Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets – Cast, Streaming & Sequel Guide

Luc Besson brought the beloved French comic series Valérian and Laureline to the big screen in 2017 with Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. The film combines spectacular visual effects with an ambitious story set across time and space. This guide covers the full cast, streaming options, trailer details, and answers common questions about the movie’s origins and potential sequels.

The project represented a major gamble for Besson, who wrote, directed, and produced the adaptation. Drawing from source material that dates back to the 1960s, the film sought to introduce a classic European comic to international audiences. The result was one of the most expensive independent productions ever mounted in Europe.

Whether you are curious about Rihanna’s supporting role as Bubble, wondering where to stream the film, or researching the possibility of a sequel, this article provides a comprehensive overview based on verified information.

What is the cast of Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets?

The film stars Dane DeHaan as Major Valerian, the confident space operative at the center of the story. Cara Delevingne portrays Sergeant Laureline, whose level-headedness often tempers Valerian’s reckless instincts. The pairing forms the heart of the narrative, with both actors playing agents assigned to maintain order across human territories in the 28th century. According to multiple sources including Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes, the duo anchors the ensemble cast.

Clive Owen plays Commander Arün Filitt, a high-ranking official whose involvement proves central to the unfolding mystery. Rihanna appears as Bubble, a shapeshifting Glamopod entertainer who becomes entangled in the plot through her association with Ethan Hawke’s character Jolly the Pimp. Supporting roles include Herbie Hancock as Defence Minister, Rutger Hauer as President of the World State Federation, and voice performances from John Goodman and Elizabeth Debicki.

Who is Bubble in Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets?

Bubble is one of the film’s most distinctive characters, rendered as a shapeshifting alien from the Glamopod species. Rihanna brings the role to life, portraying an entertainer who can alter her form to entertain and deceive. Her character serves a pivotal function in the story, particularly during sequences set within the dangerous districts of Alpha space station.

The character has attracted attention for her visual design and the mystery surrounding her origins. However, no dedicated Bubble sequel or standalone project has been officially confirmed, despite fan interest in expanded content.

Full Cast Overview

• Dane DeHaan as Major Valerian
• Cara Delevingne as Sergeant Laureline
• Clive Owen as Commander Arün Filitt
• Rihanna as Bubble
• Ethan Hawke as Jolly the Pimp
• Herbie Hancock as Defence Minister
• Kris Wu as Sergeant Neza
• Rutger Hauer as President of the World State Federation
• John Goodman as Igon Siruss (voice)
• Elizabeth Debicki as Emperor Haban Limaï (voice)
• Sam Spruell as General Okto Bar
• Alain Chabat as Bob the Pirate

Production Overview

Where can I watch Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets?

The film debuted in theaters on July 21, 2017, carrying a PG-13 rating. Following its theatrical run, home media became available through multiple formats. The digital release launched on November 7, 2017, with Ultra HD Blu-ray, standard Blu-ray, and DVD editions arriving on November 21, 2017, according to Wikipedia records.

For streaming, the film has appeared on platforms including Netflix in certain regions. Current streaming availability varies by territory and platform, so checking regional catalogues directly provides the most accurate information. Physical media remains an option for viewers who prefer collector’s editions or offline viewing.

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets Trailer

The official trailer showcases the film’s ambitious visual scope and introduces key characters including Valerian, Laureline, and Bubble. Promotional materials highlighted the stunning digital environments and action sequences that define the viewing experience. The trailer circulated widely during the marketing campaign prior to the July 2017 release date.

For those exploring similar cinematic experiences, Good Movies to Watch offers recommendations across science fiction genres.

Is there a Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets 2?

No sequel to Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets has been officially confirmed as of the most recent available information. Despite the film’s ambitious scale and passionate fanbase for the original comics, Universal Pictures and Luc Besson have not announced sequel development. The absence of confirmation means interested viewers should treat any rumors as unverified speculation.

What is the book behind Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets?

