For those searching for (whether looking for an "explanation," "extended cut," or "epic review"), this article will serve as your definitive deep dive into the film’s ambitious world-building, its stunning set pieces, and why it remains a cult classic in waiting. The Origin: From French Comics to Galactic Opera Before diving into the plot, one must understand the DNA of the film. Valérian and Laureline (originally Valérian: Spatio-Temporal Agent ) was created by Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières in 1967. For fifty years, this comic series influenced nearly every major sci-fi property that followed. George Lucas has openly admitted that the design of Star Wars —from Princess Leia’s slave outfit to the crowded cantina on Tatooine—borrowed heavily from Mézières' art.
Luc Besson, a lifelong fan, spent nearly a decade trying to bring this universe to the screen. The result is a film that doesn't just adapt a single comic issue but uses the central concept of Alpha —a massive space station that grew over centuries into a "city of a thousand planets"—as a narrative sandbox. The story follows Major Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Sergeant Laureline (Cara Delevingne), agents of the United Human Federation. They are tasked with maintaining order throughout the universe. The film opens with a stunning, wordless montage showing the International Space Station gradually welcoming alien species, expanding over generations into the metropolis of Alpha. Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets - E...
★★★☆☆ (3.5/5 – A visual masterpiece hampered by its leads, but essential viewing for hardcore sci-fi fans.) Have you seen Valerian? Do you think it deserves a sequel? Share your thoughts below, or check out our deep dive into the art of Jean-Claude Mézières. For those searching for (whether looking for an
The main plot kicks off when Valerian has a vision of a lost paradise planet, Mul, destroyed by a mysterious weapon. He discovers that a surviving race of peaceful humanoids, the Pearls, are hiding in the lower depths of Alpha, being hunted by a ruthless Commander (Clive Owen) who is covering up a past atrocity. For fifty years, this comic series influenced nearly
This miscasting is often why the film failed at the box office. However, for viewers willing to look past the awkward flirting and focus on the Laurel and Hardy-style banter or the action choreography, the film remains deeply enjoyable. The supporting cast—Clive Owen as the paranoid General, Ethan Hawke as a pimp in a pleasure district, and Rihanna as the shape-shifting entertainer "Bubble"—often steal the show, particularly Rihanna’s emotional burlesque performance. For those typing Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets – E into their search bars, here are the three most common "E" queries: 1. Extended Cut Yes, there is an extended cut (approximately 8 minutes longer than the theatrical version). It does not fix the dialogue issues, but it adds crucial world-building scenes in Alpha, including a longer introduction to the "Kistans" (humanoid fish creatures) and an extended sequence of Valerian navigating the city’s red-light district. If you can find the Blu-ray extended edition, it is the definitive way to watch. 2. Ending Explained (Spoilers) The film ends with Valerian and Laureline defying orders. They return the stolen converter to the Pearls, which regenerates their home planet’s core. Instead of punishing them, the Federation Commander thanks them, and the two agents request to be stationed on Alpha permanently. The final shot is the two of them walking into the depths of the city, ready for new adventures—a perfect setup for a sequel that will likely never happen. 3. The "Empire" Connection Many search for "E" looking for the film’s connection to Star Wars (The Empire). While there is no direct link, the film serves as a meta-commentary on imperialism. The human Federation is the "Empire" here—well-intentioned but covering up the genocide of the Pearls to protect their reputation. Legacy: A Future Cult Classic? When Valerian was released in 2017, it bombed domestically (grossing only $40 million in the US against a $180 million budget). However, international and streaming numbers have been strong. Why?
Because is a film that prioritizes imagination over logic. In an era where sci-fi is often grey, gritty, and realistic (think Blade Runner 2049 or The Expanse ), Besson’s film is blindingly bright and unapologetically weird.
Searching for likely means you are a curious viewer looking for escapism. You will find it here. Skip the romantic subplot, mute the occasional groan-worthy line of dialogue, and let your eyes feast on one of the most expensive and beautiful dreams ever committed to celluloid.