Herbie's new film role is out of this World

Director Luc Besson has added jazz great Herbie Hancock to the cast of his new sci-fi film ‘Valerian.’

This could be a busy year ahead for Herbie who is Working on a new album for 2016, looking to collaborate with Pharrell Williams and others as well as joining Carlos Santana and Wayne Shorter in a new super-group called ’Supernova’ due to tour next year.

Hancock’s role at this time is unclear however fans will immediately picture him looking like the cover of his 1974 album ‘Thrust’ which depicts him piloting a space ship in a galaxy far away, in a module with his keyboard control panel.

The film adaptation will also star Ethan Hawke, Rihanna and Cara Delevingne. Announcing the news on Instagram on Saturday Besson said, "Herbie Hancock is a legend. His music was my only friend at 14... I learn so much listening this genius... I'm proud to have him for a role in #Valerian."

Production of the film is green-lit and due to begin before the end of 2015 and Valerian is skated for release July 21st 2017.