Valérian, which is set to star Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen, and Dane DeHaan, is based on French comic book series that has been collected in a set of graphic novels. The series follows Valérian, a time-traveling agent, and his partner, Laureline, as they explore a galactic empire. Rihanna’s specific role hasn’t been announced yet, but Bessen teased that it will be a “big part.”
Although best known as a singer, Rihanna has previously acted in a variety of films. She made her acting debut as herself in 2006’s Bring It On: All or Nothing before later taking on bigger roles in 2012’s Battleship and 2013’s This Is the End. She also tried her hand at voice-acting in the animated film Home, released earlier this year.
Bessen shared that he’s “sooo [sic] excited” to work with the Barbadian singer when he made the big announcement.
Rihanna’s last film project, Home, inspired her to create a concept album based on the story, so it would be exciting if Valérian were able to spawn some songs as well. In the meantime, the musician is currently working on Anti, which will be her eighth studio album. No release date has yet been announced, but it’s expected to drop soon.
Valérian and the City of a Thousand Planets is due to hit theaters on July 21, 2017.
