‘Valerian’ Set Photos Show Off Luc Besson’s Ambitious New Sci-Fi Epic

One of the more intriguing upcoming blockbusters is Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (or just Valerian, for short), Luc Besson’s long-developing sci-fi film based on the classic French graphic novel series. Starring Cara Delevingne and Dane DeHaan as a pair of spatio-temporal agents, the futuristic new project shares some aesthetic DNA with The Fifth Element, as you can see in Besson’s collection of photos from the set.

Valerian doesn’t hit theaters until next July, so it’s going to be quite a while before we get to see the first teaser and really get a sense of what Besson’s been up to with this passion project. But the director has been sharing photos from the set over the past few weeks on his Facebook page, offering sneak peeks at Delevingne, DeHaan and their co-stars Clive Owen, Kris Wu and Thalia Besson (yes, Luc Besson’s daughter).

We’ve already seen Delevingne and DeHaan in their heavy metal sci-fi get-ups, but Besson’s photos show off some of the other costumes — which take a colorful approach to a more classic militaristic style. There’s also a sleek, intimidating robot which Besson describes as a “K-Tron”:

Here’s the official plot description:

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.

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets also stars John Goodman, Ethan Hawke, Rihanna and jazz legend Herbie Hancock, and hits theaters on July 21, 2017.