Correct Casting? Or White Washing?
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Context: recently it has been announced that the popular 90’s anime Ghost in a Shell will be made into a live action movie. The animated film was originally conceived in Japanese, but the decision to cast Scarlett Johansson as the main character has left many with a sour taste.
However, the publisher for the original manga, Kodansha, has commented on the casting.
Sam Yoshiba, director of Kodansha’s international business division, explained that the casting would benefit the film.
“Looking at her career so far, I think Scarlett Johansson is well-cast,” he said, speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, “She has the cyberpunk feel. And we never imagined it would be a Japanese actress in the first place.”
The news site also reported Yoshiba had visited the films set in New Zealand, and was “impressed by the respect” being shown for the source material.
Ghost in a Shell is revered as a key anime film. One that broke through to a western audience during the 1990’s.
From the IP there have been a number of films made and games.
The release date is set for March 31st 2017.