Rupert Sanders is apparently targeting Scarlett Johansson for the lead role in GHOST IN THE SHELL. It was earlier reported that Margot Robbie, of THE WOLF OF WALL STREET fame, was up for the part, but perhaps due to the success of LUCY and THE AVENGERS, Johansson is the action star of choice. Although Robbie is still aiming for the DC adaptation of SUICIDE SQUAD which is looking to acquire Will Smith and Tom Hardy for the DC adaptation centred on super villains carrying out black op missions for the government.
Plans for a live action Hollywood version of manga/anime GHOST IN THE SHELL have been in the pipeline for a very long time. First released in 1989, the film focuses on a division of police investigating cyber crimes. From the mind of Masamune Shirow, it was certainly before its time and went on to influence works such as THE MATRIX.
Director Sanders is best known for helming SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN, a film which is gaining a sequel in the form of THE HUNTSMAN, directed by Frank Darabont. Avi Arad and Steven Paul will produce GHOST IN THE SHELL.
It’s an exciting prospect to hear about a GHOST IN THE SHELL big budget Hollywood feature, and perhaps will open the door to more anime/manga adaptations. DEATH NOTE has been in the pipeline for a while, but if the likes of KITE are anything to go by, we certainly need to take our time and not rush these things. As for SUICIDE SQUAD, Hardy has already done some DC villainy as Bane in THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, but if DC are now creating a shared universe perhaps he can slide back in. I just hope Smith is up for the role of King Shark, because…that’d be a laugh.
Source: Deadline
Nick Martin
Oct 17, 2014 at 11:33 am
Hollywood is biased against Asian female leads so I bet they’ll go the route of The Last Airbender and cast some Asians as the bad guys.http://filmcutting.com/scarlett-johansson-offered-lead-in-ghost-in-the-shell-remake/
Zorak Mantis
Oct 17, 2014 at 1:02 pm
Love Ghost in the Shell. I hope it stays true to the works of the creator.