Scarlett Johansson’s latest venture, a live-action adaptation of the renowned anime Ghost in the Shell, is now available for free streaming on Pluto.
Known for her role as Black Widow in the Avengers series, Johansson’s portrayal of the lead character in this adaptation stirred considerable controversy, impacting its reception at the box office.
In Ghost in the Shell, Johansson stars as Major, a cyborg super soldier navigating a “near-future” era characterized by blending humans and robots.
Adapted from Masamune Shirow’s Japanese manga, the screenplay for this rendition was crafted by Jamie Moss, William Wheeler, and Ehren Kruger, with direction by Rupert Sanders.
The film also features a notable cast, including Takeshi Kitano, Michael Pitt, Pilou Asbæk, Chin Han, and Juliette Binoche.
One of the primary sources of contention surrounding the film was the accusation of whitewashing, wherein white actors were cast in roles initially depicted as Asian. This issue has plagued significant productions such as Iron Man 3 and Doctor Strange.
Despite criticism, Mamoru Oshii, the director of the original animated film, dismissed these accusations as baseless.
Johansson defended her decision to take the role, citing her desire to lead a female-driven franchise. However, she stated that she would refrain from similar roles in the future.
Despite the backlash, critics lauded aspects of the film, including its score, cinematography, visual style, and performances.
With a budget estimated at around $110 million, Ghost in the Shell production faced challenges at the box office.
Despite a worldwide gross of $169.8 million, the film incurred significant losses, ranging from $60 million to $100 million.
Nevertheless, Ghost in the Shell remains a notable attempt at adapting a beloved Japanese animated classic into a big-budget live-action feature.
While controversial, Johansson’s involvement undoubtedly drew attention to the project.
Fans of Johansson and enthusiasts of the original material may find the film’s exploration of its futuristic world and action sequences intriguing.
While Ghost in the Shell continues to spark debate, it represents a pivotal moment in cinematic history.
Despite the controversies, the film’s streaming availability on Plut allows the audiences to engage with this unique experiment firsthand.
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