Director Luc Besson Announces “Crazy” New Sci-Fi Movie at Venice

French director Luc Besson says he is writing a new science-fiction film, and he is warning audiences that it may be a lot to take in. Speaking during a masterclass at the 2026 Venice Film Festival, Besson said his next sci-fi story will be “crazy.” He did not reveal the plot, cast, title, or release date. Still, the filmmaker made clear that he is not planning a safe return to the genre. “It’s going to be crazy, believe me,” Besson told attendees, according to Variety. “Maybe you will need a ticket and an aspirin at the same time. I’m older, so I’m trying to explore everything now.” Besson began his career in science fiction with The Last Battle, then delivered the 1997 cult favorite The Fifth Element. He later returned to the genre with Lucy and the effects-heavy Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. After Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets arrived in 2017, Besson shifted to other kinds of stories. He directed the spy thriller Anna, the drama Dogman, and a gothic take on Dracula. Now, he appears ready to revisit the futuristic worlds that helped make his name known to movie audiences around the world. Besson also addressed the growth of filmmaking technology. He s...