Of all the comic book movies coming out in 2017,Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planetsmay be the most interesting. And it also looks like it may be the riskiest. Doing anexpensive sci-fi movieabout a relatively obscure comic book that most mainstream moviegoers aren’t aware of is dangerous on its own, but when that movie costs more than $200 million dollars to make, it is insanely risky.
According toCineuropa, directorLuc Besson’sValeriannow holds the distinction of being the mostexpensive French movieproduction in history. And it isn’t even close. The closest contender is a French movie calledAsterix at the Olympic Games, which cost $82 million to make. With the budget forValerian and the City of a Thousand Planetsreportedly coming in at a staggering $209 million, that puts it at almost triple the budget of the previous record holder. Here is the official synopsis forValerian.
“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.”
It isn’t overly uncommon forcomic book moviesto have massive budgets, but even most Marvel movies don’t approach the $200 million mark. That means that EuropaCorp is either really confident in whatLuc Bessonhas in store, or things just got out of hand. Either way,Valerianis going to have to make a boatload of money just to break even, let alone be the blockbuster hit the studio is likely hoping it can be. At least the trailers have looked outstanding. Though, that may not be nearly enough to give this movie the push it needs during a very crowded summer movie season.
Even ifValerian and the City of a Thousand Planetshad no direct competition it would possibly be a tough sell, but the week before Fox is releasingWar for the Planet of the ApesandChristopher Nolan’s WWII epicDunkirkwill be competing with it directly. Not to mention thatSpider-Man: Homecomingwill still be hanging around for its third weekend at the box office. This adaptation of the graphic novel series,Valerian and Laurelinecould wind up as a delightful surprise for moviegoers this summer, or one of the biggest bombs of 2017. Only time will tell. The cast for the movie includesDane DeHaan,Cara Delevingne,Rihanna,John Goodman,Ethan Hawke,Clive OwenandRutger Hauer.Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planetsis directed byLuc Bessonand is set for release on July 21.
