Scarlett Johansson’s plethora of successful movies has cemented her status as a major star in the Hollywood business. However, even she is not immune to controversies that stir public debate. One such instance was her involvement in the movie Ghost in the Shell, adapted from a beloved Japanese manga.
But the movie faced severe backlash for casting Johansson, a White actress, for the role of Major Motoko Kusanagi (live-action Mira Killian), a character who is Japanese. However, despite this outrage, the actress in a past interview detailed she may return for a sequel. But her participation depends on one crucial condition.
Scarlett Johansson Demands This One Specific Condition for Ghost in the Shell Sequel
Scarlett Johansson is undoubtedly one of Hollywood’s finest leading ladies, with blockbusters like Avengers and Lucy under her belt. So, her participation in Ghost in the Shell seemed like a natural fit given her reputation. However, the movie was marred with controversies for its handling of the source material as well as casting choices, which highlighted issues with whitewashing and racial representation.
But despite this, in a past interview, Scarlett Johansson revealed her eagerness to be a part of a Ghost in the Shell sequel, but only on one condition. The actress added that she wanted the director of the original, Rupert Sanders, involved in the sequel as well. In an interview (via Yahoo!) ahead of the movie’s premier, she added:
I would do another if Rupert [Sanders] would do another one, yes. (Further) I could only do it with him. I think we have a great creative partnership, and I need him to support me through this because it is a lot!
As soon as Johansson’s casting was announced, it sparked immediate backlash, particularly from the Asian-American community. They voiced their discontent to cast a White actress in a role originally played by a Japanese. Many saw the casting as a missed opportunity for an Asian actor to headline a major Hollywood movie. But it also helped in breaking the whitewashing practice of the industry.
This event coincided with other notable moments, and hashtags such as #OscarsSoWhite and #StarringJohnCho heightened awareness about representation and diversity in Hollywood. Further, Ghost in the Shell became a focal point of discussion on these issues, partly due to Johansson’s celebrity power amplifying the debate.
This led to a notable increase in Asian actors being cast in important roles. For example, Crazy Rich Asians became a major success in 2018. Further, recent years have seen significant strides, including Olivia Liang in Kung Fu as well as movies like Shang-Chi, Snake Eyes, and The Legend of the Ten Rings.
Rupert Sanders Stands by Scarlett Johansson’s Casting Choice Despite Backlash
Controversies are a big part of the movie business, with several movies and shows always under scrutiny. But what matters is the creative vision behind a character or a role. That’s exactly what Rupert Sanders had in mind before casting Scarlett Johansson as the lead of Ghost in the Shell.
During a live interview at a Tokyo event showcasing the first trailer of the movie, Sanders addressed the criticisms surrounding the casting of Johansson. He added:
To me, you know, I cast very much from the gut and I think I was very lucky to be able to get an amazing international cast of people that I’ve always really wanted to work with. Scarlett was one of those people, and to me there’s very few actresses who’ve had 20 years of experience, who have the cyberpunk aesthetic already baked in.
You know, she comes from such edgy films from Lost in Translation to Under the Skin — she’s got an incredible body of work and the attitude and toughness of her really is to me The Major.
When the director was asked about the criticisms surrounding Johansson’s casting, given the movie’s Japanese manga origins, he sidestepped the question. He added that in today’s day and age, any casting choice would attract criticism, regardless of the actor. But he stood by his decision to cast the actress, as she is one of the finest in her generation.
You can rent Ghost in the Shell on Amazon and Apple TV.
