Paramount’sGhost in the Shelladaptation has had no shortage of controversy, with a number of fans speaking out against the “whitewashed” casting ofScarlett Johansson. In the original manga and the hit animated movies, the main character Major Kusanagi was portrayed as an Asian female, but it seems the director of those hit films is on board with this new project. A new preview has debuted featuring anime directorMamoru Oshii, who is seen praising this live action adaptation.
Back in June, Production I.G., the production company behind theGhost in the Shellanimated films, shared a photo from the set that featuredScarlett Johanssonand directorRupert Sanderswith three men who are very important to the franchise. The photo featuredMamoru Oshii, who directedGhost in the Shell,Ghost in the Shell 2: InnocenceandGhost in the Shell 2.0,Kenji Kawaii, who composed the score for those films, andKenji Jamiyama, who directed theGhost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complexanimtated series and the 3D animated movieGhost in the Shell S.A.C. Solid State Society 3D.Paramount Picturesdebuted this new preview, whereMamoru OshiipraisesScarlett Johansson’s work, stating she has gone “above and beyond” his expectations.
We also hear from directorRupert Sanders(Snow White and the Huntsman), who spoke aboutMamoru Oshii’s visit, while producerMichael Costiganstates the movie sticks very close to the source material. We also hear fromScarlet Johanssonherself, who states thatRupert Sandersis a “visionary” and that she’s never had an experience like this before while making a movie. While this featurette doesn’t directly address the “whitewashing” controversy, the endorsement ofMamoru Oshiimay go a long way with hardcore fans.
ProducerSteven Paulrevealed in July that he thinks longtime fans of the manga and the anime movies will be pleased withScarlett Johansson’s performance inGhost in the Shell. He also clarified that her character is not Major Kusangi from the manga, but a character simply known as The Major. Whether or not the fans of the series will get behind this controversial casting remains to be seen, but there is still plenty of time for the fans to get on board.
Scarlett Johanssonis joined by anensemble castthat also includesBeat Takeshi Kitanoas Daisuke Aramaki,Juliette Binocheas Dr. Ouelet,Michael Pittas Kuze,Pilou Asbaekas Batou,Michael WincottandKaori Momoi. The members of Section 9 are played by Chin Han, Danusia Samal, Lasarus Ratuere, Yutaka Izumihara and Tuwanda Manyimo. Paramount has set a August 15, 2025 release date forGhost in the Shell, putting it up against Focus Features’The Zookeeper’s Wifeand 20th Century Fox’sThe Boss Baby. Take a look at this new preview fromGhost in the Shell.
