In the summer of 2017, Luc Besson brought one of the most ambitious science-fiction films ever attempted to theaters. Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets was a visually dazzling space opera based on a beloved French comic series, featuring a young cast and a reported budget that made it one of the most expensive European productions in history. The film divided critics and underperformed at the box office, yet it has since found a second life through streaming and a devoted cult following.
The movie transports viewers to the 28th century, where special operatives Valerian and Laureline must protect the sprawling interplanetary city of Alpha. With its groundbreaking visual effects, a shapeshifting entertainer played by Rihanna, and a narrative rooted in decades of comic-book storytelling, the film remains a frequent topic of discussion for sci-fi fans. This guide covers the key questions about the cast, the source material, the likelihood of a sequel, and where to watch it today.
Who Stars in Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets?
The lead roles are played by Dane DeHaan as Major Valerian and Cara Delevingne as Sergeant Laureline. Together, they form an intergalactic peacekeeping duo tasked with uncovering a mysterious threat at the heart of Alpha. Clive Owen appears as Commander Arun Filitt, their superior officer. Rihanna plays Bubble, a shape-shifting Glamopod performer, and Ethan Hawke plays Jolly the Pimp, a character who runs a nightclub on a distant space station. The supporting cast also includes Herbie Hancock, Kris Wu, and Sam Spruell.
Key Insights About the Film
- Valerian is one of the most expensive European films ever made, with visual effects by Industrial Light & Magic.
- Despite mixed reviews, the film developed a cult following and is praised for its imaginative world-building and the opening Bubble sequence.
- The movie’s theatrical performance was considered a commercial disappointment, leading to low chances of a direct sequel.
- The source material, Valérian and Laureline, is a classic French comic series that inspired many sci-fi works including Star Wars.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Release Date | July 21, 2017 (US) |
| Director | Luc Besson |
| Lead Actors | Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne |
| Box Office | $225 million (Worldwide) |
| Budget | $180–200 million |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 48% (Critics), 47% (Audience) |
| Metacritic | 51/100 |
| Where to Stream | Amazon Prime (US), Disney+ (selected regions), rental on Apple TV/iTunes |
Will There Be a Valerian 2 Sequel?
As of 2025, no sequel has been officially announced. The film’s box-office performance—$225 million worldwide against a budget of roughly $180–200 million—made a direct follow-up financially difficult. In September 2017, director Luc Besson told reporters that a sequel was still possible because of positive fan reactions, but in 2018 he acknowledged that the financial results made it unlikely. No major studio has since committed to a continuation, and the project remains in limbo.
Luc Besson stated in September 2017 that a sequel was still possible due to enthusiastic fan response, but by 2018 he conceded that the film’s commercial performance made moving forward difficult. No official announcements have been made since.
Fans continue to campaign for a sequel, and the original comic series offers decades of story material that could be adapted. However, without a studio greenlight, the future of the franchise remains uncertain. Some observers have speculated that a television adaptation might be more viable, but no concrete plans have materialized as of early 2025.
Is Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets Based on a Book?
Yes. The film is adapted from the long-running French comic book series Valérian and Laureline, created by writer Pierre Christin and artist Jean-Claude Mézières. The series first appeared in 1967 in the pages of Pilote magazine, and it ran for decades, producing more than twenty albums. The comic is widely regarded as a foundational work of European science fiction and is known to have influenced George Lucas when he was developing Star Wars.
How the Movie Differs from the Graphic Novel
While the film retains the core characters and the central idea of two agents protecting Alpha, it condenses and reworks storylines from multiple comic volumes. Luc Besson chose to focus on an original plot involving a mysterious dark force, rather than adapt any single comic arc directly. Some critics noted that the film’s tone and pacing differ from the comics, which often mix adventure with satirical humor.
The Valérian and Laureline comics ran from 1967 through 2010, spanning twenty-three volumes. The series is credited with inspiring elements of Star Wars, particularly the look of certain spacecraft and the idea of a central spaceport city.
For readers who want to explore the original stories, many of the comic albums have been translated into English and remain in print. The visual style of the comic—especially Mézières’ detailed, imaginative designs—is directly visible in the film’s production design.
Where Can I Watch Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets?
Streaming availability varies by region and changes frequently due to licensing agreements. As of early 2025, the film is available with a subscription on Amazon Prime in the United States and on Disney+ in select international markets. It is also listed for streaming on Hulu and is available to rent or buy on platforms such as Apple TV, iTunes, Fandango at Home, and Amazon Video. Rotten Tomatoes currently shows the film as available with a subscription on HBO Max, and for rent or purchase on Fandango at Home.
Streaming rights differ by country and can change without notice. The film may rotate between services; it is always worth checking current availability on your preferred platform before purchasing a rental or subscription.
Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD are widely available from online retailers. The 4K Ultra HD edition includes bonus features such as behind-the-scenes documentaries and interviews with the cast and crew.
What Is the Bubble Scene in Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets?
