Natalie Portman. Mila Jovovich. Anne Parillaud. All female actresses that were suitably moulded into action heroines courtesy of Luc Besson. And now, the French director has found a new female protagonist in the shape of Scarlett Johansson for his latest project Lucy. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the American actress is in final negotiations for the role of the titular character.
Fresh from her action-orientated role in last summer’s The Avengers, Johansson may have discovered a new-fangled career path within this particular genre. Written by Besson himself, the script centres on Lucy who, after becoming a drugs mule against her will, experiences abnormal reactions that transform her into a powerful superhuman. Martial Art skills, telekinesis, and a peculiar resistance to pain all make Lucy a formidable force. Hell, if that wasn’t enough, she can even absorb knowledge instantaneously, too.
While the plot certainly sounds interesting, it’s difficult to interpret the tone that Besson will eventually run with. However, considering that it has been billed as a crime-thriller, it will most likely retain some sense of sincerity rather than slipping towards caricature. Though celebrated today for his directing efforts with Taken and, unfortunately, its half-hearted sequel, the French filmmaker is perhaps better known for writing and helming films such as Leon: The Professional and La Femme Nikita in the ‘90’s. His unique mix of style and thrilling set-pieces is what put Besson on Hollywood’s radar and, having recently wrapped production on another crime thriller with Robert De Niro entitled Malavita, this is a director that seems to be growing in recognition with each passing film.
Lucy will be distributed through Universal and while no specific release date was announced, one would imagine that securing Johansson will get the production ball rolling. What are your initial impressions for Besson’s latest? Can Johansson build upon her blockbuster success as S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Natasha Romanoff for Lucy? Leave all your filmic thoughts in the comments below.
