This Surprising Sci-Fi Film Is a Streaming Success

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It’s usually challenging to encourage the average audience to watch non-sequel science fiction movies in cinemas, as compared to blockbuster sci-fi films from Marvel Studios or Avatar by James Cameron, which have made a fortune. The popularity of these movies is partly due to recognizable names like Marvel and James Cameron on their posters. Unfortunately, many sci-fi “tentpole” films have failed in the past, such as Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, John Carter, Titan A.E., Battlefield Earth, the original Blade Runner, among others. These futuristic settings with blasters and robots can sometimes come off as too complex or “geeky” for mainstream audiences.

Occasionally, these projects gain traction in environments with less financial pressure, such as home video or streaming platforms. However, for eight years since its release, Luc Besson’s box office flop Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets hasn’t seemed to be gaining popularity in that manner. There were only rare instances of memes or cosplay related to the movie. But now, it appears that this trend may be changing. As we speak, Valerian is the fifth most-watched movie on Max, without any special circumstances or marketing efforts driving people to watch it.

What is Valerian?

The French comic series “Valérian and Laureline,” created by Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières, started in 1967. It gained a large following in France due to its unique artwork and thrilling science fiction stories. This series captivated many, including future filmmaker Luc Besson, who was drawn to its influence, as seen in his unconventional 1997 sci-fi film “The Fifth Element.” Years later, Besson decided to bring this comic to life on the big screen, investing a substantial $177 million into its adaptation.

The movie titled “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” is based on the original work. This film tells the story of intergalactic law enforcers, Valerian, played by Dane DeHaan, and Laureline, portrayed by Cara Delevingne. Their missions and assignments lead them to Alpha, an enormous metropolis housing a myriad of diverse alien species, each with their vibrant societies. As they journey through this city, they discover that not everything is as it appears on this planet. A larger plot is unfolding, one that involves individuals they believed were trustworthy, along with the legendary Emperor Haban Limaï (Elizabeth Debicki) of the extraterrestrial realm.

In 2017, it’s understandable why Valerian didn’t resonate with American audiences, given its release date and competition from other well-established franchises. Specifically, it premiered on the same day as Dunkirk and a week after War for the Planet of the Apes. With so many appealing choices based on popular predecessors (the reputation of Christopher Nolan and the Planet of the Apes series), it’s no surprise that moviegoers in this region might have opted for those familiar titles instead.

To elaborate, Valerian’s films were not widely recognized or associated with successful comic book adaptations such as The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and Suicide Squad at that time. Added to this, the film Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets received mixed reviews and was unable to recoup its production costs.

Why is Valerian Getting So Much Viewership Now?

One possible reason why Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is gaining popularity now, despite its earlier release, could be that actor Dane DeHaan is currently starring in a popular Netflix series, “American Primeval.” With this show attracting many viewers, it’s plausible that audiences are eager to explore other projects led by this talented actor. Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets stands out as DeHaan’s most significant and elaborate production to date. The growing success of “American Primeval” might be propelling Valerian to new levels of fame, even reaching heights that were previously thought impossible for this film title.

A key factor might instead lie in the fact that an innovative science fiction movie such as Valerian, being less conventional, may find a larger audience within the relaxed atmosphere of streaming services rather than in traditional cinemas. Films that some viewers wouldn’t spend $10 to watch on a large screen could become enticing options for filling up free time during the afternoon at home. Under these conditions, people might be more open to discovering a science fiction film that isn’t associated with well-known directors like Nolan, Cameron, or the Marvel universe.

Perhaps, due to whatever causes led to the unexpected triumph of “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” on Max, it’s now likely that this Besson production will enchant viewers in much the same way as those initial comics enthralled the director years ago.

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is now streaming on Max.

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2025-01-25 20:42