Confirming a story we reported on previously, Scarlet Johansson (Captain America: The Winter Soldier) has now officially signed on to the upcoming Ghost in the Shell, according to Variety. The original manga and anime follows a member of a covert ops unit that specializes in fighting technology-related crime.
The announcement comes after Johansson made her claim as part of an action ensemble in The Avengers and Captain America: The Winter Soldier, followed by headlining role in Luc Besson’s Lucy. The latter was a surprise hit last summer, giving Johansson the clout to star in her own action film.
Dreamworks founder Steven Spielberg has reportedly been trying to get this project off the ground for a while. With every studio looking for a new franchise to launch, a property like Ghost in the Shell – which already has a manga, multiple films, and television series to draw from – it seems like a no-brainer to bring to American audiences.
Rupert Sanders (Snow White and the Huntsman) was announced as the director last year. His ability to direct stylized action should make him adept at translating the anime to the real world.
The film is currently in pre-production, and with Johansson in the lead role, a release date should be announced later this year.
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