The Bubble scene is one of the most frequently discussed sequences in the film. Bubble is a Glamopod, a shapeshifting entertainer who performs in a nightclub on a space station. Rihanna plays the character, who uses her ability to transform into various humanoid forms during a musical dance number. The scene is a visual highlight, showcasing both the film’s impressive CGI and Rihanna’s performance.
Rihanna’s portrayal of Bubble was singled out by many critics as one of the film’s strongest elements. The character’s ability to shift between multiple forms—each with a distinct costume and choreography—required extensive visual effects work. Rotten Tomatoes lists a behind-the-scenes feature specifically titled “Rihanna as Bubble.”
In the context of the story, Bubble helps Valerian and Laureline escape from a dangerous situation, and her loyalty ultimately proves crucial to their mission. The scene has been praised as an inventive set piece, though some viewers felt it slowed the narrative momentum. It remains one of the most memorable moments in the film and a frequent topic in fan discussions.
A Timeline of Valerian: From Comic to Screen
- : First Valérian comic published in Pilote magazine.
- : Luc Besson announces film adaptation.
- : Principal photography begins at Cité du Cinéma, France.
- : Trailer debut at Comic-Con.
- : Theatrical release worldwide.
- : Luc Besson states a sequel is unlikely due to financial performance.
- : Film gains renewed interest via streaming and cult following; no sequel announced.
What Is Known and What Remains Uncertain About Valerian
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| The film was released in 2017 and directed by Luc Besson. | Whether a sequel or reboot will ever be produced — no official announcements as of 2025. |
| It is based on the French comic series Valérian and Laureline. | Exact budget figures vary by source (reported $180–200 million). |
| The main cast includes Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen, and Rihanna. | Future streaming availability depends on licensing deals which change frequently. |
| The film underperformed at the box office relative to its budget. | No official word on a potential TV adaptation discussed in 2019. |
The Context Behind Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets represents Luc Besson’s ambitious attempt to bring a beloved European comic to the big screen. The film’s visual style and expansive universe were praised, but critics pointed to weak character development and an uneven plot. The commercial failure is often attributed to the high budget, limited marketing reach outside France, and competition from summer blockbusters like Dunkirk and Spider-Man: Homecoming.
Despite these challenges, the film has maintained a small but passionate fanbase and is frequently discussed for its innovative CGI and the now-iconic Bubble opening sequence. The source comics remain in print, and many readers continue to discover the original stories that inspired the film.
What Critics and Reviewers Have Said
“It’s a good film. A bit of a mess, but it’s got heart and… that opening scene is one of the best things I’ve ever seen.”
— Chris Stuckmann, movie reviewer
“Valerian is a visual feast that struggles to balance spectacle with story.”
— Rotten Tomatoes critics consensus
These two perspectives capture the split reception the film received. Many viewers admire the ambition and artistry on display, while others find the storytelling uneven. The Rotten Tomatoes score of 48% from critics and 47% from audiences reflects the divided opinion. On Metacritic, the film holds a score of 51 out of 100.
What’s Next for the Valerian Franchise?
As of 2025, no official sequel or spin-off has been announced. Fans continue to campaign for a continuation, and the source comics offer decades of material. Streaming platforms may rotate availability; currently the film is available on Amazon Prime in the US and on Disney+ in some markets. A potential TV adaptation of Valérian and Laureline was discussed in 2019 but has not moved forward. For now, the film remains a standalone entry that has found a dedicated audience through home viewing and streaming.
For readers interested in similar films, The Day of the Jackal (Film) – Plot Cast Remakes and Streaming Guide offers another deep dive into a notable adaptation, while New Star Wars Game – Complete Guide to All Upcoming Releases covers the latest in sci-fi gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions About Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets
Is Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets a trilogy?
No, only one film has been released. The original comic series spans many volumes, but the film was planned as a possible franchise that never materialized.
Where can I find the official trailer for Valerian?
The official trailer is available on YouTube via Lionsgate Movies and STX Entertainment channels.
What is Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets about?
In the 28th century, special operatives Valerian and Laureline are sent to Alpha, an interplanetary city, to investigate a dark force threatening its many species. The film combines space opera with a mystery plot.
Did the film make a profit at the box office?
No. With a budget of $180–200 million and worldwide gross of $225 million, the film is widely considered a commercial disappointment.
Who composed the music for the film?
The score was composed by Alexandre Desplat, with additional songs and tracks featured throughout the film.
Is the Bubble character in the original comics?
No. Bubble is an original character created for the film, though the idea of shapeshifting entertainers appears in various forms across the comic series.
What is the runtime of Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets?
The film runs for 137 minutes.
Where was the film shot?
Principal photography took place at Cité du Cinéma in Saint-Denis, France, with additional shooting in various international locations.
Who designed the visual effects?
The visual effects were created by Industrial Light & Magic, along with several other studios including Weta Digital and Digital Domain.
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Grace Hollis is Film & Music Correspondent at CultureObserver.uk, covering film releases, music news, soundtracks and awards season.