Though very little is known thus far about howLuc Bessonwill be adapting cult comic seriesValerian and the City of A Thousand Planetsin terms of visual style or possible alterations to the narrative, the cast for the French filmmaker’s next flick is getting mighty interesting. Earlier this year,Dane DeHaanandCara Delevingnesigned on, along withClive Owen, who has seen his stock rise quite high again with his work in Cinemax’sThe Knickas the terminally troubled, brilliant Dr. Thackery. Now,as Variety reports, the anticipated action film has added another major actor, namelyEthan Hawke, who has seen a similar meteoric rise as well following his exemplary work inRichard Linklater’s new classicBoyhood. Though DeHaan is confirmed to play the titular time-traveling agent and Delevingne is set to play his partner, while Owen is playing their boss, Hawke’s character has yet to be announced. Hopefully we’ll get word about that, and more about this increasingly interesting project, sooner than later, especially considering that Besson’s last film,Lucy, was one of the best of the divisive director’s storied career.
Here’s the official synopsis forValerianfrom 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.
