There's no doubt that Scarlett Johansson is one of the biggest female action stars in Hollywood.
Apparently, that got her the deal to star in the upcoming "Ghost in the Shell" live-action movie.
But while her superb acting strength is not one to be questioned, many loyal fans of the manga strongly believe that Johansson does not fit the bill well.
Since the manga is based entirely in Japan, for them it's more realistic if the actress should be Asian as well.
Frustrated fans have launched a petition to recast Scarlett Johansson and have Japanese actress Rinko Kikuchi (Pacific Rim) to portray the lead role of Motoku Kusanagi instead, Bitch Media reported.
Co-founder of Racebending, an entertainment equality group for actors, Marissa Lee tried to explain in her blog post how DreamWorks made the wrong decision in casting Johansson in the film.
"Ultimately, 'Ghost in the Shell' is a story about what makes us human. Having access to powerful media representation is key for minorities to be seen as human. As a successful white actress, Scarlett Johansson has been privileged to play powerful women characters in action films. 'Ghost in the Shell' was a chance for an actress of Asian descent to have that same opportunity," she explained.
Meanwhile, according to Jewish Business News fans are questioning why would a supposed Japanese-based film cast an American actress.
"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."
However, despite the fans petition to recast Scarlett Johansson in "Ghost in the Shell" live-action movie, the "Avengers" actress is reportedly ready to shoot next year.
"It will be shooting the beginning of next year," Johansson told Collider. "So I think we start production January or February and it's me and Rupert [Sanders]; and that's all I know."
Prior to Johansson's casting, "Suicide Squad" star Margot Robbie was reportedly asked first to take on the role, but the actress has already signed on to play Harley Quinn for Warner Bros. making it impossible for her to film "Ghost in the Shell" as well.
Flicksided added that Scarlett Johansson was hesistant to accept the role but DreamWorks has apparently offered her a deal that she could not refuse.
Accordingly, the giant studio company has offered Johansson a hefty sum of $10 million just to play Motoko Kusanagi in the upcoming "Ghost in the Shell" live-action movie.
Controversial "Snow White and the Huntsman" director Rupert Sanders is tapped to helm the film.
