Matthew Vaughn is the frontrunner to direct the latest adaptation of Flash Gordon.

20th Century Fox is currently developing a huge revival of the well-loved sci-fi comic strip hero, which was also revived in a 1980 film, and the 44-year-old screenwriter is in talks with the studio to bring out the latest version, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The revival is being written by science fiction scribes John D Payne and Patrick McKay.

Matthew recently directed 'Kingsman: The Secret Service', and confirmed that Colin Firth may return for a sequel.

It appeared unlikely that the Oscar winner would return for the much-anticipated sequel after his on-screen character, Harry, was shot by Valentine - played by Samuel L Jackson - in the first movie.

However, the director said: ''A lot of people are very upset that Colin might not be in the sequel. But I'm coming up with ideas at the moment.

''If people buy tickets in America, I've got a feeling we'll figure out a way for having Colin back.''

He also said Eggsy - played by Taron Egerton - will remain a key character in the next movie.

Matthew explained: ''The sequel will be, 'This is the modern-day gentleman spy'. Because Harry isn't.

''Harry even says, 'There is a reason why we've developed weak chins'. He said that, meaning, 'Look at us, we need to get new blood into this system', and that's what Eggsy is.

''I joke that we've made the prequel to the Eggsy movie.''