Anime adaptations aren't easy to pull off. It's basically taking a TV formula, which uses serialized, individual episodes, and bringing it into the world of film, where the structure is completely different. The end result is typically a movie that's either crammed with too much story in too little time, or an adaptation that basically ignores the source material. It's a fine line to walk that few (if any) films have managed to pull off. Even if everything goes perfectly, production can still be a nightmare.
Ghost in the Shell is an anime that many believe to be perfect. Its cyberpunk world, dark story and beautiful art have made the series iconic for anime fans, and stands as one of the pillars of the genre. That being said, to adapt Ghost in the Shell as a movie, the people behind the production would need the perfect cast to make it work. If rumors are true...they might actually have it.
According to a report from Deadline, Scarlett Johansson has been offered to play the lead role in Dreamworks' upcoming adaptation. The site reports that Johansson has been offered $10 million to play the role of Major Motoko Kusanagi - a part that was previously rumored for Margot Robbie, who starred in The Wolf of Wall Street. Rumors have it that Robbie is now looking at DC's Suicide Squad film instead, while Johansson will take her place in Ghost in the Shell.
Scarlett Johansson has proven herself an amazing actress, and films like Her and Under the Skin are evidence of her talent. Johansson has also been taking on an increasing number of action roles as of late, a trend that started with Marvel's Iron Man 2 and will continue through the upcoming Avengers films.
Ghost in the Shell was originally conceived as a manga (or Japanese comic book) in 1989, and was adapted into several films and animated series beginning in 1995. The universe is one of dystopian cyberpunk, where human brains are regularly altered and enhanced by mechanical components. Major Motoko Kusanagi, the lead character, is so enhanced that she's basically mechanical, and the series deals with themes of both humanity and free will.
Given Johansson's stoic portrayal of the Black Widow, it makes a whole lot of sense that the actress could play a role in Ghost in the Shell. Of course, there's no confirming anything until word comes straight from the source, but at the very least, it seems highly plausible that it could actually happen. So far, fans have been torn on whether or not an adaption of the series could even work, and considering how far away the film is from entering production, it seems like it'll be some time before they'll get their answer.
Photo: Gage Skidmore (cropped)
