The final trailer for Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets has arrived, teasing the lush, cosmic epic from auteur Luc Besson. For almost three decades, French filmmaker Luc Besson has turned out some of the most intriguing and polarizing films to ever grace the big screen. By the early '90s, he became a worldwide name thanks to his atypical action films Nikita and Leon: The Professional. His biggest mark, however, came when he turned his unique eye towards the world of sci-fi. From The Fifth Element twenty years ago, to the more recent Lucy, Besson's name carries with it a certain anticipation for surreal imagery and imaginative action.
Come July, Besson's skills will be channelled into France's most expensive movie ever, with the long-awaited adapation of the hit graphic novel Valérian and Laureline. Though unknown to mainstream audiences, the Valerian trailers thus far have teased an exotic world full of bright colors and alien worlds. Mix in some intergalactic battles, and Besson's new film will be his most audacious feat yet. Amidst a sea of superhero movies and more established properties, Valerian could be a colossal disaster at the box office; but Besson's name and the singular look of the film may just surprise everyone.
With the release of Valerian just two months away, the film's final trailer has just been unleashed. Like previous looks at the movie, it focuses on the new worlds and environs that will be on display, but favors a spotlight on the action versus more attention on stars Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne. The trailer also makes sure to tout Besson's credentials, ensuring that any of his fans who weren't aware this was his movie will not be left in any doubt as to who's responsible for this idiosyncratic blockbuster. You can also check out a colorful, new international poster for Valerian, below:
While we're still a good ways out from an early reactions to the film, it will certainly be something to behold. The posters and trailers so far have teased a number of exciting new locations, aliens races, and action set-pieces. Mixed with Besson's name, stars DeHaan and Delevingne will also ensure the film appeals to a number of younger moviegoers. And like Vin Diesel's presence in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, Rihanna's inclusion will help bring some of her considerable fanbase to the theater.
Despite all the items in the plus column, Valerian will still be coming right on the heels of Spider-Man: Homecoming. While the films are certainly different enough, they'll share a lot of the same audience. Given the unique look of the film, it's tempting to wonder how it might fare at a different point in the year. After all, the summer is no longer the lone refuge of the blockbuster.
Regardless of the issues the film faces, the minds behind it are keen to get the word out. The original comic was recently rereleased as part of Free Comic Book Day, and the film's two stars have been given the Funko treatment. And fans of The Fifth Element will not need much convincing to go see the new movie, which will likely be packed with Easter eggs for the seminal '90s sci-fi picture. There's no telling what the future will bring, but Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets looks ready to meet it head on.
Source: STX Entertainment
