With the release of the live-action Ghost in the Shell just over a week away, Paramount has released a 4 ½ minute extended clip via their Paramount UK Twitter account. The movie hasn’t been without its controversy prior to its release, especially with the casting of Scarlett Johansson in the role of Major instead of an Asian actress.
ICYMI: watch an extended clip from #GhostintheShell from the beginning of the movie. pic.twitter.com/pk2YVOkqlL
— Paramount Pictures (@ParamountUK) March 22, 2017
I’m a big fan of the Ghost in the Shell anime, although it has been years since I’ve watched it, and had my reservations about the live-action version. To be honest, I have to admit that if this extended preview is any indication of what the movie is going to be like, I’m sold.
In the near future, Major (Scarlett Johansson) is the first of her kind: A human saved from a terrible crash, who is cyber-enhanced to be a perfect soldier devoted to stopping the world’s most dangerous criminals. When terrorism reaches a new level that includes the ability to hack into people’s minds and control them, Major is uniquely qualified to stop it. As she prepares to face a new enemy, Major discovers that she has been lied to: her life was not saved, it was stolen. She will stop at nothing to recover her past, find out who did this to her and stop them before they do it to others. Based on the internationally acclaimed Japanese Manga, The Ghost in the Shell.
Johansson might not have the exact Major “look” (considering the character’s full name is Major Motoko Kusanagi) but she has bolstered her status as an action star in previous roles. Given what we just saw above, I’d say she’ll do just fine with the role. Johansson aside, the special effects and scenery look fantastic and really do the Ghost in the Shell anime justice. They’ve also made sure to add several iconic shots directly from the anime to further bolster their credibility.
Are you more or less inclined to go see Ghost in the Shell on March 31st after watching the extended clip? Let us know in the comments below or on Google+, Twitter, or Facebook.
