Fans have been clamoring for a live action adaptation of the manga seriesGhost in the Shellfor a very long time, and they are finally getting it next year. Though the producers of the film have come under fire for some of their casting choices, they are making a step in what seems to be the right direction.Rila Fukushima, who starred alongsideHugh JackmaninThe Wolverine, has been added to the cast of the film.
The casting news comes fromTHR, though the report wasn’t able to confirm who she will be playing.Scarlett Johanssonis playing the character Kusanagi in the film, which is a casting choice that had many people very upset, as the character is supposed to beAsian. Paramount came under heavy fire for the choice and was accused of whitewashing. Things only got worse when it was reported that the studio had been experimenting with technology to makeJohanssonlook more Asian.
Fukushima’s casting is likely very welcomed, as she was a heavy favorite to take on the role that ultimately went toJohansson. The Japanese actress has some serious action chops on screen and should easily be able to handle anything asked of her in the film. In addition to her role inThe Wolverine, she was also featured as the character Katana on The CW’sArrow. Unfortunately, the producers ultimately feltJohanssonhad more name recognition and a better ability to open up a big budget action movie. Most of the blame has been sent the studio’s way, withAgents of S.H.I.E.L.DstarMing-Na Wensharing some harsh words on Twitter about the situation.
“Nothing against Scarlett Johansson. In fact, I’m a big fan. But everything against thiswhitewashingof an Asian role.”
TheGhost in the Shell movieis based on the very popular manga of the same name. The story follows Kusanagi (Johansson), a cyborg that is a part of an elite cybercrime-fighting task force known as Section 9. The series was originally published in 1989 and was written by Masamune Shirow. It is generally considered to be one of the best manga series ever published. That being the case, other adaptations ofGhost in the Shellhave come before, with an animated series, spin off books and even a video game.
Ghost in the Shellis being directed bySnow White and the Huntsmanhelmer Rupert Sanders with a script written by Jonathan Herman and Jamie Moss. In addition toJohanssonandFukushima, the cast of the film includesMichael Pitt,Peter FerdinandoandJuliette Binoche. The film is currently set for an August 01, 2025 release date.
