Search Here

The recast petition for the American remake of Masamune Shirow's "Ghost in the Shell", starring the "Avengers" actress Scarlett Johansson, has now reached more than 54,000 signatures. Despite this, Dreamworks is still taking the project forward, setting an early 2016 production date for the live-action film. . The American live-action remake is slated to premiere in 2017.

The fans of Masamune Shirow's 1995 animated sci-fi film "Ghost in the Shell" have been waiting for a live-action remake for years now. Jewish Business News reports that Dreamworks might be providing them one; but instead of being enthusiastic, most of them are disappointed. It has already been confirmed that the "Avengers" franchise star Scarlett Johansson is attached to play the main character. She may be admired for her portrayal of Black Widow in numerous Marvel films, but the fans claim that she is not the perfect actress to play the role of Motoko Kusanagi.

The numbers of fans who demand recast continue to upsurge today. As of Wednesday, the recast petition has already gained 54,770 signatures, even though its only goal was to reach only 14,000. Accusing Dreamworks of whitewashing Asian characters, the petition reads that the studio should cast an Asian actress for the role. According to the appeal, the American film industry is being unfriendly to Asian actors, excluding them in major films which are adapted from the same region.

Though it was not stated which actress should replace Johansson in the upcoming remake, Franchise Herald reports that purists want Rinku Kikuchi to take on the role instead. Despite this effort, Dreamworks is still pushing through the project with Johansson on the front role. Recently, the actress has confirmed that the live-action remake is scheduled to commence its production in the first quarter of 2016.

"Ghost in the Shell" will be helmed by "Snow White and the Huntsman" director Rupert Sanders, based on William Wheeler's screenplay. Paramount Pictures, which will co-finance the remake, will handle the international distribution while Dreamworks will manage its US release. The American live-action remake of "Ghost in Shell" is slated to premiere on March 31, 2017.

Are you in favor of the recast petition? Who do you think should play the role of Motoko Kusanagi? Leave your comments below.