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Johnson will play the adventurous Gordon in a new Sci Fi Channel series that puts an updated spin on the comic book character and his adventures.
The 22-hour series is set to debut in August with Gordon, backed by his classic cohorts Dale Arden and Dr. Zarkov, trying to safeguard Earth against attack by the cruel intergalactic predator, Ming.
Casting is under way for the other roles.
Johnson, a native of Edmonton, Canada, played Whitney Fordman on CW's Superman saga, "Smallville." His character joined the Marines and was killed in the line of duty.
"Flash Gordon" is being produced by Reunion Pictures under an agreement with King Features Syndicate, which owns the comic-book franchise. The Gordon character, originally drawn in 1934 by Alex Raymond, has been featured in radio serials, serial films, feature films, TV films and TV shows.Code: Select all
Johnson Is Flash Gordon
Eric Johnson (Smallville) has landed the title role in SCI FI Channel's upcoming original series Flash Gordon, the network announced. The 22-hour series updates the comic-strip franchise and is slated for an August premiere. Johnson will play space-traveling adventurer Gordon, who is joined by companions Dale Arden and Dr. Hans Zarkov. Ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances, they find themselves as Earth's last line of defense against the horses of the merciless dictator Ming.
Peter Hume wrote the first two episodes, which will be directed by Rick Rosenthal (Smallville). Production is to begin May 1 in Vancouver, Canada.
Flash is being produced by Reunion Pictures under an agreement with King Features Syndicate, which owns the franchise. RHI Entertainment's Robert Halmi Sr. and Robert Halmi Jr. (SCI FI 's Legend of Earthsea) are executive-producing, with Hume also expected to executive-produce. Matthew O'Connor and Tom Rowe produce.
