Flash Gordon

:This article is about a character originated in a comic strip. For the major league baseball player, see Tom "Flash" Gordon.

Inspirations

In his youth, George Lucas was a fan of the Flash Gordon serials, and once wanted to adapt it to the screen as part of his modern-day myth. Dino De Laurentiis, who owned the rights, was not interested in Lucas' interpretation, so Lucas wrote Star Wars instead, which borrowed liberally from the serials. The opening expository roll-up that appeared in episodes of Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe became the now-famous opening crawl of each Star Wars episode. Flash Gordon and Dale Arden inspired not only Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia, but also their parents, Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala.

Related Topics:
George Lucas - Dino De Laurentiis - Star Wars - Luke Skywalker - Princess Leia - Anakin Skywalker - Padmé Amidala

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