Mike Hodges, a British director known for his work on the science-fiction cult film “Flash Gordon,” died Dec. 17. He was 90.
The British director died in Dorset, England, Variety reported. His death was confirmed to NBC News by producer Mike Kaplan. According to Kaplan, heart failure was the cause of death, the news organization reported.
In addition to “Flash Gordon,” Hodges directed crime dramas “Get Carter,” “Croupier,” “Pulp” and “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead,” the entertainment news website reported.
Hodges adapted “Get Carter” -- one of the greatest British gangster movies of all time -- from a novel by Ted Lewis and featured Michael Caine in the lead role, Variety reported.
“Get Carter” was remade with Sylvester Stallone playing Caine’s role in 2000, according to the website.
Hodges dabbled in other genres, however, including horror in the 1974 film, “The Terminal Man,” NBC News reported.
“Flash Gordon,” made in 1980 in the aftermath of the success of “Star Wars,” was inspired by 1930s adventure comics, according to The Associated Press.
“I had no idea what I was going to do when I took over,” Hodges told The Guardian in 2020. “I think that’s part of the success of the film. It’s like a souffle. We managed to put all the right ingredients in and it sort of rose, in some mysterious way.”
Hodges’ 1985 science-fiction comedy, “Morons from Outer Space,” did not do as well, the news organization reported.
Before getting his start in film, Hodges spent two years in mandatory national service on a Royal Navy minesweeper, People reported. He began in show business as a teleprompter operator for British television, according to Variety.
Hodges wrote, directed and produced two thrillers for ITV Playhouse, called “Rumour” (1969) and “Suspect” (1970), The Guardian reported. He was then approached to direct “Get Carter.”