Director Rupert Sanders Addresses Whitewashing Controversy Behind Ghost in the Shell
"I stand by my decision". This is what Director Rupert Sanders has to say when asked about the controversial whitewashing issues behind the movie, "Ghost in the Shell". The controversy started when Scarlet Johansson grabbed the major role, even if Motoko Kusangi, the lead character in the film was Japanese.
"Ghost in the Shell" is originally a Japanese manga. It was later adapted into an anime film. Several fans found it peculiar that Johansson got the role when it could be given to someone with Asian race.
In the film, Scarlett Johansson portrays the role of a cyborg with a human brain. Director Rupert Sanders said that there is nothing wrong with his choice, in fact, even the creators of the original anime, which includes director Mamoru Oshii, are happy with the star that he chose.
Sanders added that he was lucky to "get an amazing international cast" of people that "he wanted to work with. Scarlett was one of those people." He further added that, "There are very few actresses who've had 20 years of experience, who have the cyberpunk aesthetic already baked in. She comes from such edgy films, from Lost in Translation to Under the Skin. She's got an incredibly body of work and her attitude and toughness is, to me, The Major."
It should be noted that Ghost in the Shell is not the first film this year to be dragged in a controversial whitewashing issue. Even a movie as guiltless as Doctor Strange was debated for featuring Tilda Swinton in a character that originally appeared at the comic books as a man with Asian descent.
Director Rupert Sanders reminded fans that it is wrong to jump into the conclusion of whitewashing without seeing the movie first. He said that the movie will be able to answer all concerns when it's released on March 31, 2017.
