Science Fiction to Science Fact: The Technologies That Filmmakers Brought to Life

“Star Wars: A New Hope” by Lucasfilm in 1977:
Holograms play an important role in the film’s plot and the universe it creates. A memorable moment featuring holograms is when R2-D2 projects Princess Leia’s message.

“Predator” by 20th Century FOX in 1987
The wrist computer used by the high-tech hunter is a super advanced gadget that does a lot of things. It has a self-destruct feature, tools for communication, and high-tech tracking abilities.

“RoboCop” by Orion Pictures in 1987
The prosthetic limbs in the flim are not just about replacing lost limbs but about redefining what a human can be, blending technology with humanity in a way that was both visually striking and thematically rich for its time.

“Back to the Future Part II” by Universal Pictures in 1989
Marty McFly Jr. controls the large, wall-mounted TV with his voice, speaking directly to the screen, and it instantly divides into several channels for a simultaneous viewing pleasure. His interaction is smooth and command-driven, with the AI Voice Assistants responding swiftly and accurately.

“The Lawnmower Man” by New Line Cinema in 1992
In the film, VR is portrayed as a potent and risky technology. It enables Jobe Smith, a simple gardener, to explore a virtual realm. As he immerses himself, the boundary between reality and virtuality blurs, eventually transforming him into a powerful digital being. The film presents VR as a near-magical force with both promise and risks, blending science fiction and horror to caution against unchecked technological progress and highlight the need for ethical responsibility.

“Jurassic Park” by Universal Pictures in 1993
In the film, the modified Ford Explorer tour cars represent an early type of self-driving vehicle. They follow a predetermined route through the dinosaur areas of the park, controlled by the park’s main system, which includes safety features to prevent accidents. Staff can monitor the cars’ movements and stop them in case of an emergency. Additionally, to minimize noise and pollution within the park, the tour cars are electric-powered.

“The Fifth Element” by Gaumont in 1997
In the film, scientists use futuristic 3D bioprinting to rebuild Leeloo after finding her hand in a crashed ship. In a high-tech lab, a robotic arm builds her skeleton, and then a 3D bioprinter meticulously layers on her muscles, organs, and skin. UV light then helps finalize her regeneration, making this scene a memorable depiction of sci-fi bioprinting.

“The Matrix Reloaded” by Warner Bros.in 2003
The film foreshadowed the role of LED video walls in modern filmmaking, using cutting-edge visual effects and high-resolution projection screens to create immersive environments. Although not literal LED video walls, the film’s innovative visuals pushed boundaries, influencing future display technologies and symbolizing themes of choice, consequence, and control. By simulating future display tech with available tools, the film’s visual ambition helped pave the way for modern LED video walls.