Director and producer George Nolfi offers a surprising update for Taika Waititi’sFlash Gordonreboot after three years of silence. First created by Alex Raymond in 1934 for comics, Mike Hodges brought the character to the big screen in 1980withFlash Gordon, starring Sam Jones, Melody Anderson, Brian Blessed, Timothy Dalton, and Max Von Sydow. Waititi was brought on board to write and direct an animated reboot for 20th Century and Disney, though it was later reconceived as a live-action project in 2021.
As Nolfi discussed his new action-thrillerElevationwithCollider, the director opened up about his involvement with Waititi’sFlash Gordonreboot. Nolfi was originally on board as a producer, but he indicated he’s drifted away from it in recent years. He said:
I’m not too involved with that one. There are a couple of things coming up that I can’t talk about that I’m humbled to be involved with that I think would be in your realm of interest, but I’m not too involved with Flash Gordon at this point.
What Nolfi’s Comments Mean For Waititi’s Flash Gordon
Waititi Is Currently Attached To Numerous Projects
Though Nolfi didn’t say he is entirely removed fromFlash Gordon, it sounds likethe production may have changed behind-the-scenes, and could be in a very differet position now. Alongside his involvement inFlash Gordon, Waititi recently brought 1981’sTime Banditsto television by co-creating the reboot alongside Jemaine Clement and Iain Morris. Though the Apple TV+ series was cancelled after season 1, Waititi has nevertheless been preoccupied with other projects, including the dystopian sci-fi adaptationKlara & the Sun.
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Beyond that, he has been attached to direct a live-action adaptation of the classic cyberpunk animeAkira, and he was recruited by Netflix to adaptCharlie and the Chocolate Factoryas an animated series. This is on top of hislong-gestatingStar Warsmovie. As such, Waititi has a large range of projects already under his belt, andifFlash Gordonisn’t a priority, it may need another director.
Our Take On The Flash Gordon Reboot’s Latest Update
The Movie May Require A Major Shift To Make Progress
Flash Gordonreceived generally positive reviews and was a financial success upon its North American release, and it has since firmly solidified itself as a cult classic, with the character considered an icon of the genre. With a rise in nostalgia for the 1980s and its pop culture,it would seem like an ideal property to reimagine, especially as studios have honed in on using comic books, both mainstream and niche, as source material.
However, Nolfi’s update does show that other productions have taken precedence for those involved,leavingFlash Gordonto be overshadowed. Additionally, with Nolfi and Waititi both having a packed schedule for the foreseeable future, it is uncertain whether the movie in its current form will ever see the light of day. It could be that, in order to finally get made, another creative will have to be recruited to bringFlash Gordonback to Earth.
Flash Gordon
Cast
Flash Gordon (1980) is a science fiction film directed by Mike Hodges, featuring Sam J. Jones as the titular hero. Flash, a football player, battles the evil Ming the Merciless (Max von Sydow) who threatens Earth. Accompanied by Dale Arden (Melody Anderson) and Dr. Hans Zarkov (Topol), Flash navigates an intergalactic struggle. The film is noted for its vibrant visuals and a memorable score by Queen.
