Scarlett Johansson to lead Luc Besson's sci-fi film 'Lucy'

A look back at the extensive career of French director Luc Besson(The Professional) and it becomes clear he's always had a knack for action films with strong female leads. A number of great actresses have passed in front of Besson's camera over the years: Natalie Portman, Milla Jojovich, and Michelle Yeoh to name just a few of tough, butt-kicking ladies. Now as he prepares for his next effort, a sci-fi film titled Lucy, he's landed an Avenger to take on the title role.

Scarlett Johansson, will take a break from avenging as Black Widow to star in Besson's film, which he will write and direct. The story follows a young woman becomes a drug mule, only to ingest the drug and gain superpowers. She gains the ability to move objects with her mind, absorb knowledge instantaneously, and not feel pain. So kind of like Chronicle meets Maria Full of Grace? Ok, sounds cool.

Besson will release the crime drama Malavita later this year with Robert De Niro and Tommy Lee Jones starring. Johansson will be seen in Joseph Gordon-Levitt's directorial debut, Don Jon, and will return as Black Widow in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. [THR]