There”s not enough bonkers science-fiction these days. We”re living in the Golden Age of Geek, with sci-fi and fantasy permeating pop culture, and yet there is very little in the way of decadent space opera pulp. Jupiter Ascending made of a go it. So did John Carter, and don”t get me started on how Disney dropped the ball there. Star Wars is close, but somehow being ubiquitous and beloved dilutes any remaining camp. Luckily, is why Luc Besson exists.
It”s been years (nearly 20!) since The Fifth Element, so it”s about time Besson returned to science-fiction. While 2014″s Lucy was a toe-dip into the genre, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets looks ready to fill the space opera adventure hole in my heart. In celebration of New York Comic-Con, Valerian put a poster, a detailed synopsis, and brand-new photos. I mean, if the concept of millions of different species living in an interplanetary metropolis doesn”t excite you, I can”t help you.
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 and the City of a Thousand Planet arrives in theaters on July 21, 2017.