The film draws from the French comic series Valérian and Laureline, created by Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières. The comics were first published beginning in 1967 through Dargaud and eventually spanned over twenty volumes. Christin wrote the scripts while Mézières provided the distinctive artwork, establishing a series that would inspire generations of European science fiction readers.

Unlike some adaptations that follow a single comic storyline closely, the 2017 film borrows elements and characters from multiple stories within the series. This approach allowed Besson to craft an original narrative while honoring the source material’s spirit. The Valérian and Laureline comics remain available for readers seeking the original adventures.

What is Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)?

The film follows Major Valerian and Sergeant Laureline, special operatives tasked with protecting human territories throughout the galaxy. Their assignment takes them to Alpha, a massive space station that has grown into a metropolis housing thousands of alien species. The station represents a hub of knowledge exchange and cultural diversity across the cosmos.

Their mission involves retrieving a converter from a dangerous mission, but the assignment grows complicated when humanoids abduct Commander Filitt to steal the device. The investigation reveals a hidden secret about a peaceful alien race and an infected area within Alpha, forcing the operatives to confront a threat that could reshape the station’s future.

Production and Funding Details

Luc Besson produced the film alongside Virginie Silla, with executive producers Mark Gao and J.C. Cheng contributing to the international funding structure. The production gathered financing from multiple countries including France, the United States, China, Germany, Belgium, and the United Arab Emirates. This collaborative approach resulted in a budget of approximately €197 million, making it the most expensive European and independent film at the time of its production.

The scale of investment reflected the ambition behind bringing Valérian and Laureline to life onscreen. Production designer Hugues Tissandier built environments meant to capture the comic’s distinctive visual language, while composer Alexandre Desplat provided an orchestral score designed for epic scope.

Timeline of Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets

1. 1967: Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières publish the first Valérian and Laureline comic through Dargaud
2. 2015: Production officially announced with Luc Besson attached as director and producer
3. 2016: Filming concludes; post-production begins on extensive visual effects
4. July 21, 2017: Theatrical release in the United States and international markets
5. November 7, 2017: Digital home media release
6. November 21, 2017: Physical media release on Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD

What is confirmed and what remains unclear

The Comic Origins and Why They Matter

Valérian and Laureline represents one of France’s most celebrated science fiction comic series, running continuously for decades and influencing European popular culture significantly. The comics introduced readers to a universe far different from the American superhero narratives that dominated English-language comics. Mézières’ artwork created visual environments that directly inspired designers working on films including Star Wars, a fact acknowledged by Lucasfilm artists over the years.

Besson’s adaptation sought to translate this legacy to contemporary audiences while maintaining the series’ distinct identity. The film preserved central themes from the comics, including the partnership between the two protagonists, the exploration of alien civilizations, and the moral complexities that distinguish Valérian and Laureline from simpler space adventures.

For those interested in exploring comparable cast dynamics and ensemble science fiction productions, the Cast of Avatar 1 provides insight into another landmark sci-fi release featuring interconnected character ensembles.

Sources and Additional Information

Major Valerian and Sergeant Laureline are special operatives who maintain order throughout human territories. They are dispatched to the expanding space station Alpha to retrieve a converter from a dangerous mission.

— Plot summary from Rotten Tomatoes, Wikipedia, and TV Guide

Multiple sources inform this overview, including Fandango’s cast listing, Rotten Tomatoes’ production details, and the Valerian Fandom Wiki. Wikipedia provides supplementary information on production budget and release timelines. Where information remains uncertain, this article clearly indicates the limits of verified reporting.

For complete and up-to-date information, consulting the original sources directly remains advisable, particularly regarding current streaming availability and any future announcements from the production team.

Summary

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets stands as a visually ambitious adaptation of a beloved European comic series. Led by Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne, with notable support from Rihanna as Bubble, the cast brings Besson’s vision to life across spectacular digital environments. The film can be streamed through platforms including Netflix in certain regions, with physical media available for collectors. No sequel has been officially confirmed, but the source comics remain accessible for readers seeking more adventures in the Valérian universe.