Léon: The Professional is a 1994 film directed by Luc Besson, starring Jean Reno as the titular character Léon. It expands on an idea from Besson's earlier film La Femme Nikita, where Reno plays a similar character. The film is praised for its central performances from Reno and Natalie Portman as Mathilda, and its stylish action scenes. It explores the relationship between the emotionally stunted hitman Léon and his 12-year-old neighbor Mathilda.