While Luc Besson is best known for his assassin films like The Professional or The Transporter, he's also got a fondness for sci-fi. The Lucy and The Fifth Element director is gearing up one of his biggest production yet with Valerian, an adaptation of the French graphic novel. Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, and Clive Owen are already set to star, but Variety reports they've now been joined by Ethan Hawke, making for one of Besson's starriest casts yet.
DeHaan is set to play the titular temporal agent at the center of the story, with Suicide Squad's Delevingne as his companion, Laureline, a peasant girl transported from the 11th century. Owen's role is that of Commander Filitt, while Hawke's role remains under wraps at the moment. It's unclear if it's a major role or just a small appearance, but chances are if Besson wanted him it's so he can have a significant impact. Here's the official synopsis:
Rooted in the classic graphic novel series, Valerian and Laureline- visionary writer/director Luc Besson advances this iconic source material into a contemporary, unique and epic science fiction saga. 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 is expected to open in 2017.
