Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is the most expensive French film ever

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is reportedly the most expensive film in French history, confirms Cineuropa. The upcoming summer tentpole blockbuster is said to cost around €197 million, which is over double the original record held by 2008’s Asterix at the Olympic Games at a €78 million budget.

EuropaCorp is most likely comfortable with the budget given director Luc Besson’s history with the science fiction genre (The Fifth Element), and the fact that the film is based on an already established lore. Also, with over 200 different variations of aliens present and an abundance of special effects required, it only makes sense for the budget to quickly blow up.

With that said, it’s definitely a huge gamble. This studio clearly has faith in the project, however, as more films in the franchise are already being planned. Let us know what you think in the comments below…

SEE ALSO: Watch the new trailer for Luc Besson’s Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets

In the 28^th 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.

SEE ALSO: Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets sequel already in development

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is set for release on July 21st, 2017 and features a cast that includes Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen, Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, John Goodman, Herbie Hancock, and Kris Wu.

Originally published April 11, 2017. Updated November 30, 2022.