French comic-book series VALARIAN looks as if it will be brought to the big-screen by fellow Frenchman Luc Besson. The LEON writer/director is planning to helm an English-language version of the adventures of the time-travelling space agent and his buxom sidekick Laureline. The comic book was first created in 1967 by Pierre Christin and graphic artist Jean-Claude Mezieres.
Besson has dabbled with many franchises in Hollywood, most notably THE TRANSPORTER and TAKEN (which has its sequel released 5th October) which sees him responsible for story/screenplays and producing. He also directed the visually-stunning futuristic epic THE FIFTH ELEMENT in 1997, which proved he could handle the genre. However, his decision to include Chris Tucker in the cast was met with all round derision. I’ve since learned plugging my ears and singing la-la-la until he disappeared seemed to work just fine – if you do it loud enough!
THN will bring you casting news as soon as we have confirmation. In the meantime Besson has his hands full with prepping an as-yet-untitled action-thriller starring Angelina Jolie, which is due to shoot later in the year.
Source: Variety
