Over the course of a 50-year career in film and television, Morgan Freeman has had a chance to share the screen with plenty of A-list talent. But it wasn't until he accepted a part in "Transcendence" that he was able to check off one of his big co-star goals.
"There were three or four attractions to the role (in 'Transcendence'), one being Johnny (Depp) himself," Freeman explained to TODAY's Savannah Guthrie and Carson Daly Tuesday. "Always wanted to have a shot at working with him."
In the film, Depp plays the part of a scientist whose brain is uploaded to a supercomputer, and in his new form, gains control over mass technology. The story itself was the other big draw for Freeman. While the plot may seem far-fetched or too future-tech to some, the actor feels it's a cautionary tale we need to pay attention to now.
"This is a question we should be pondering, because we're really going pell-mell towards all kinds of technology," Freeman said. "The question is, OK, so we can (do these things), but how far should it go before we realize we're no longer in control of it?"
Especially when wresting control back could be especially difficult.
"It's not an easy thing to do, because in order to stop it you've got to shut the world down," he said. "Think about that."
When Freeman thinks about it, he comes to the conclusion that technology doesn't have a tight grip on him.
"There is nothing technologically here that I couldn't live without," he insisted.
As for his film with Depp, Freeman believes "Transcendence" could be the start of a new direction of thought-provoking sci-fi.
"I'm glad we did it," he said. "I think that it will start people at least talking. There may be other (projects) to come about this same stuff, because we are going a little fast towards who knows what."
"Transcendence" opens in theaters nationwide April 18.