Despite the growing number of people asking to recast Scarlett Johansson from portraying the role of Motoko Kusanagi in the upcoming "Ghost in the Shell" live-action movie based on Motoko Kusanagi's manga, it seemed like everything is already a go.
In its efforts to push through with the project DreamWorks has reportedly asked Paramout Pictures 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 not much has been announced yet, it's been reported that the live-action movie adaptation to Masamune Shirow's "Ghost in the Shell" is set for March 31, 2017 release date.
"Snow White and the Huntsman" director Rupert Sanders has been reportedly tapped to helm the movie with the story written by William Wheeler.
Scarlett Johansson, who has yet to address the ongoing "white-washing" accusations is reportedly set to start filming in Q1 of 2016.
Despite Deadline's report that DreamWorks has offered Johansson a hefty sum of $10 million for the role, purists who supported Masamune Shirow's manga are reportedly fighting to replace Johansson with Asian actress Rinko Kikuchi instead, which they cleary stated 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."
