It seems like DreamWorks is really determined to star Scarlett Johansson in its upcoming live-action movie adaptation to Masamune Shirow's "Ghost in the Shell."
Despite being accused of white-washing, the giant studio has even arranged for Paramount to co-finance the movie, Forbes reported.
"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.
While very few details have been revealed yet, Masamune Shirow's "Ghost in the Shell" live-action movie is reportedly scheduled for March 31, 2017 release under the direction of "Snow White and the Huntsman" director Rupert Sanders, written by William Wheeler.
Scarlett Johansson and the rest of the cast members are reportedly going to start shooting in Q1 of 2016.
And while DreamWorks, who reportedly offered Johansson $10 million for the role (Deadline) is pushing through with Scarlett Johansson, most devoted fans of the manga are wanting Asian actress Rinko Kikuchi to take on the role of Motoko Kusanagi instead.
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."
