At San Diego Comic Con, we were able to attend, and film an interview for writer and director Luc Besson’s latest film, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. Besson, who is known already for hits like The Fifth Element, The Professional, and La Femme Nikita, graced the dais in his first ever Hall H appearance to six thousand cheering fans. Joining the legendary director was the filmDev’s producer and wife, Virginie Besson-Silla (Lucy, Revolver), Dane DeHaan (The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Chronicle), and Cara Delevingne (Suicide Squad, Paper Towns).
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets takes place in the 28th century centering on two intergalactic special operatives Valerian (DeHaan) and Laureline (Delevigne) who embark on a mission to the city of Alpha, an ever-growing metropolis consisting of thousands of species from all over the universe. With a population of twenty million and counting, Alpha relies on the inhabitants technology and resources for the betterment of existence. However with unknown entities growing in the shadows, threatening everyone in Alpha. Co-starring with DeHaan and Delevingne are Clive Owen, Ethan Hawke, John Goodman, Rutger Hauer and Rihanna.
Question #1: Tell me about these two lead characters here and how these two individuals fit your idea of casting.
Answer: 0:01
Question #2: Danny and Cara, did he weigh heavily on you? Did he have any specific tips? I mean, he knew the characters by heart. What kind of words of advice did he give you folks?
Answer: 1:16
Question #3: Virginie, I understand you’re not a sci fi fan, per say. What was it about this script and characters that made you want to produce?
Answer: 3:31
Question #4: Cara, you’re falling in line with a director who has a history of ass kickass female leads. How did you approach the role and what were your thoughts when you got cast?
Answer: 4:40
Question #5: And Dane, how do you combat that? Tell me about the chemistry on set with these folks.
Answer: 5:29
Question #6: Obviously films such as Star Trek and Star Wars have taken us to interplanetary worlds. So what artistic challenges for you the create something new and different that audiences haven’t heard before?
Answer: 7:19
Question #7: As a Chinese actor how did you cast Kris Wu and what kind of character does he play?
Answer: 10:56
Question #8: English-wise, can he speak English well?
Answer: 11:50
Question #9: What three things you want fans to know going into the film?
Answer: 12:12
Question #10: What were the physical challenges of making the film and how did you make the characters?
Answer: 13:09
Question #11: As a husband and wife team, did you find it challenging sometimes?
Answer: 14:23
Question #12: What makes Valerian visually of emotionally distinct from other science fiction films of this present age of filmmaking?
Answer:Â 15:46
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This video was recorded by Al Mannarino and Ryan Demarco, with editing by Erin Mathis. Question transcription was written by Matt Kelly
