MovieChat Forums > John Carter (2012) Discussion > Will Valerian be the next John Carter?

Will Valerian be the next John Carter?

posted 8 years ago by stevewyzard
3 replies | jump to latest

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is currently scheduled for release on July 21, 2017. Based on a French comic book, the budget is already over $200 million. While it will probably be a hit in Europe, to break even it will most likely need to make at least $400-450 million. Regardless of whether it's any good or not, the budget figures will scare off marketers and many of those who would otherwise be interested.

1) Taking into account that Christopher Nolan's next film, Dunkirk, will be released the same month, is this John Carter happening all over again?

2) With today's technology that should be making film production easier, why are sci-fi filmmakers spending so much money?

"When I became a man, I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown up." C.S. Lewis, 1952

[–] TrevorAclea 8 years ago

It's huge for a French film, but about average for a summer tentpole. The director's last movie made over $400m and, inflation adjusted, his last big scifi film, The Fifth Element, made over $500m worldwide, so in today's marketplace it's not that big a deal that it costs so much. Of course, it does have Clive 'kiss of death' Owen in it, and he's had 14 flops in a row...

"Security - release the badgers."

[–] stevewyzard 8 years ago

I had somehow missed that Clive Owen was in this one - thanks for the info. Apparently he's still being hired based on films he did 10+ years ago (Closer, Sin City, Children of Men, etc.)

Also, I know Luc Besson's The Fifth Element was financially successful and has quite a following, but I've never really understood what the fuss was all about. It's a love it or hate it film, so whether the connection helps or hurts Valerian remains to be seen. Maybe I should try watching it again, but the convoluted storyline required a much higher suspension of disbelief than usual and made John Carter seem coherent in comparison.

"When I became a man, I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown up." C.S. Lewis, 1952

[–] GreatWhiteApeofBarsoom 8 years ago

The Fifth Element is like an anti-Blade Runner with a brilliantly realized background full of color and life and a light, uplifting storyline contrasted with Blade Runner's impressive but dark visuals and moody atmosphere.

Star power probably helped as did having Mila Jovovich appear in skintight bandages.

The plot is a mess though. I'm guessing Besson was a fan of Gustave LeRouge and Metal Hurlant growing up.

Even so, it's a visually impressive movie with a unique look and decent acting. I'm guessing a host of things combined to make it successful.

Requiescat in pace, Krystle Papile. I'll always miss you. Justice was finally served.