Elysium-PosterNeill Blomkamp’s Elysium is finally entering US cinemas this weekend, and the early predictions have it topping the box office – something that’s been expected for months now.

After making a remarkable debut with District 9 back in 2009, Blomkamp’s return to the director’s chair has naturally been highly anticipated. As the film heads into cinemas Stateside, some images from ‘Elysium: The Art of the Film’ have debuted online, showcasing a bit of the artwork gone into making the movie.

The book is written by Mark Salisbury, former editor of Empire, whose previous works include Prometheus: The Art of the Film and Frankenweenie: The Visual Companion.

The impoverished inhabitants of a ruined planet Earth fight to join the safe and pristine living conditions of the space station Elysium, where only the wealthy and healthy reside. In need of medical treatment only available on Elysium, one resident of the planet’s slums attempts to reach the space station at any cost, and his actions could offset the entire balance of haves and have-nots.

Matt Damon is in the lead, with Jodie Foster starring opposite him, alongside Sharlto Copley, who was front and centre on District 9 four years back. The three are joined by a great cast, led by William Fichtner, Diego Luna, Alice Braga, and Faran Tahir joining them.

Blomkamp is once more writing from his own script, with Simon Kinberg (X-Men: First Class, Sherlock Holmes) serving as producer.

Elysium is released in regular and IMAX cinemas in the US today, August 9th, and will be released in the UK in just under two weeks’ time on 21st August.