‘Ghost in the Shell’ Movie News: Director Defends His Choice to Cast Scarlett Johansson in the Lead Role [VIDEO]
Scarlett Johansson in "Ghost in the Shell" gained much dispute as fans of the cult anime film accused the production of white-washing. After the release of the official trailer, director, Rupert Sanders, stands by his decision of casting Johansson.
"I cast very much from the gut," Sanders told. The 45-year-old director knew very well that sometimes hiring an actor to play a role will not always receive the nod from everyone. However, Rupert is sticking to his decision.
"She's the best actress of her generation, and I was flattered and honored that she would be in this film," said Sanders about Johansson, as mentioned in the ET report.
The director, who was once linked with Kristen Stewart, has nothing but praises for the "Avengers" star. Sanders revealed that he has always wanted to work with Johansson. According to the filmmaker, the "Lost in Translation" actress has many incredible films under her belt and her attitude and strength are simply hard to miss.
Sanders was in Tokyo, Japan along with Johansson and another "Ghost in the Shell" cast member, Takeshi Kitano. The group was there to launch the trailer of the movie on Nov. 13.
The sci-fi movie, being foreseen as a blockbuster hit, centers on the life of the main character, Major, played Johansson. She is a half-human, half-cyborg and leads the best task force team named Section 9.
Based on the film's synopsis, Section 9 is bent on putting a stopper to the criminal activities of the most threatening crooks and extremists. However, the team faces the fiercest enemy yet. This entity has only one objective and that is to annihilate Hanka Robotic's developments in cyber technology.
Fans, who initially feel tentative about Johansson's casting, can be assured that special effects and visuals of the live action version stayed true to the original piece. The trailer released shows exactly that. At the same time, the director of the anime, Mamoru Oshii, gave his blessing to the Sanders version, The Rolling Stones reported.
"Ghost in the Shell" will be in cinemas on March 31, 2017. Watch the film's trailer below.
