Following the success of novel–turned–movies, Japanese anime and video games have become the next materials to be adapted into movies.
Earlier in November last year, we reported that popular Japanese manga series “進撃の巨人ごっこ” (translation: Shingeki no Kyojin/Attack on Titan) has been adapted into a film and set to be released in 2015. However, this manga series isn’t the only one that will be adapted into a film because “Ghost in the Shell” (攻殻機動隊 Kōkaku Kidōtai, literally “Mobile Armored Riot Police”), will be brought to the big screen by DreamWorks and Steven Spielberg soon.
First serialised in 1989, the manga tells the story of a fictional counter-cyberterrorist organisation Public Security Section 9, led by main protagonist Major Motoko Kusanagi, in the mid 21st century of Japan. The series has had various film adaptations, starting with the 1995 film produced by animation studio Production I.G. An alternate story of the manga and the film was told in the TV adaptation that features Section 9’s investigations of government corruption in various incidents.
According to Variety, DreamWorks principal Steven Spielberg, who is a huge fan of the series has always wanted to turn it into a film. Thus, in 2008, he acquired the rights to adapt it into a live-action film.
“Snow White and the Huntsman” director Rupert Sanders has come on board to helm the project, based on a script written by Bill Wheeler. Avi Arad and Steven Paul are producing the film while Mark Sourian is executive producing.
When DreamWorks made the announcement about the live-action adaptation of the science fiction anime, the cast was not announced. It was previously reported that “The Wolf of Wall Street” star Margot Robbie would play the leading role of the film but she was then offered to play Harley Quinn in “Suicide Squad” instead.
It was then reported that Scarlett Johansson was offered to play the lead role and sources are now telling Variety that the “Lucy” actress would star in the film.
Variety is also reporting that Paramount has been given the option to co-produce the film but the decision is expected to be made in the coming weeks. ScarJo, who gave birth to a baby girl last year will be seen next in “Avengers: Age of Ultron” this May. She will also be seen in “Hail, Caesar!” and “The Jungle Book“.
What do you think about the casting news? Who would like to see in the film as well? Let us know in the comments box below!
UPDATE (14th Jan.):
Well, it looks like we won’t be seeing the film adaptation of the “Ghost In The Shell” so soon because Deadline is reporting that the movie is scheduled for release on April 14th, 2017.
Disney has also announced that the 3D remake of 1977’s “Pete’s Dragon” will hit the cinemas on August 12th, 2016. Alongside the news, Disney has pushed the release dates for Jon Favreau’s remake of “The Jungle Book” (also starred Scarlett Johansson) and “The Finest Hours”.
“The Jungle Book” is now set to be released on April 15th, 2016 while “The Finest Hour” will arrive on October 9th of the same year.
(Source)
