The Making of 'Valérian and the City of a Thousand Planets': Getting Greenlit and the Story Behind its Creation

The 2017 film adaptation of 'Valérian and the City of a Thousand Planets' was an ambitious attempt to bring the legendary comic series to the big screen. However, the journey to greenlighting the film and making it a reality was fraught with challenges and creative compromises.

Origins and Inspiration

'Valérian and the City of a Thousand Planets' is a beloved comic book series created by Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières in the 1970s. The series has captured imaginations with its space opera premise, featuring the adventures of space cop Valérian and his partner Laureline as they patrol the futuristic city Alpha. When word of a film adaptation began to emerge, many fans were excited, hoping to see the colorful and imaginative universe of the comics brought to life on the big screen.

Greenlighting the Project

The path to greenlighting the film was not straightforward. The decision to make a movie out of the comic was influenced by several factors. First and foremost, the franchise had a dedicated following, and the potential for a high-concept, visually spectacular film was undeniable. Additionally, the comic's colorful and vibrant world offered a unique canvas for filmmakers to explore. The studio saw an opportunity to tap into the lucrative science fiction market and capitalize on the interest in space-themed content.

The Challenges of Adaptation

Despite the potential, the adaptation process faced significant challenges. Adapting a comic book to film requires a delicate balance between staying true to the original material and creating a narrative that works within the constraints of a feature-length runtime. The filmmakers had to address several core issues:

Clarifying the Source Material: The comics are incredibly detailed and expansive, covering an entire universe. Condensing this into a coherent and engaging film narrative was a significant challenge. Editorial Decisions: Deciding which storylines and characters to include was crucial. Some of the most beloved elements of the comics were left out, such as a prominent character like Cadmus and parts of the detailed Alpha cityscape. Visuals vs. Story: Given the complex and imaginative nature of the comic, filmmakers had to decide whether to prioritize visual spectacle or narrative consistency. At times, the desire for striking visuals led to a narrative that was less cohesive.

The Hollywoodization Process

The process of adapting a franchise from the comic pages to the big screen is often referred to as "Hollywoodization." This term encapsulates the significant changes that occur during the filmmaking process to make the story more palatable for mainstream audiences. For 'Valérian and the City of a Thousand Planets,' the Hollywoodization involved several key areas:

Character Development: While the characters in the comics are rich and multifaceted, the film adaptation focused more on their comic book counterparts and added new layers of complexity. For instance, the personalities and motivations of Valérian and Laureline were refined to better suit the visual storytelling format. Visual Effects: The film utilized state-of-the-art CGI to bring the futuristic metropolis of Alpha to life. However, critics argue that some elements, such as the portrayal of certain alien species, were oversimplified or exaggerated. Pacing and Structure: The narrative structure was streamlined to fit within a two-hour runtime. Some of the more nuanced subplots and character interactions were condensed or removed to maintain a linear, fast-paced narrative.

Creative Critiques and Controversies

The adaptation of 'Valérian and the City of a Thousand Planets' did not receive universal praise. Many fans and critics felt that the film fell short of capturing the depth and imagination of the comic. Common complaints included:

Lack of Depth: Some felt that the core themes and character motivations that made the comic series so compelling were not as well-developed in the film. Alien Species: Certain alien species were depicted quite differently from the comics, leading to controversy and disappointment among dedicated fans. Pacing Issues: Critics pointed out that the film sometimes felt rushed and lacked the sense of weight and historical context present in the comics.

For some fans, the experience of watching the film was a letdown. However, it is essential to recognize that not all adaptations can capture the spirit of their source material, and the film served as a bridge for a new generation of viewers to experience the Valérian universe.

Conclusion

The journey of 'Valérian and the City of a Thousand Planets' from comic pages to the big screen is a testament to the challenges and compromises involved in adapting a beloved source material. Despite some criticisms, the film remains an interesting example of how a comic series can be transformed into a live-action adaptation, and it sparked new interest in the Valérian universe for a modern audience.