declined due to concerns about maintaining script authenticity. Eventually, Mike Hodges was appointed director, and Danilo Donati returned to oversee production design.

Screenwriter Lorenzo Semple Jr. reflected on the process:

Dino wanted to infuse Flash Gordon with humor. At the time, I believed this could work, but looking back, it was a grave error. We continuously altered the script, wavering between comedic and serious tones. This indecision proved disastrous given the budget involved... I never thought the script portrayed Flash particularly well. Dino envisioned a comic-strip character approached comically, which was misguided because Flash Gordon was never meant to be humorous. Ultimately, the entire project spiraled out of control.

Casting

Producer De Laurentiis selected newcomer Sam J. Jones after his mother-in-law, Ivy Webb, noticed him on the show The Dating Game. Prior to this, Jones had a minor role in the 1979 romantic comedy 10. He was chosen for the lead role over competitors such as Kurt Russell and Arnold Schwarzenegger. To get ready for the part, Jones trained by running six miles twice a week in London's Hyde Park and practiced Taekwondo.

Initially, Canadian model Dayle Haddon was cast to portray Dale Arden, but concerns regarding her on-set appearance led De Laurentiis to replace her with Melody Anderson.

Filming

The main filming took place entirely within the United Kingdom, with primary locations including Shepperton, Elstree Studios, and a repurposed aircraft hangar in Weybridge. Scenes set at a U.S. airfield were shot at Broadford Airfield on the Isle of Skye, Scotland.

For the Hawkmen sequence, a massive blue screen measuring sixty feet tall and one hundred feet wide was built and illuminated by quartz-halogen lamps demanding one million watts of power. The production utilized an advanced optical compositing technique developed by visual effects specialist Frank Van der Veer, which substantially lowered the costs associated with visual effects.

Post-production

In a 2012 interview with Maxim, Sam J. Jones disclosed that disputes with De Laurentiis led to his departure before post-production concluded, resulting in much of his dialogue being re-recorded by voice actor Peter Marinker—whom Jones had not previously known. Nevertheless, director Mike Hodges clarified in 2020 that Marinker's dubbing covered only five to ten minutes of dialogue. Plans for a sequel were abandoned following Jones' exit, halting further development of the franchise.

Soundtrack

The film's music was composed and performed by the rock group Queen, making Flash Gordon one of the early major films to feature a score predominantly created by a rock band. Additional orchestral compositions were contributed by Howard Blake, whose pieces from this film have been issued on CD alongside his score for Amityville 3-D.

Release

In North America, distribution was managed by Universal Studios, which retains rights for theatrical release and home video domestically. International distribution rights changed hands several times before ultimately being acquired by StudioCanal. The UK distributor, Thorn EMI, controlled television rights in the U.S., which were later licensed to MGM for syndication due to StudioCanal's ownership of EMI's film library.

Box office

Flash Gordon debuted across 825 screens in the United States and Canada, earning $3.9 million during its opening weekend and ranking number one at the box office. It saw a 50% decline in revenue the following weekend and continued to experience decreases, accumulating $14.3 million within its first 24 days. The film ultimately grossed $27.1 million domestically and achieved strong box office results in the United Kingdom, generating nearly £14 million, as well as notable success in Italy, supported by two prominent Italian actors featured in the cast.

Critical reception

The movie holds an 83% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 52 critiques and secured the 88th position on their Journey Through Sci-Fi list of top-rated science fiction films. Its Metacritic score stands at 58.

Reviewers such as Pauline Kael of The New Yorker lauded its "delightful exuberance" and brisk, comic-strip style pacing, while Roger Ebert admired its lively and entertaining space opera approach delivered without any airs. Conversely, critics like Leslie Halliwell regarded it as a costly yet outdated production, and Richard Combs described it as "an expensively irrelevant gloss." Some found the comedic elements fell flat, and the serious moments unintentionally humorous.

Max von Sydow’s interpretation of Ming the Merciless earned acclaim, although Sam J. Jones received a Golden Raspberry nomination for Worst Actor. Though there were intentions to produce a sequel set on Mars, these plans never came to fruition.

Opinions varied greatly: Christopher John pointed out inconsistent performances and predictable storytelling; John Grant labeled it a heavy-handed spoof with flashy appeal; John Clute commended the special effects but criticized the film’s self-aware tone; Peter Nicholls took issue with stiff acting despite the elaborate costumes; and The Aurum Film Encyclopedia remarked on the difficulty in suspending disbelief due to its literalness and uninspired script. Keith Phipps from The Dissolve noted that while enjoyable for both children and adults, the film adopted a somewhat patronizing stance toward its source material.

Cult following

Flash Gordon has achieved status as a cult favorite among enthusiasts of science fiction and fantasy genres. Directors such as Edgar Wright and Taika Waititi have expressed admiration for the film, with Wright citing it as a visual inspiration for Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. Renowned comic artist Alex Ross regards it as his preferred movie, contributing artwork for the 2007 "Saviour of the Universe Edition" DVD cover and participating in an associated featurette. Brian Blessed recalls that it was also among Elizabeth II’s favorites, who reportedly watched it annually with her grandchildren during Christmas.

