For science-fiction fans, one of the most anticipated films of the summer is ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets,’ the new visual effects blockbuster from director Luc Besson.  Based on the French graphic novel series ‘Valerian and Laureline’ that first began publication in the 1960s, the film has had a long trip to get to the silver screen, mostly surrounding the technology needed to create such a visual on-screen presence.

Indeed, Besson tells it best in a line from the brand-new behind-the-scenes featurette for the film, where he compares the amount of visual-effects work between the new film and his “other” sci-fi classic film, ‘The Fifth Element.’  As Besson says:

“In ‘The Fifth Element, there are 188 special effects shots; in ‘Valerian,’ there are 2,734.”

Take a look at the new video and enjoy – ‘Valerian’ is headed our way very soon!

VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS is the visually spectacular new adventure film from Luc Besson, the legendary director of The Professional, The Fifth Element and Lucy, based on the ground-breaking comic book series which inspired a generation of artists, writers and filmmakers.

In the 28th century, Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) are a team of special operatives charged with maintaining order throughout the human territories. Under assignment from the Minister of Defense, the two embark on a mission to the astonishing city of Alpha—an ever-expanding metropolis where species from all over the universe have converged over centuries to share knowledge, intelligence and cultures with each other. There is a mystery at the center of Alpha, a dark force which threatens the peaceful existence of the City of a Thousand Planets, and Valerian and Laureline must race to identify the marauding menace and safeguard not just Alpha, but the future of the universe.

Cast: Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen, Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, John Goodman, Herbie Hancock, Kris Wu

Director: Luc Besson

Writer: Screenplay by Luc Besson. Based on the comic book series Valerian and Laureline by Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières, Published by Dargaud.

‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’ will premiere in American cinemas on July 21, 2017.