by Justin Cook
After a very successful 2014, actress Scarlett Johansson has signed on to star in the DreamWorks’ live-action adaptation of Ghost in the Shell.
For those unfamiliar, Ghost in the Shell is based off of a sci-fi manga of the same name, written and illustrated by Masamune Shirow. First released in 1989, Ghost in the Shell tells the story of Major Motoko Kusanagi, an augmented-cybernetic human, who serves as the leader of a counter-cyberterrorism organization named Public Security Section 9.
Ghost in the Shell was also adapted for the screen in the form of an anime in 1995, a film that has become a classic since its release.
Kusanagi, an extremely smart, strong, and skilled character, is definitely a role that Johansson can pull off, especially considering that she has really proven herself as an actress recently.
Johansson is certainly no stranger to sci-fi, starring in two sci-fi films in this previous year alone. The first one, Under the Skin, resulted in rave reviews for the creepy and chilling performance given by the actress, while the second one, Lucy, became a huge box office hit and grossed over $450 million worldwide.
Last year, Johansson also gave strong supporting performances in such well-received films as Chef and Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
The film will be helmed by Rupert Sanders, director of 2012’s Snow White and the Huntsman, and penned by William Wheeler, writer of The Reluctant Fundamentalist and The Hoax. Avi Arad and Steven Paul will be producing the film.
The project has been in the works for a very long time, with even The Wolf of Wall Street actress Margot Robbie in talks to star at one point. DreamWorks principal Steven Spielberg, being a longtime fan of the original anime film, must be thrilled with Johansson’s involvement, as now the film is more likely to get a green light for production.
Until the film receives a green light, many details including the film’s production schedule, an expected release date, and any other cast members will remain unknown.