In Seth MacFarlane’s 2012 comedy Ted, characters Ted and John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg) are depicted as fans of Flash Gordon, referenced multiple times throughout. Sam J. Jones appears as himself in both Ted and its sequel Ted 2. Horror punk artist Wednesday 13 drew inspiration from the film for his track "Hail Ming" on his 2013 album The Dixie Dead.

Brian Blessed’s portrayal of Prince Vultan solidified his place in British pop culture, especially through the iconic line "Gordon's alive?!", which continues to be frequently quoted decades later. This phrase has been repurposed in political discourse and media appearances, underscoring its enduring influence.

The Dynamite Entertainment comic series Flash Gordon: Zeitgeist integrates aspects from the 1980 adaptation, including villain Klytus serving as Ming’s lieutenant—a character absent from the original comics. Similarly, Dynamite’s 2014 Flash Gordon comic references the film with Vultan repeating “Gordon’s alive?!”.

In 2018, the documentary Life After Flash, directed by Lisa Downs and produced by Ashley Pugh, premiered at the Chattanooga Film Festival before screening at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. This documentary celebrates the 1980 classic through interviews with cast members, crew, and fans—including Melody Anderson, Brian Blessed, Peter Wyngarde, Mark Millar, Robert Rodriguez, Stan Lee, and Brian May—while also exploring Sam J. Jones’s legal dispute with producer Dino De Laurentiis. It saw worldwide release in 2019.

In other media

A comic adaptation penned by Bruce Jones with artwork by classic Flash Gordon illustrator Al Williamson was published by Western Publishing concurrently with the film’s release. It spanned three issues (#31–33) and was also made available in both large-format softcover and hardcover editions.

The novelization authored by Arthur Byron Cover appeared in 1980.

To support the film’s promotion, Bally Manufacturing launched a Flash Gordon pinball machine in early 1981.

A video game adaptation developed by Sirius Software for the Atari 2600, published by 20th Century Fox Games, was released in 1983.

Home media

The film was initially released on VHS, Betamax, and MCA's DiscoVision format in 1981, followed by reissues on Laserdisc and Region 1 DVD through Universal in 1998. It reached Region 2 markets with releases in Japan (2001) and UK/Europe (2005), the latter featuring Brian Blessed’s award-winning commentary noted for its humor and enthusiasm. Universal Pictures Home Entertainment issued a "Saviour of the Universe Edition" DVD in North America in November 2007 to coincide with The Sci Fi Channel's new TV series, although this edition lacked Region 2's cast interviews.

A high-definition transfer premiered on the MGM HD channel in October 2007. The following month, Sam J. Jones and Melody Anderson recorded fresh commentary tracks for StudioCanal’s DVD release. The movie became available on Blu-ray on June 15, 2010.

In 2012, Universal bundled Flash Gordon into a four-film DVD collection alongside Battlestar Galactica: Saga of a Star World, The Last Starfighter, and Dune.

The set titled Ted vs. Flash Gordon: The Ultimate Collection, including this film together with unrated versions of Ted and Ted 2, was released on Blu-ray plus Digital HD in May 2016.

StudioCanal reissued Flash Gordon on Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray on August 3, 2020, utilizing a newly restored 4K scan of the original camera negative approved by director Mike Hodges.

Awards

  • Saturn Awards
Nominated: Best Costume Design (Danilo Donati)
Nominated: Best Science Fiction Film
Nominated: Best Supporting Actor (Max von Sydow)
  • British Academy Film Awards
Nominated: Best Costume Design (Danilo Donati)
Nominated: Best Original Film Music (Queen and Howard Blake)
Nominated: Best Art Design (Danilo Donati)
  • Golden Raspberry Awards
Nominated: Worst Actor (Sam J. Jones)
  • Hugo Awards
Nominated: Best Dramatic Presentation
  • British Society of Cinematographers Awards
Nominated: Best Cinematography (Gil Taylor)
  • Jupiter Awards
Nominated: Best Film
Nominated: Best Actress (Ornella Muti)
  • Stinkers Bad Movie Awards
Nominated: Worst Actor (Sam J. Jones)
Winner: Worst On-Screen Couple (Sam J. Jones and Melody Anderson)

Reboot

Since 2014, development has been underway for a new iteration of Flash Gordon. Screenwriters JD Payne and Patrick McKay were engaged by 20th Century Fox, with Matthew Vaughn initially linked to direct. Mark Protosevich was later tasked with script revisions in 2016. By 2018, Julius Avery was reportedly attached as director.

An animated version was planned under Disney/Fox with Taika Waititi set to write and direct; however, this project was cancelled in August 2019. In July 2021, plans revived as a live-action production with Waititi still involved.

See also

External links

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