China’s Fundamental Films is extending its output deal with Luc Besson’s EuropaCorp and will invest up to $50m into Besson’s Valerian, starring Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne.

Under the renewed deal, Fundamental will continue to distribute EuropaCorp films in China for another five years, in addition to co-producing several other titles. The Shanghai-based company will handle Chinese distribution of Valerian, while owning a substantial share of the film’s international box office. 

“We are proud of our ongoing partnership with EuropaCorp, and the successes achieved to date. With several co-productions in development and a number of first-rate films soon to reach enthusiastic Chinese and worldwide audiences, we can look forward to a hugely exciting next five years,” said Fundamental Films chairman Mark Gao.

EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert added: “Fundamental Film’s vast experience and expertise within the Chinese market has ensured our films continue to land in the territory with a real bang. As partners we have developed a phenomenal slate of forthcoming co-productions, and could not be happier to be bringing our shared sensibilities and bold creative vision to the big screen.”

The two companies previously had a three-year output deal that covered titles such as Brick Mansions, Lucy and Taken 3. In addition to Valerian, their upcoming co-productions include Matthias Hoene’s Warrior’s Gate, starring Dave Bautista.

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