Scarlett Johansson's The Major is unmasked and debuts nearly-nude catsuit in "Ghost in the Shell" trailer. An action-packed new teaser just dropped on Thursday.
According to The Independent, Paramount Pictures released its big Super Bowl TV spot for its adaptation of the Japanese manga "Ghost in the Shell." The teaser shows Johansson smashing in heads and through walls and contains little voiceover save one line: "They did not save your life - they stole it." It shows a piece of The Major's cybernetic face being removed to reveal her inner workings such as the gears and wires underneath, promising some stunning, futuristic visuals and a distinctly Japanese setting.
In the "Ghost in the Shell" film, Johansson plays a human-cyborg hybrid named The Major, Variety reported. Her character leads a covert ops unit of elite task force Section 9 devoted to stopping the most dangerous criminals and extremists.
The adaptation of "Ghost in the Shell" is based on the Japanese manga of the same name by Masamune Shirow. Section 9 is faced with an enemy whose singular goal is to wipe out Hanka Robotic's advancements in cyber technology. It focuses largely on Johansson and Danish actor Pilou Asbæk, who plays Major's partner Batou.
"Snow White and the Huntsman" director Rupert Sanders is being helmed on "Ghost in the Shell." Cast members include "I Origins" actor Michael Pitt (Kuze), "The Dark Knight" actor Chin Han (undisclosed role), and "Godzilla" actress Juliette Binoche (Dr. Ouelet). Paramount is the distributor.
Johansson's casting in the lead role of Motoko Kusanagi seemed surprising to many fans of the Japanese hit "Ghost in the Shell," who called it whitewashing. Several petitions circulated online opposing the casting after it was announced. The manga adaptation has received considerable backlash in what is perceived as a distinctly Japanese role.
"Ghost in the Shell" is scheduled for the UK release on March 31.
Watch the 30-second ad for "Ghost in the Shell," featuring Scarlett Johansson in an eye-catching tactical stealth suit: