Fans were excited to learn that "Ghost in the Shell" will be getting a live-action adaptation, however, critics were fast to expressed their disappointment with Scarlett Johansson's landing the lead role. Now, producer answers the backlash regarding the controversial casting.
'Ghost In The Shell,' A Story Of The World
"Ghost in the Shell" producer Steven Paul explained the controversial casting of Scarlett Johansson. In a new interview with BuzzFeed, Paul tries to tone down the anger directed towards the film.
"I think everybody is going to end up being really happy with it," "Ghost in the Shell" producer Steven Paul shared with BuzzFeed. "They're going to be very, very happy with it when they see what we've actually done with it, and I don't think anybody's going to be disappointed."
Steven Paul also pointed out that "Ghost in the Shell" is not just a Japanese story although it is a well-known manga series.
Paul said that the story is not just focused on Japan; it encompasses the whole world. That's the main reason the film decided on an international approach.
Aside from the international tone, Peter Paul pointed out that Scarlett Johansson is not going to portray Motoko Kusanagi in "Ghost in the Shell." He said that Johansson is simply playing a character known as the Major.
Scarlett Johansson Receives Backlash
This is the first time anyone from "Ghost in the Shell" spoke out regarding the controversial casting. Since it was announced earlier last year, the film has been the center of conversations about whitewashing in Hollywood.
In fact, they were flooded with criticisms when photos of Scarlett Johansson in Hong Kong surfaced together with the news that CGI tests were done on the actress to alter her appearance for "Ghost in the Shell," EW reported.
A representative from the film released a statement that no visual effect tests were conducted on Scarlet Johansson's character and they have no plans on doing so.
The film is directed by Rupert Sanders, who also helmed "Snow White and the Huntsman."
"Ghost in the Shell" will also star Rila Fukushima, Takeshi Kitano, Kaori Momoi and Yutaka Izumihara. Michel Pitt, Juliette Binoche and Pilou Asbaek will also join the cast.