Despite growing number of signatures for the petition to recast Scarlett Johansson as Motoko Kusanagi in Masamune Shirow's "Ghost in the Shell" live-action movie, it seemed like DreamWorks is really determined to pushthrough with the casting.
According to Forbes, DeamWorks has asked Paramount to co-finance the movie together.
"In this arrangement, Paramount will handle the international release of the movie whereas DreamWorks will release it in the US via their deal with Disney," the publication reported.
Masamune Shirow's "Ghost in Shell" live-action movie adaptation is slated for March 31, 2017 release date. The Scarlett Johansson starring movie will be directed by "Snow White and the Huntsman" director Rupert Sanders under the script written by William Wheeler.
While production hasn't started yet, reports claim that it's most likely going to shoot in Q1 of 2016.
Deadline claimed that DreamWorks has actually offered Scarlett Johansson a hefty sum of $10 million for the role of the cyborg female lead following her successful portrayal of Black Widow in Marvel's superheroe franchises including, "Avengers," Iron Man" and "Captain America."
And while DreamWorks is pushing through with Scarlett Johansson, purist wants Asian actress Rinko Kikuchi to take on the role instead.
The petition to recast Scarlett Johansson goal was only to reach 14,000 votes it has now reached 53,739 and counting.
Fans accused the studio of white-washing according to Huffington Post, thus they are asking DreamWorks to reconsider the casting as posted in Care2 Petitions.
The petition reads:
"Dear DreamWorks Studios,
As moviegoers and fans of the original 1995 Ghost in the Shell film, we respectfully request that you cast an actor of Asian descent for the lead role of Motoko Kusanagi rather than Scarlett Johansson.
The American film 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.
Please use this opportunity to help talented Asian-American actors receive recognition for their work. There are so few opportunities for them to shine in Hollywood, and this film would be a perfect platform."
