Flash Gordon

Is Sam Worthington the Next 'Flash Gordon'?

Dec 31st 2009 11:02AM By: John Gholson

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Sony does indeed have a new Flash Gordon movie in development with Breck Eisner (Sahara) attached to direct, that much is true, but there's a casting rumor coming from Hollyscoop -- the same site that reported the Taylor-Swift-as-Supergirl hooey just a few weeks ago. Sam Worthington is said to be the number one contender on a wish list that also includes Ryan Reynolds.

I'm sure he is. With Avatar on the top of the box office charts, it positions Worthington as the genre action hero of the moment. This isn't even remotely close to actual casting news -- it's someone (who may or may not be involved with the production) just throwing the name of a likely actor out there and saying, "Gee, you know who'd make a pretty good Flash Gordon?" It's spit-balling. Everybody can do that. I'm sure you've thought of a couple cool casting choices for Flash Gordon just now, while you read this.

My first exposure to Flash Gordon was the Filmation animated series, but most people are familiar with him from the 1980 cult camp classic film. His comic book roots go all the way back to 1934, when Alex Raymond created the character as a blatant rip-off respectful competitor to Buck Rogers -- another popular comic of the time about an all-american hero transported to a hostile alien world.





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The Top Ten Greatest Villain Costumes in Sci-Fi Movies

Oct 29th 2009 9:32AM By: Peter Martin

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When I closed my eyes and pictured the greatest villain costumes in sci-fi movies, I was surprised how often hair -- and headpieces -- come into play. That makes sense for those of us who are not costume purists because we're thinking of the character as a whole, and in movies we're very often looking at close-ups of villains. We want to get up close and personal, to study the sneer, to examine the evil eyes, to absorb the dismissive scowl, to observe the raised eyebrows.

Isn't it the whole package that sells a character as a villain? The actor makes all the difference in the world, no matter if he's buried under a ton of makeup or becomes nearly unrecognizable, but the costume plays an important role. In honor of all those who will sally forth this weekend in costumes that are good, bad, and ugly, we salute the designers of the top ten (plus a couple of bonus selections) greatest villain costumes in sci-fi movies, and the actors who wear them.

The Emperor Ming (Flash Gordon)

It takes a truly evil villain to pull off this particular outfit. Arrayed in varying shades of deep red and gold, Ming (the always game Max von Sydow) threatens to steal the show when those eyebrows are raised. Somehow Ming looks both sartorially forward-thinking -- what is that raised cowl doing back there except to frame his bald head -- and ridiculously, gloriously silly.

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The Top Ten Princesses of Sci-Fi and Fantasy

Jul 8th 2009 9:02AM By: Sci-Fi Squad Staff

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By: Elisabeth Rappe

Move over, Disney! When it comes to princesses, the sci-fi / fantasy genre has you completely outnumbered, outgunned, and outdressed.

Actually, I find the genre's obsession with princesses rather strange. Not on the fantasy end, mind you, as that genre draws heavily on European fairy tales and dynastic history, and will always find room for royal courts. But you'd think those galaxies far, far away would steer clear of European titles and class systems, and invent new systems of government. But let's face it, few labels evoke such a specific and exotic image as that of "princess," and slapping it onto your heroine does half your screenwriting for you. All you have to decide is if she carries a weapon or prefers a tiara, or if she's comfortable enough to coolly wield both in the name of duty. Luckily, the sci-fi / fantasy genre is rife with examples of all three. So drop a curtsy, and check out the list of my favorite genre princesses. And bow to Erik Davis for hatching the idea while you're at it.

1. Princess Leia Organa (Star Wars)

Princess Leia may not have been science fiction's first princess, but she's the one they all have to measure up to. Every girl since 1977 has thrilled to the fact that the head of the Rebel Alliance was a woman, and that no one (not even the cocky Han Solo, who needed her more than she needed him) raised an eyebrow at the fact. As if being fearless, diplomatic, intelligent, and one hell of a shot wasn't enough, she was also a Jedi like her father before her. No wonder Yoda seemed so calm when Luke flew off to his possible doom. Leia was the ace in the hole.

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