LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Eric Johnson, who played Clark Kent's nemesis Whitney Fordman on the CW drama "Smallville," has landed the title role in Sci Fi Channel's upcoming series "Flash Gordon."

The contemporary take on the popular comic strip franchise about a space traveler is slated for an August premiere. Casting is under way for the other roles, including Flash Gordon's companions Dale Arden and Dr. Hans Zarkov.

Production on the first of 22 hour-long episodes is to begin May 1 in Vancouver. The "Flash Gordon" comic strip was created in 1934 by Alex Raymond.