World-famous musician Herbie Hancock will have a role in Luc Besson‘s upcoming film “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets,” the French filmmaker announced Saturday.
“Herbie Hancock is a legend. His music was my only friend at 14,” Besson wrote on Instagram. “I learn so much listening this genius…I’m proud to have him for a role in #Valerian .”
Hancock is a multi-Grammy winner for his jazz albums, winning Album of the Year in 2008 for “River: The Joni Letters.” He also won an Academy Award in 1987 for Best Original Soundtrack for “Round Midnight,” in which he also appeared as Eddie Wayne.
Hancock has had a number small roles on film and television, including a recent guest spot on “Girl Meets World.” He also played the district attorney in the 2002 film “Hitters.”
“Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” is based on the 1967 graphic novel by Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mezieres.
Besson is writing and directing “Valerian,” which starts shooting next month at a reported budget of $180 million. Virginie Besson-Silla will produce on behalf of EuropaCorp, which is financing, producing and distributing the movie.
From 'Nikita' to 'Lucy' -- Luc Besson's 5 Bad-Ass Female Characters (Photos)
"La Femme Nikita" (1990)
Besson's third feature was the first to put him on the map with American audiences and the one to make him synonymous with strong female action heroes. It was a groundbreaking concept in 1990.
The Samuel Goldwyn Company
"The Professional" (1994)
As the follow-up to "Nikita," 1994's "The Professional" introduced the world to a 12-year-old Natalie Portman in her feature film debut. She became a breakout star of Besson's by wielding a gun.
Columbia Pictures
"The Fifth Element" (1997)
Described as the perfect female specimen in the sci-fi world Besson created, Milla Jovovich became the latest Besson breakout discovery for her role as Leeloo, the idealistic savior of humanity.
Columbia Pictures
"The Messenger" (1999)
Besson reunited with his "The Fifth Element" leading lady Milla Jovovich for this retelling of the iconic French warrior. Seems like the perfect fit, but unfortunately "The Messenger" got mostly negative reviews and made only $14 million at the box office.
Columbia Pictures
"Lucy" (2014)
Despite middling reviews and a C+ Cinemascore from audiences, Besson scored another hit with "Lucy," his first outing with a bona-fide movie star - Scarlett Johansson - as his kick-ass heroine. Scoring $44 million on opening weekend, the film is poised to become Johansson's biggest movie yet outside of her Marvel duties as Black Widow.
Universal Pictures
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The French director has cemented Scarlett Johansson’s status as a action star, but she’s not the only one. Luc Besson has a long history with strong female characters
"La Femme Nikita" (1990)
Besson's third feature was the first to put him on the map with American audiences and the one to make him synonymous with strong female action heroes. It was a groundbreaking concept in 1990.