Flash Gordon has inspired numerous radio serials, novels, films and television series adaptations since its original comic strip was released in 1934.  While some of the earlier versions have earned both praises and criticisms from fans and spectators alike, the latest version from SciFi Channel has yet to be reviewed.  Viewers can finally express their sentiments on the modern-day retelling when it premieres with a special 90-minute episode on Friday, August 10 at 9pm EST.

As previously reported, Smallville's Eric Johnson will be taking on the role of the lead protagonist.  Although he wasn't around during the earlier syndications, he has many things to say about his newest television series that will hopefully entice the viewers.

Johnson has never been fond of comics, even as a child, which makes the whole concept of Flash Gordon very new to him.  Nevertheless, the vast information about his character through various media sources has made his research much easier.

“When I was a kid, I never got into comic books.  I was too lost in my own fantasy world to be reading about others.  My wife, she's the comic book geek in our home. Like most people, I'd heard the name, but I wasn't familiar with the mythos.  I watched a variety of things — of course, the movie from 1980, and I saw some of the original serials that were done in the 30s, and A&E actually did a biography of Flash Gordon, so they bought that online for me… The Internet is full of information,” he revealed to Entertainment Weekly.

Although inspired by classic comic strip, SciFi's version has many elements that vary from the original account.  Moreover, the series goes back to the very beginning of the hero's story.

“There's definitely certain changes. It's not like we're portraying Flash in the 1930s. When Flash first came out, he was an internationally renowned polo player, which probably wouldn't be appropriate now.  He's been football players, and NBA stars, and swimmers I think, so now he's a marathon winner and just much more of a regular guy,” he explained.

While the 28-year-old actor has a lot of compliments for his costars, he also has a lot of nice things to say about the show's production set.

“We have a big show.  I mean it's awesome.  Action, and visual effects — that's something I'm used to from my days on Smallville.  We're having a lot of fun. We're trying to do a big show in not a lot of time. Gina Holden [who plays Flash's companion/love interest Dale], who's amazing, is a godsend to this show. We really lucked out with our cast.  Everyone's so enthusiastic.... Because we don't have the budget of a bigger show like Heroes, we have to have more ingenuity, because we don't have the money to fix it. I think that's what's been fantastic about the show, is the brilliance and creativity that everyone has shown...I mean, the set design! It looks incredible! I know they did it on a shoestring budget,” he said.

“Massive sets for the planet of Mongo.  They're absolutely incredible,” he added.  “I was just walking around with my jaw open, like Wow, these are artifacts for the show, and they're just huge! I don't know, I get excited by big sets!”


-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: EW
(Image courtesy of SciFi)