The First Trailer for Scarlett Johansson's Controversial 'Ghost in the Shell' Movie Is Here
Here's what people are saying.
The first trailer for Ghost in the Shell, starring Scarlett Johansson, is here. Based on the Japanese manga series of the same name, the movie is highly-stylized and definitely not short on action.
As Entertainment Weekly reports, Johansson's casting was the source of controversy earlier this year, since her character, The Major, is Japanese in the source material.
At the time, producer Steven Paul defended the casting choice, which many called out as an example of whitewashing, telling BuzzFeed News, "I think everybody is going to end up being really happy with it. They're going to be very, very happy with it when they see what we've actually done with it, and I don't think anybody's going to be disappointed."
After seeing the first trailer, though, opinions are mixed. While some viewers are expressing cautious optimism or even outright excitement for the movie, many others still take issue with the decision to cast a white actress to play a Japanese character.
I really don't think 'Ghost in the Shell' is gonna do well and it's their own fault. They could've just cast Japanese actors.November 13, 2016
Just because I think the upcoming Ghost in the Shell movie looks good doesn't mean the problems are erased like that.November 13, 2016
Ghost in the Shell -- Wow, all this really cool stuff is only made all the more awkward because Major is ScarJ and not an Asian actress.November 13, 2016
Some people are even drawing connections between the problematic casting in the film and the 2016 election.
In other news—the first trailer for ScarJo's #GhostInTheShell just hit. Centering whiteness & othering POCs doesn't just happen in politics. pic.twitter.com/ezGezKvvfwNovember 13, 2016
#GhostInTheShell embraces Japanese culture then eliminates the Japanese from it. It centers whiteness above all. This is how we got Trump.November 13, 2016
As if current events aren't soul-crushing enough, heeeeeeeere's #GhostInTheShell and the normalization of whitewashed cultural appropriationNovember 13, 2016
Ghost in the Shell will be released in theaters March 31, 2017.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with over 10 years of professional experience covering entertainment of all genres, from new movie and TV releases to nostalgia, and celebrity news. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Lady Kitty Spencer Reveals How Her Cousin Prince William "Inspires" Her
"His efforts have made a significant impact."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
The Best Gifts for Fashion and Beauty Lovers, Straight from an Editor
And they start at only $16.
By Emma Walsh Published
-
Selena Gomez Chops Her Hair Into a Girl Boss Bob
The 'Emilia Pérez' star got the season's trendiest chop amid her ongoing press tour.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Actors Who Are Nothing Like Their Most Iconic Characters
Talk about awards-worthy, transformative performances.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
How Timothée Chalamet's "Emotional Intelligence" Will Transform the Character of Willy Wonka
Literally perfect casting.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Adam Sandler Brought His Wife Jackie and Lookalike Daughter Sunny to 'The Out-Laws' Premiere
So cute!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Nicholas Hoult Told Toni Collette He Still Thinks of Her as His Mom When He Watches One of Her Movies
I love this so much.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Alicia Silverstone Would Totally Do a Sequel to The '90s Rom-Com She Starred In Opposite Brendan Fraser
Did you guys know about this movie??
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Jennifer Grey Spotted Someone Watching 'Dirty Dancing' on a Plane on Valentine's Day
Fact: This is the best thing that's ever happened.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Jennifer Coolidge Would Definitely Be "On Board" to Film 'Legally Blonde 3'
YES!!!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Salma Hayek Says Channing Tatum Almost "Killed" Her During a Lap Dance for 'Magic Mike's Last Dance'
LOL, Salma.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published