'Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets' Photos: Go Behind The Scenes Of Luc Besson's Latest Film

Based on a graphic novel series by Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézieres, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is director Luc Besson's biggest film in years, if not his biggest to date. Following the success of Lucy, Besson got this passion project of his going, which stars Dane DeHaan, Cara DelevingneEthan Hawke, Clive OwenJohn Goodman, and Rihanna.

Below, check out some Valerian photos taken by Luc Besson.

After Besson had visited the set of James Cameron's Avatar, he was convinced it was the right time to make Christin and Mézieres' Valérian and Laureline. He didn't want to limit his imagination with the sci-fi film, which he often had to do with The Fifth Element. Besson struggled with the visual effects on that picture, and he didn't want a repeat of that experience with Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.

The director is currently on day 88 of principal photography, with only three days left to go. Over the past three months, Besson has been sharing behind-the-scenes photos from his Instagram account, teasing some elaborate costumes, sets, and character designs.

Here are a few images Besson has posted from the shoot:

DAY 86 Valerian and Laureline in their spaceship the"Intruder".???? Have a good week-end! #DaneDehaan #caradelevingne #valerian

A photo posted by @lucbesson on

DAY 85 Bring on The Beach!!!???? #valerian #caradelevingne #DaneDehaan A photo posted by @lucbesson on

DAY 82 A stranger on board!????

A photo posted by @lucbesson on

DAY 81 A K-Tron facing the entire crew!???????? #valerian A photo posted by @lucbesson on

DAY 77 Little chat.... #valerian #DaneDehaan #cliveowen

A photo posted by @lucbesson on

DAY73 Monsieur Benoit Jacquot....and his friends. By day is playing in Valerian By night is directing "La Traviata" At the Opera of Paris!!!! That's what I call an Artist!!!!???? A photo posted by @lucbesson on

DAY70 End of week 16!!!! Have a nice week end!???? #valerian #caradelevingne

A photo posted by @lucbesson on

There are plenty of more pictures from the set on Besson's Instagram account. Based on the sets and costumes, it's clear Besson isn't straying too far from the playful, eccentric aesthetic of The Fifth Element. The director has said before that if he ever made another sci-fi film, it would share some connection to his 1997 feature, even if the stories weren't related.

Here's the official synopsis for Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets:

Rooted in the classic graphic novel series, Valerian and Laureline- visionary writer/director Luc Besson advances this iconic source material into a contemporary, unique and epic science fiction saga.

Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) are special operatives for the government of the human territories charged with maintaining order throughout the universe. Valerian has more in mind than a professional relationship with his partner- blatantly chasing after her with propositions of romance. But his extensive history with women, and her traditional values, drive Laureline to continuously rebuff him.

Under directive from their Commander (Clive Owen), Valerian and Laureline embark on a mission to the breathtaking intergalactic city of Alpha, an ever-expanding metropolis comprised of thousands of different species from all four corners of the universe. Alpha's seventeen million inhabitants have converged over time- uniting their talents, technology and resources for the betterment of all. Unfortunately, not everyone on Alpha shares in these same objectives; in fact, unseen forces are at work, placing our race in great danger.

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets opens in theaters on July 21, 2017.