'Flash Gordon' actor calls role a 'blessing' 40 years later

Sam J. Jones recalls two decades ago when he was urged to relinquish his "Flash Gordon" movie past.

"Some of my representation said, 'You know, you really need to walk away from 'Flash Gordon,' and be really low profile about it,'" he said. "And I said, 'Why?'"

Jones refused to heed the advice, and now roughly 40 years after his title role in the glitzy and overtly campy big-budget production, he considers the 1980 cult classic to be part of a triple blessing in his career.

The first blessing was being hired as an actor; the second "is if that job or project does well," Jones said during a phone interview last week while driving on a California highway following an appearance at Torpedo Comics in Orange.

And the trifecta of good fortune is the longevity afforded from a role as quirky and enduring in the pop culture realm as that of "Flash Gordon," said Jones, who appeared in the 2017 documentary film, "Life After Flash."

He continues to embrace the character as part of the Flash Gordon "40th Anniversary Reunion World Tour" that stops at Comics, Cards and Collectables from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at 724 Cleveland Ave. SW just outside downtown Canton.

The event also includes a comic book sale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Jones is also scheduled to appear from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at Comic Town at 94 Dillmont Drive in Columbus.

"We're going to take some selfies together," he said of fans. "I've got some really cool 'Flash Gordon' pictures and posters.

"It's also an opportunity for the fans to tell me their story (about their Flash Gordon movie fandom)," Jones added, expressing thrill over sometimes meeting three generations of fans at an event — a father, son and grandfather.

"Flash Gordon, the character, is timeless," Jones said. "He really moves over into all age demographics. No. 1, everybody knows he's just a guy and he doesn't have any superpowers, and I think that's why a lot more people relate to him."

Fees will be charged for the autographs and photo opportunities. COVID-19 rules will be followed for the event, including asking visitors to wear face coverings and comply with social distancing guidelines, said Tom Mattevi, owner of Comics, Cards and Collectables.

Jones said he's attended more than 200 comic book conventions over the past seven years.

On the current tour, however, he's the main attraction, "so this is a little bit different ... and it's quite unique and it's a more intimate environment, and I love it."

Other tour stops have included Houston, Florida, Las Vegas and New Mexico.

'Flash Gordon' reboot?

Jones said there have been numerous discussions about rebooting the Flash Gordon character in a film, including a version featuring him in a cameo or supporting role, but a project has yet to materialize.

"A lot of reputable people have bought the screenplay rights but haven't followed up," the San Diego resident said.

Neal H. Moritz, producer of the popular and mega-successful "The Fast and the Furious" movies, had expressed interest, Jones said.

Fox studios had seriously considered a "Flash Gordon" sequel before the project fizzled following Disney's acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2019, he said.

"They called me in and said, 'We want to do this and we're interested in using you,'" Jones said. "And I said, 'Yes, whatever you need me for.'"

"Some huge names" were involved in a prospective modern-day Flash Gordon remake, the actor said, referring to Matthew Vaughn, an English film producer, director and screenwriter. "And I even think (television and film director) Breck Eisner (was discussed) at one point."

Eisner told online entertainment and movie news outlets in 2010 and 2012 he was interested in directing a potential 3-D Flash Gordon film for Sony, calling it a "passion project" that would require years of development.

The 66-year-old Jones said he would be open to any role in a revamp, admitting the title character should be a "20-something, good-looking guy."

"Forgive me, but I've got to say it, you still need the guy," he added. "If you want to say (a Clint Eastwood type), you still need the guy who's not getting his eyebrows plucked, who's seasoned, who has an edge to him.

"You still need that guy, whether it's dad or grandpa," Jones said. "You still need him — the go-to guy."

'Flash Gordon' reborn in 'Ted' movies

"Flash Gordon" ultimately was resurrected in a fluke role. 

Jones humorously portrayed the character in an extended cameo in the "Ted" movie in 2012 starring Mark Walhberg before appearing briefly in the sequel, "Ted 2."

Seth MacFarlane, director of the "Ted" movies, had contacted Jones unexpectedly.

"He said, 'When I was 8 years old, I went to the movie theater and I saw you and you changed my life — you impacted my life in a positive way,'" Jones said. "He told me he grew up with Flash Gordon, mimicked me and did the little skits.

"... So he grew up to be a decision-maker in Hollywood (for Universal Studios)," Jones continued. "He said, 'I have a very strong Flash Gordon theme in my movie."

Jones said he "absolutely loved" the opportunity to appear in the comedy-fantasy "Ted" films.

Reflecting on the arc of his career, including ups and downs, he said: "I'm in a really good place in my life."

Reach Ed at 330-580-8315 and ebalint@gannett.com

On Twitter @ebalintREP

'Flash Gordon' star in Canton

What: "40th Anniversary Reunion World Tour" of the "Flash Gordon" movie

Where: Comics, Cards and Collectables, 724 Cleveland Ave. SW, Canton

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday

Who: Sam J. Jones, who starred in the 1980 film

Cost: Jones will be meeting fans and charging $40 per autograph or selfie photo; $60 for the combo package (autograph and selfie or any two items at Sam's table, which includes photos and posters).

Autographs are $40 for each personal item brought by fans.