Coming to theaters all over the world, is the new live-action film depiction of the well-known manga series, “Ghost in the Shell,” starring Scarlett Johansson, Pilou Asbæk, and Ng Chin Han.Fans from all over the world are awaiting the release of the beloved manga series, Ghost in the Shell, premiering March 31st. The film’s director, Rupert Sanders, has brought to life the character, The Major played by Scarlett Johannson, in the newest adaptation of the science fiction drama.
The Ghost in the Shell franchise was originally a Japanese manga series created by Masamune Shirow. Set in a futuristic depiction of Japan, The Major is the head of a special operations task force entrusted with finding and eliminating possible terroristic threats. She is tasked with rooting out and stopping a skilled hacker intent on taking over a person’s brain and bending them to his will.
Our very own OJ Williams sat down with Scarlett Johannson to discuss what it was like to play the beloved character of The Major in the new live-action film adaption.
OJ Williams: What do you admire most about your character, The Major:
Scarlett Johansson: I think the character is really curious about herself and it’s this curiosity that leads her down this path of self-discovery. And I think that’s what I admire most about her, is that she’s makes a very brave choice; which is to turn away from the status quo or to turn away from what she’s been told all this time … to follow this calling or follow this ghost, this soul of spirit, that’s leading her down this path of self-discovery.
OJ Williams: Speaking of brave choices, you’ve made some great decisions with the physicality of your performance:
Scarlett Johansson: I just imagined that this character was living this unique experience of being a human brain inside an entirely “machin-ey” body, that there would be this kind of space that existed in between her mind telling her body to follow. And so I just sort of led with my mind and the body follows after … where there is this kind of space that also showed that there was nothing superfluous, and nothing like the unnecessary. Every movement was just made with a lot of intention.
OJ Williams: Tell us how the themes of the film resonate with you and the world today:
Scarlett Johansson: I think this film sort of asks us this question, “In the quest to enhance our experience, what are we willing to sacrifice as part of the human experience?” and “Is it worth it?”. Like what part of ourselves would we miss and what can you get back, and what can’t you? I think it just gives us food for thought. It’s a future that’s not so far out of reach, and I think that’s what makes it really alluring.
OJ Williams: The film shows so many technological advances. Is there anything that you would take from the film and use today:
Scarlett Johansson: I think it would be pretty convenient to have that thermoptic suit for an airport run.
OJ Williams: It looks like it’s very tight to get into:
Scarlett Johansson: It seems like it, but it actually requires some talcum powder and a second party to get you into it.
OJ Williams: You’ve been in so many amazing action films, do you think you could rumble and tumble with someone in real life:
Scarlett Johansson: [Laughter] Are you challenging me to a fight? I am a pacifist. I am a peaceful warrior! Yeah, probably. More than anything, I’ve met a lot of really talented people that have given me some great self-defense tricks. I think it’s really important, especially as a woman, to be able to defend yourself in any given situation. And there’s some really easy to learn tools that can help you get there.
