VAN HELSING writer-director Stephen Sommers, along with his producing partner Bob Ducsay, has landed the rights to FLASH GORDON, which the duo will develop for Universal, reports VARIETY. Sommers will write the FLASH screenplay, but has yet to decided whether he will direct. Hearst Corp.'s King Features Syndicate, who owns the rights to the character, have assigned Rick Karo to produce for the company. Overseeing the project for Universal will be vice chairman Scott Stuber and vp of production Dylan Clark.

Comicstrip artist Alex Raymond created FLASH GORDON in 1934, which would gain international popularity in movie serials, animated series, TV shows and a 1980 live-action feature directed by Mike Hodges.

As part of the relaunch of the character, Top Cow publishing will publish a new FLASH GORDON comic. Spike Selden will exec produce with former Davis Ent. exec Adam Coplan. Sommers will serve as a creative consultant.