Paramount and Dreamworks have announced that Beat Takeshi (also known as Takeshi Kitano when directing) has been cast in GHOST IN THE SHELL, making him the first Japanese actor to join the studios' big screen take on Masamune Shirow's iconic sci-fi manga.
Scarlett Johansson will lead the live-action adaptation as "an augmented-cybernetic human who is part of a task force named Section 9 that deals in the most dangerous criminals and extremists," while the BATTLE ROYALE and JOHNNY MNEMONIC actor will play Daisuke Aramaki, the founder and leader of the elite unit.
In a statement, Takeshi said, "This film tells the story of mankind in the near future in a unique setting. My role Aramaki is a unique and attractive character. The story revolves around the human relationships of the characters. This film will be stylish and entertaining, which is completely different from the type of movies I direct myself. This excited me and was the reason I decided to participate in this film.”
SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN's Rupert Sanders is directing the movie, and principal photography kicked off early last month in Wellington, New Zealand. Other cast members include Pilou Asbæk (LUCY) and Boardwalk Empire's Michael Pitt as the film's villain.
GHOST IN THE SHELL has been scheduled to be released on March 31, 2017.