Scarlett Johansson Responds To Controversial White Washing Issue Of Ghost In The Shell

There's been a lot of discussion on Hollywood whitewashing for the past few years, with the Oscars drawing controversy to the limited number of roles given to actors of color and film's drawing negative rap by giving the role of a character of color to a white celebrity.

One of the most recent films accused of white washing is the live-action adaptation of Ghost in The Shell produced by Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks. The main star of the Japanese film franchise, Major Kusanagi, had always been portrayed as an Asian, until Scarlett Johansson was cast for the role in the upcoming film.

Now Johansson speaks up about the controversy in a new interview with Marie Claire, defending her decision to take on the role of the Major.

"I certainly would never presume to play another race of a person. Diversity is important in Hollywood, and I would never want to feel like I was playing a character that was offensive," Johansson explained." Also, having a franchise with a female protagonist driving it is such a rare opportunity. Certainly, I feel the enormous pressure of that—the weight of such a big property on my shoulders."

While Johansson's response doesn't entirely explain why her playing the role of the Major, fans are probably willing to give Paramount's Ghost in the Shell a chance to see whether the Avengers actress would give justice to her character. Let's all hope she does.

Ghost in the Shell premieres on the big screen on March 31 this year.

Read: Ghost in the Shell Featured in Total Film Cover