Not too long after Dreamworks announced the casting of Scarlett Johansson as Ghost In The Shell's main character, a number of sources published articles blaming the studio of "whitewashing" the beloved brand. The plot being a Japanese character set in futuristic Japan, the news received backlash from fans, demanding that an asian actress in Hollywood should be getting the role; some are suggesting Pacific Rim's Rinko Kikuchi. Adding fuel to the flame, the Hollywood adaptation is reportedly changing the character's name from "Major Motoko Kusanagi" to a "Monique Kutcher" - naturally, this didn't please followers of the franchise.
Elsewhere, Japan has provided a response by announcing an animated film of Ghost In The Shell which will star the original character Motoko Kusanagi in her original cyber-crimefighting fashion. Production I.G., the team responsible for the TV series is still in charge of the upcoming feature and has already provided the public with a 31-second teaser:
Same is the case with the Godzilla series, with Japan also announcing their own Godzilla film following Hollywood's successful adaptation of Godzilla back in 2014. The said movie is in development under Toho Co. Ltd. and will be Japan's first Godzilla film since 2004.
Ghost In The Shell: Arise animator Kazuchika Kise will working with chief director Kazuya Nomura in this project. The voice actors from Arise will be reprising their roles in this project.
Here's a translation of the text found on Anime News Network on the new Ghost In The Shell animation:
"The science-fiction work that caused a revolution around the world.
Original Work - Masamune Shirow
A work in celebration of 25 years
The awakened ghost whispers...
Ghost In The Shell: The New Movie
Opens in early summer 2015
Originally a Japanese manga from 1989 by creator Masamune Shirow, Ghost In The Shell premiered in 1995 at the Tokyo International Film Festival. The animated film was directed by Mamoru Oshii.
Ghost In The Shell follows the story of lead character Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg leading a covert team that specializes in digital cybercrime warfare.
Stay tuned for more news on Ghost In The Shell here at Franchise Herald.
