The cast for Luc Besson’s feature-length adaptation of Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets has been hoovering up stars like no tomorrow, with Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen and Rihanna all confirmed for roles. Now, another name has been added: the star of the likes of Sinister, The Purge and Gattaca, Ethan Hawke.
As told to Variety, Hawke will the join the other cast on Besson’s ambitious undertaking that has more than a hint of The Fifth Element about it (or, to use a more recent example, Jupiter Ascending). This may not exactly be music to everyone’s ears, but in a time where genuine sci-fi space opera seem to be in sparse supply, it’s nice to see something a bit different. In the meantime, there’s also a plot synopsis, courtesy of EuropaCorp:
Rooted in the classic graphic novel series, Valerian and Laureline, visionary writer/director Luc Besson advances this iconic source material into a contemporary, unique and epic science fiction saga. Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) 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 (Clive Owen), 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 will be released in cinemas on 21 July 2017. For more on the biggest sci-fi movies, pick up the latest issue of SciFiNow.
