Scarlett Johansson and Morgan Freeman team up for Lucy in 2014 and gave new life to a long-standing myth that made the film the butt of many jokes.
The Marvel star plays the title character in the sci-fi action film, in which her character gains unique powers and uses them to take revenge on her criminals. There’s also Morgan Freeman’s character, Professor Norman, a renowned neuroscientist who tries to give the plot a scientific temperament by explaining that most species only use a fraction of their mental abilities. Lucy manages to use the full potential of her brain and becomes very strong.
Needless to say, not many believed this theory, and the film generated more myth-busting articles than critical reviews. However, long before Lucy formed, the plan was to use the same idea to explain the concept of magic in the world of Doctor Strange.
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How the Doctor Strange director’s Back to the Future explained magic
Benedict Cumberbatch has become one of Marvel fans’ favorite actors thanks to his role as the Sorcerer Supreme in Doctor Strange. The story of Earth’s chief defender against magical and mystical threats grossed more than $1.5 billion across two separate films, providing a refreshing look into areas of the MCU that other superhero films rarely touch.
However, the MCU era isn’t the only time filmmakers have attempted to bring iconic Marvel comics character Stephen Strange to live-action form on the big screen.
In the 1980s Back to the Future Director Robert Zemeckis and co-writer Bob Gale began working on a script centered around the Sorcerer Supreme, but had some problems. They needed to create something that respected the character without blowing the budget.
Much of Gale’s script was dedicated to proving that magic is real in the world of the Masters of the Mystic Arts. It is in this section of the script that the concept that Scarlett Johansson used so boldly in the film was used. Sample reading (via Den of Geek):
“You have experienced things you don’t understand, so you call it magic. It is no more magic than radio, electricity or aspirin. Your science correctly teaches that a normal person uses only ten to fifteen percent of the total power of his brain. I can use more than 50 percent of my resources. This allows me to do what you call “magic”.
The script also includes a climactic battle in which Mordo brings Dormammu to Earth. However, Zemeckis and Gale’s plans never made it past pre-production and, as if by magic, Doctor Strange’s vision was never realized.
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What Meryl Streep told Scarlett Johansson about her role in Lucy
Johansson’s film you see Lucy Evolve Beyond Human Logic may have received a lot of backlash due to the prevailing theory, but the actress was still praised for her performance.
Black Widow The star impressed none other than Meryl Streep with her portrayal of Lucy, and when the iconic actress crossed paths with her at the Oscars, she made sure to praise Johansson. She recalled (via MTV UK):
“A couple of years ago I was at the Oscars and saw Meryl Streep. She came up to me and said, “Oh, it’s you,” and I said, “Yes, yes.” She says, “I loved Lucy so much.” I thought, “How did Meryl Streep love Lucy?”
The two-time Oscar nominee called the moment the best interaction she’s ever had with fans and thought she could retire comfortably after the praise.
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