Scarlett Johansson will star in Ghost in the Shell for Rupert Sanders

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

Dreamworks’ live-action adaptation of the popular anime GHOST IN THE SHELL has found its star.

Variety is reporting that Scarlett Johansson, who has solidified herself as a reliable action star thanks to her Marvel flicks and this past summer’s LUCY, has joined the pic, which is being directed by Rupert Sanders (SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN). Margot Robbie was previously rumored to be in contention for the film.

Here’s the synopsis of the 1995 film:

2029. A female government cyber agent and the Internal Bureau of Investigations are hot on the trail of The Puppet Master – a computer virus capable of invading cybernetic brains and altering its victim’s memory. Created by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and codenamed Project 2501, this ‘hacker’ is actually a prototype virtual agent which has now defied its makers by seeking asylum within a new host body outside of the electronic net. Now the two agencies must maneuver against each another in a violent, high-tech race to capture the omnipresent entity.

Avi Arad and Steven Paul are producing the film; the script was penned by Bill Wheeler. Steven Spielberg will also be involved in some capacity, as this project is close to his heart.