Luc Besson Adapts the Sci-Fi Comic VALERIAN For the Big Screen

Luc Besson (The Fifth Element) will write and direct a 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.

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.” (nothing without the woman!) Also, it is rumoured that the role of Laureline will go to Angelina Jolie.

Yay, another redhead as main character in the movies! I haven’t had an opportunity to read the comic, unfortunately, but I can say that I already like both comic and movies – and it only took a redhead. Just kidding, I loved Besson’s work on The Fifth Element though, so this really jabbed at my curiosity – I will definitely get my hands on the comic and am looking forward to the movie.

Besson’s next movie is the dark comedic crime thriller Malavita, which shoots August, starring Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Tommy Lee Jones.