Scarlett Johansson takes the lead role for the “Ghost in the Shell” remake!
“Avengers: Age of Ultron” star Scarlett Johansson is now set to take the lead in the remake of “Ghost in the Shell.” “Ghost in the Shell” is regarded as one of the best Japanese anime films of all time and has since gained recognition among more unfamiliar audiences. While the original film was an anime (animated) film, Scarlett Johansson will be the first actress to have a starring live action role.
There were rumors that Margot Robbie would be taking the role but after landing her role as Harley Quinn in the “Suicide Squad” film, those rumors collapsed. After the Robbie rumors ceased and $10 million was on the table for Johansson to take the part, it was only a matter of time before Johansson accepted the role.
The venerated sci-fi franchise began life as a manga by Masamune Shirow, followed by a beloved animated adaptation in 1995, directed by Mamoru Oshii (a sequel followed in 2004). As Variety tells it, this version will follow “the exploits of a member of a covert ops unit of the Japanese National Public Safety Commission that specializes in fighting technology-related crime.” After Sanders signed on to direct, rumors had ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ star Margot Robbie in contention for the lead role. But with Robbie off making ‘Suicide Squad’ instead, the opportunity fell to Johansson.
From the picture above you can see that Scarlett Johansson fits the figure for the role but will the film be a success? Hollywood has attempted anime remakes before and they have had little to no success. The most recent anime adaptation “Aeon Flux” was a popular series back in the days of “true” MTV but failed on the big screen even with Charlize Theron in the role. Perhaps it was due to the toned down nature of the film versus the very sexual and obscure feel of the MTV series or it could be the demographic was very small. Either way if “Ghost in the Shell” is hoping to avoid the same fate, Director Rupert Sanders better focus on the source material rather than just relying on his leading actress carrying the weight.
What do you think of Scarlett Johansson as the lead in “Ghost in the Shell?”
[Source: Screen Crush]