Luc Besson Adapting Sci-Fi Comic VALERIAN for the Big Screen
Luc Besson (The Professional, Transporter series) will write and direct a feature film live-action adaptation of the 1967 French sci-fi comic series Valerian. The comic mixes space opera with time travel plots, and influenced films such as Star Wars, The Fifth Element, and Avatar. I'm familiar with this comic from the cool retro artwork that I've seen over the years.
The comic was created by writer Pierre Christin and artist Jean-Claude Mézières. The story focuses on the adventures of Valérian, "a spatio-temporal agent, and his redheaded female companion, Laureline, as they travel the universe through space and time. Valérian is a classical anti-hero, kind-hearted, strong and brave but with a tendency to follow the orders of his superiors even if he feels, deep down, that it is the wrong thing to do. On the other hand, his companion Laureline combines her superior intelligence, determination and independence with sex-appeal, making her one of science fiction's most notable heroines."
This is sure to end up being a great project for Besson to develop. I enjoy the movies that he makes, and this could be very cool. I truly hope that they keep the awesome retro style of the comic and carry it over into the film.
Besson's next movie is the dark comedic crime thriller Malavita, which shoots August, starring Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Tommy Lee Jones.
What do you think of Besson bringing Valerian to life on the big screen?!