EW debuted the first official pic of Scarlett Johansson in Luc Besson's new super-powered action flick LUCY, which has the blonde-locked star chained and holding a pistol (above). The first trailer for the film is set to hit the net on April 2nd and reactions from footage shown at Cinemacon this week have been resoundingly positive. That's good news for Besson, who has mostly been on writing chores in the last few years with flicks like 3 DAYS TO KILL, TAKEN (and its sequel), COLUMBIANA, and LOCKOUT. His latest feature, the mob-themed action comedy THE FAMILY tanked and he hasn't directed a real action flick since 1997's THE FIFTH ELEMENT (which I love, flaws and all). Hopefully this will mark a return to form of sorts in the directing chair for the prolific filmmaker, who championed the female protagonist of LUCY, saying:
“I love to see a woman as a very strong character. It’s like cooking: sugar with a bit of salt, and Lucy definitely can get salty.”
Just don't give us another THE FAMILY and we're all good, Luc. I'm still holding out for a sequel to LEON: THE PROFESSIONAL with Natalie Portman's character from the film being the star. With the continuous barrage of similar genre pics, you'd think Besson would make time to follow-up with one of his best characters that most deserves a follow up on the big screen, but no. I guess LUCY will have to do for now.
LUCY, starring Scarlett Johansson and Morgan Freeman (the duo you always dreamed of!) hits theaters on August 8, 2014.