8) Lucy Proved That Original Properties Could Still Sell
In direct contrast to Edge of Tomorrow, Luc Besson’s Lucy became the sleeper hit of July, remaining near the top of the box office for the majority of the summer. Not only did this success confirm Scarlett Johansson’s star power, but Lucy also provided evidence that audiences are still willing to sometimes take chances on original properties.
Hollywood may still be lacking a variety of intelligent central roles for women, but the popularity of movies like The Hunger Games and Lucy is making producers sit up and take notice. Mainstream cinema is finally ready for a new kind of action star, one a million miles removed from the burly macho men of the 1980’s.
Sorry, Arnie, go back to Governing, or whatever the hell it is you do.