First Live-Action Ghost in the Shell Photo Released As Production Begins

DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures have announced that the production has began for the live-action Ghost in the Shell film, starring Scarlett Johansson (Lucy, Avengers: Age of Ultron) and directed by Rupert Sanders (Snow White and the Huntsman). The film is shooting in Wellington, New Zealand. Paramount Pictures just released the first photo from the film, which you can see below:

Ghost in the Shell, which is based on the Kodansha Comics manga series of the same title, written and illustrated by Masamune Shirow, follows the Major, a special ops, unique human cyborg hyrid who leads the elite task force Section 9. Devoted to stopping the most dangerous criminals and extremists, Section 9 is faced with an enemy whose singular goal is to wipe out Hanka Robotic's advancements in cyber technology. The film will be produced by Steven Paul (Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance), Avi Arad (The Amazing Spider-Man 1 & 2, Iron Man), Ari Arad (Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance). Michael Costigan (Prometheus), Tetsu Fujimura (Tekken), Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, whose animation studio Production I.G produced the Japanese Ghost in the Shell fmovie and television series, and Jeffrey Silver (300, Edge of Tomorrow) will executive produce.

"We are so pleased to be in Wellington to shoot ‘Ghost in the Shell,'" said producers Avi Arad, Ari Arad, Michael Costigan and Jeffrey Silver. "The city boasts state-of-the-art production facilities and a rich urban landscape that make it an ideal setting for a sci-fi action film. The crew-base in New Zealand working on the film is first class, and working with Sir Richard Taylor and the team at Weta Workshop is inspirational on every level. The people of New Zealand have been terrific partners in helping us bring this story and its beloved characters to audiences around the world and we are thankful for their continued hospitality."

The Ghost in the Shell cast includes Scarlett Johansson as The Major, Beat Takeshi Kitano as Daisuke Aramaki, Juliette Binoche as Dr. Ouelet, Michael Pitt as Kuze, Pilou Asbæk as Batou, and Kaori Momoi. The members of Section 9 are played by Chin Han, Danusia Samal, Lasarus Ratuere, Yutaka Izumihara and Tuwanda Manyimo.

The film will be released on March 31, 2017.

Source: Comingsoon