Ghost in the Shell: Anger mounting over casting of Scarlett Johansson in what is a 'fundamentally Japanese story'

Comics writer Jon Tsuei points out how Ghost in the Shell is centrally tied into ideas of both Japanese identity and history

Hollywood's Ghost in the Shell remake is snowballing in its controversy; with the film submerging in the hot waters of its casting decisions.

Fans had already expressed their dismay at the news Scarlett Johansson would be cast in the lead role of (the clearly Japanese) Motoko Kusanagi; yet, the first image of the actor in the role seemed only to solidify the dissonance of her casting. A defining voice in the backlash was Ming Na-Wen, the voice of Disney's Mulan and current star of Marvel television series Agents of Shield.

It seemed as if Ghost in the Shell is doomed to be another disappointment in a long line of whitewashed movies, joining the likes of Pan or Gods of Egypt; yet, the issue goes even deeper here. As comic writer Jon Tsuei explains, Ghost in the Shell actually ties into something deeply rooted within Japanese identity; to whitewash its story is to strip it of its weight, power, and relevance.

It's obvious why Johansson was cast in the role; her work with Marvel and 2014's Lucy has essentially made her the biggest female action star in Hollywood. Her involvement here speaks to a vehicle afraid it won't have relevancy or blockbuster weight without the addition of an A-list name in the credits; but this begs two important questions.

Why does Hollywood need a Ghost in the Shell film if there's not enough confidence its name alone can bring an audience? Furthermore, why aren't we looking at the systems of prejudice in place which have resulted in such a lack of A-list Asian actors? Rinko Kikuchi proved her action chops in 2013's Pacific Rim; where are her leading roles in major blockbusters?

Incidentally, Tsuei ends his thoughts with a perfectly photoshopped image of what Kikuchi would like in the role. The verdict? Much improved.

Ghost in the Shell hits UK cinemas on 31 March 2017.