According to The Wrap, famed Japanese actor Beat Takeshi Kitano has joined the cast of Paramount Pictures live-action adaptation of the hit anime & manga, “Ghost in the Shell”. Starring Scarlett Johansson the adaptation of Masamune Shirow's manga will arrive in theaters on March 31, 2017. In an official press release, Kitano stated, "This film tells the story of mankind in the near future in a unique setting. My role Aramaki is a unique and attractive character. The story revolves around the human relationships of the characters. This film will be stylish and entertaining, which is completely different from the type of movies I direct myself. This excited me and was the reason I decided to participate in this film." Kitano is best known for such films as Battle Royale, The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi and Izo.
Rupert Sanders directs the film from a script written by William Wheeler. Johansson stars as 'The Major', Motoko Kusanagi. Pilou Asbæk will play the Major's right-hand man, Batou. Michael Pitt will play the Laughing Man. No word yet on who will fill out the rest of Section 9's roster. While characters like Saito, Paz and Borma are largely non-vital, it will be interesting to see who is cast to play Togusa and Ishikawa.