In the wake of controversy surrounding Scarlett Johansson’s casting in “Ghost In The Shell”, the actress herself spoke to clarify her position against allegations of “whitewashing.”
The live-action movie adapted from the popular manga drew flak when its first trailer was released. Simply put, some could not accept the fact that a white actress was chosen to play an originally Asian lead role.
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Recently, Johansson broke her silence regarding her casting in the March issue of Marie Claire. She told the magazine:
“I certainly would never presume to play another race of a person. Diversity is important in Hollywood, and I would never want to feel like I was playing a character that was offensive. Also, having a franchise with a female protagonist driving it is such a rare opportunity. Certainly, I feel the enormous pressure of that—the weight of such a big property on my shoulders.”
That’s about it — Johansson does not want to play “another race.”
But as ScreenCrush put it, she “does not seem to understand” what the fuss is all about. The main character in the original story is an android named Major Motoko Kusanagi, which “should be a clue all on its own that she’s Japanese,” the outlet said.
So far, Johansson’s character is only promoted as “Major.” Meanwhile, the film’s official art book called the lead role “Mira Killian.” You be the judge.
Directed by Rupert Sanders, “Ghost In The Shell” opens on March 31.
