After plenty of rumours, Scarlett Johansson has reportedly signed up for Ghost in the Shell – an adaptation of the popular Japanese anime film.
It’s been a long time coming – the Ghost in the Shell live-action adaptation has been in the works for some time. But now, after numerous rumours, it looks as though the ambitious new movie has secured its female lead.
And it’s none other than Scarlett Johansson.
According to Variety, the 30-year-old Avengers star has signed up for DreamWorks’ adaptation of the popular sci-fi anime.
“Johansson is set to star in DreamWorks’ adaptation of the popular anime pic Ghost in the Shell,” they explain. “Deadline Hollywood had reported that the actress had the offer to star but at the time she was still undecided about taking the role. Sources now say she has agreed to star in the pic.”
The upcoming adaptation presumably follows a similar story to the original anime – focussing on a member of a covert team known as Section 9 as they deal with an unknown high-tech hacker threat known only as the Puppet Master.
Obviously, since Johansson’s appearance in Avengers Assemble, she’s begun a startling transformation into one of the world’s most recognisable female action stars… and after a solid performance in the otherwise dismal Lucy, it seems she’s more than ready for a tech-centric action role.
“Rupert Sanders is on board to direct,” they added. “Avi Arad and Steven Paul are producing the film from a script by Bill Wheeler. Mark Sourian is exec producing.”
And apparently, Paramount Pictures also has the option to co-finance and co-produce… a decision which is said to be made in the coming weeks.
Although Scarlett Johansson is reportedly now on board, little else is known about the upcoming adaptation… and while it’s certainly starting to take shape, the project has still not officially been green lit.
Of course, DreamWorks principal Steve Spielberg has been a fan of the original for some time… and with the likes of Johansson on board, I get the feeling it won’t be long before the project is officially off the ground.
But when will it appear in cinemas? For now, we’ll have to wait and see.
Do you think Scarlett Johansson is right for the lead role? Are you looking forward to the Ghost in the Shell adaptation? Let us know what you think in the comments below…
