It’s going on three years since renown French filmmaker Luc Besson stepped behind the lens for Lucy – despite its wonky science, the ScarJo thriller still scored an overly impressive $463 million internationally – and later this year Besson will stage a suitably huge comeback in the form of Valerian and the City Of a Thousand Planets.
Even if you’re not familiar with Pierre Christin and artist Jean-Claude Mézières’ cult comic series on which Besson’s space opera is based, you’ve no doubt caught wind of the director’s dogged pursuit to launch Valerian onto the silver screen over the years. We’re pleased to report that that passion project looks to be coming along quite nicely in anticipation of its July release date. Don’t believe us? Have a gander at the film’s final, spellbinding trailer up above, which places the spotlight firmly on Cara Delevingne (Suicide Squad) and Dane DeHaan’s time-travelling agents.
Curious to know a little more about the mystical journey that awaits in Valerian? This new and indeed extended synopsis ought to do the trick:
Valerian and Laureline are special operatives for the government of the human territories charged with maintaining order throughout the universe. Valerian has more in mind than a professional relationship with his partner – blatantly chasing after her with propositions of romance. But his extensive history with women, and her traditional values, drive Laureline to continuously rebuff him. Under directive from their Commander, Valerian and Laureline embark on a mission to the breathtaking intergalactic city of Alpha, an ever-expanding metropolis comprised of thousands of different species from all four corners of the universe. Alpha’s seventeen million inhabitants have converged over time – uniting their talents, technology and resources for the betterment of all. Unfortunately, not everyone on Alpha shares in these same objectives; in fact, unseen forces are at work, placing our race in great danger.
Valerian, also starring Clive Owen, Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, John Goodman, Herbie Hancock, and Kris Wu, will light up theaters on July 21st. But do you think Luc Besson’s calculated risk will pay off? Or is City of a Thousand Planets poised to go the route of King Arthur? Let us know your preliminary box office predictions below.
