News of a big screen adaptation of Japanese cult-animation "Ghost In The Shell" hit the internet in September last year. Initial news reported Margot Robbie, who shined in "Wolf of Wall Street," was reported to be the top contender in playing the lead role in the film. Negotiations went on a few months until it was reported that all talks with the actress eventually fell out. She instead opted to star in DC's upcoming villain-centric film, "Suicide Squad," playing the role of The Joker's girlfriend, Harely Quinn. The role was then offered to "Lucy" actress Scarlett Johannson, reportedly for $10 million dollars.
Last week, Dreamworks officially made Johansson take on the lead role of the acclaimed anime. The announcement has since received backlash from purists, accusing Hollywood of "whitewashing" the beloved Japanses title. Today, a petition has surfaced requesting Dreamworks to re-cast the movie's lead role.
Here's the acual text via Jewish Business News:
"The original film is set in Japan, and the major cast members are Japanese. So why would the American remake star a white actress? The industry is already unfriendly to Asian actors without roles in major films being changed to exclude them. One recent survey found that in 2013, Asian characters made up only 4.4% of speaking roles in top-grossing Hollywood films."
The petition continued stating, "Dreamworks could be using this film to help provide opportunities for Asian-American actors in a market with few opportunities for them to shine - please sign the petition asking them to reconsider casting Scarlett Johansson in Ghost in the Shell and select actors who are truer to the cast of the original film!"
Plans for the Hollywood adaptation dates back to 2009 when Dreamworks head Steven Spielberg, an avid fan of the title bought the rights to the brand.
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.
Stay tuned for more "Ghost In The Shell" movie news here at Franchise Herald.
