Valerian's Underrated Legacy: Seven Years On, This Sci-Fi Masterpiece Might Finally Get Its Due

It feels like just yesterday, doesn't it? Seven years ago today, we were introduced to a cinematic spectacle that, let's be honest, probably didn't get the love it truly deserved. I'm talking, of course, about Luc Besson's ambitious sci-fi epic, "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets." Released back on July 21, 2017, this film was a visual feast, a true marvel of imagination that, for whatever reason, just didn't quite land with audiences in the way many of us hoped.

And what a feast it was! Seriously, the CGI in "Valerian" remains breathtaking, even seven years on. It wasn't just about throwing pixels on screen; it was about crafting entire ecosystems, dozens of unique alien species, and a sprawling, vibrant universe that felt genuinely alive. From the bustling markets of Alpha, the titular City of a Thousand Planets, to the subtle nuances in alien facial expressions, every single frame was bursting with intricate detail. It truly transported you, much like the best sci-fi should, to places you'd never dreamed of, all without ever feeling artificial or plastic. It was a masterclass in visual storytelling, showcasing a world as rich and complex as anything we've seen from, say, James Cameron, but with a distinct, playful European sensibility.

So, with such astonishing visuals and world-building, why did it struggle? That's the million-dollar question, or rather, the multi-million-dollar question, considering its hefty $200 million budget – a record for an independent film at the time. Despite recouping a little over $225 million worldwide, it was unfortunately deemed a box office flop, needing significantly more to break even. Perhaps its unique tone, a blend of serious sci-fi and quirky humor, was a bit too niche for mainstream audiences, or maybe it just got lost in a crowded summer movie season. Whatever the reason, it's always felt like a crying shame to me that such a passion project, so rich in visual imagination, didn't find its wider audience upon release.

You see, "Valerian" wasn't just some studio-mandated project; it was Luc Besson's dream, a passion project born from his lifelong love for the classic French comic series "Valérian and Laureline." This wasn't just a director cashing a paycheck; this was an artist bringing a beloved, influential source material to life with every ounce of his creative energy. That kind of dedication truly shines through in the film's intricate design and sheer scale. Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne, as the titular agents, brought a charming, if sometimes bickering, dynamic to the heart of this vast adventure.

And now, after all these years, there's a glimmer of hope! Besson himself has recently dropped hints that a sequel might actually be in the cards. Can you imagine? He mentioned having a screenplay written and that discussions are ongoing. For fans who appreciated the sheer ambition and visual artistry of the first film, this is absolutely thrilling news. The idea of revisiting that universe, diving deeper into Alpha and exploring more of Besson's unique vision, is incredibly exciting. It makes you wonder what other wonders he has in store for us.

"Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets" may have been an underdog financially, but its legacy as a visually groundbreaking and utterly imaginative piece of science fiction endures. It’s a film that genuinely deserves a second look, or perhaps a first for those who missed its theatrical run. Seven years later, it still holds up beautifully, a testament to its incredible artistry. Here's hoping those sequel talks lead somewhere, because a universe this vibrant and creatively rich certainly deserves to expand.