‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’ (2017) is a French Sci-Fi movie produced, written and directed by Luc Besson and stars Cara Delevingne. In the 28th century, special operatives Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) maintain order throughout the universe for the government of the human territories. Under orders from their commander (Clive Owen), the duo embark on a mission to Alpha, an intergalactic city where diverse species share their technology and resources for the betterment of all. The ever-expanding metropolis is also home to sinister forces that jeopardize the future of mankind.
The film is based on the French science fiction comics series Valérian and Laureline, written by Pierre Christin and illustrated by Jean-Claude Mézières.
The Hollywood Reporter notes that the first trailer for Besson’s upcoming sci-fi epic Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets uses the Beatles’ “Because,” which marks the first time one of the band’s original tracks has been licensed in this way. Given all the time it took to reach this milestone, one might assume the band’s representatives were opposed, but Besson says that wasn’t the case at all.
“I just asked! We reached out to Paul McCartney, and he asked, ‘What is the film?’ and then he said yes! I never met him – I wish I could, to thank him. From what I heard, he’s seen a couple of my films,” Besson told CinemaBlend. “There is a vibe that I think, from what I heard, made him say, ‘For this one, because it’s at least new and fresh.’ So I think that he likes that. He likes to be part of something new.” (From article by Ultimate Classic Rock)
