Ed OblepiasSCARLET JOHANSSON PLAYING AN ASIAN LEAD ROLE?
Ghost in the Shell is a popular anime and manga franchise that is critically acclaimed and well-loved around the world. It is even said to be the inspiration for the Wachowskis’ Matrix trilogy. Fans have waited a long time for an actual live action adaptation of the series and they finally got it! Ghost in the Shell is set to hit theaters this March, but not everyone seems to be pleased about Scarlet Johansson taking the lead role.
They Whitewashed Another Asian Role? WHY!?
Netizens all over the world began to claim that the movie’s casting choice is another example of Hollywood whitewashing minorities out of the cinema.
Yo! My homies @carmineStcomics in a PSA on the GITS whitewash grossness.
Ghost in The Shell PSA https://t.co/A3DgiLZ3sA via @YouTube— Fran Venezuela (@TacoDoggyRoll) March 5, 2017
Until now, people are up in arms and want the movie to receive low ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. It is true that the Tomatometer is currently not available, but it is good to see that a lot of people want to see the movie.
AN UNPOPULAR OPINION
Ok I’m going to play devil’s advocate here and say that casting Scarlet Johansson as” Makoto” wasn’t really a bad choice. We all know that she can pull off being a SPY thanks to her role as Black Widow in the Avengers movies. When making a film, people bank on the popularity of the lead actors to attract people to their movie and we know that ScarJo is very bankable.
Yes, there’s no way around it, Hollywood did whitewash another Asian role for their film, but personally I feel that battles for equality should be taken step by step. We should celebrate the victories more than magnify the defeats. Scarlet Johansson fights for the equality of women and also fought for equal pay in her movies. Tearing down other people will never get us anywhere.
I will watch the film before I cast a verdict of it being good or bad and will judge the movie based on how enjoyable it was. One day we will get full representation, but we should celebrate the victories and stop dwelling the defeats!
Are you looking forward to watch Ghost in the Shell? Or will you avoid it because of the Whitewashing? Tell us in the comments below! Remember to check YuneOh to get the latest buzz on events!
