Director Luc Besson, best known for The Fifth Element and more recently Lucy, has released the first trailer for his new science fiction epic, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. The trailer looks grand, packed with colourful creatures, fantastical locations, high-tech action and a version of the Beatles song Because.
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is based on the French Graphic Novel series Valerian and Laureline first published in 1967 by Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières.
Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne from Suicide Squad) are special operatives for the government of human territories. They have been tasked with keeping order throughout the universe and do so wearing impressive, form hugging space suits. It seems Valerian wants more from Laureline than simply a professional relationship, but Laureline is put off by his womanising nature.
When the pair receive orders from their Commander (Clive Owen), they embark on a mission to the intergalactic city of Alpha, a thriving metropolis where thousands of different species from all four corners of the universe have converged to pool their skills and resources for the good of all.
The effects seem a little too prominent at times, and that’s one long title, but it’s definitely one to look out for if space opera and intergalactic intrigue are your cup of tea (I won’t say no). The style is very reminiscent of Besson’s previous film The Fifth Element, the blue creature especially. Although there is no sign of them in the trailer, John Goodman and Ethan Hawke also star.
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is scheduled for release 21 July 2017.
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