Whitewashing has been an old practice in the American Film industry and this casting pattern is said to be as old as the film industry itself. Recently, the live-action movie adaptation of the hit anime series "Ghost in the Shell" has been subjected to numerous whitewashing controversies. The film was accused of whitewashing the cast especially when the lead role for Major Motoko Kusanagi was given to the A-list actress Scarlett Johansson.
Johansson finally decided to shed some light regarding the controversy surrounding her casting during an interview with Marie Claire. The actress said that she would never want to play a character that will feel offensive on her part. "I certainly would never presume to play another race of a person," said Johansson.
Ever since Paramount announced Johansson's involvement in the film last April 2016, the project has been bombarded by some fans and netizens claiming that the film will be another whitewashed film by Hollywood. Other actors of Asian descent even expressed their protest in the casting. According to Polygon, Ming-Na Wen and Constance Wu openly protested in the casting, claiming that there are shortage for Asian roles in Hollywood mainstreams.
"Ghost in the Shell" anime series have always been esteemed with high regards for its major contributions for the animation industry. The franchise boasts a huge fan base ever since its release in 1995. No doubt fans are worried that their beloved series will suffer the same fate as the previously whitewashed films such as "Dragon Ball Evolution" and "Avatar: The Last Air Bender".
Amidst the onslaught of protest surrounding the project, the British director, Rupert Sanders stood firm claiming that the film has an international cast. He defended the actress saying that he is standing with his decision. Johansson even got the approval of Sam Yoshida, director of international business for Kodansha and Mamoru Oshii, director of the anime series, personally visited the set to make sure that the live-action adaptation is on par with the original series.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
