Ghost in the Shell is a science-fiction action film released in 2017, directed by Rupert Sanders and starring Scarlett Johansson in the lead role of Major. The screenplay was written by Jamie Moss, William Wheeler, and Ehren Kruger, and is based on the manga series of the same name by Masamune Shirow.
Set in the near future, the movie depicts a world where humans have the ability to enhance their abilities through cybernetic implants. Major, a young woman, is the first of her kind, a human whose brain is implanted into a fully cybernetic body. Major is a highly skilled soldier working for Section 9, a covert ops team tasked with preventing cybercriminals and terrorists from using technology to harm the people of the world.
As Major begins to uncover deeper truths about her past and the true nature of her existence, she begins to question her loyalty to Section 9 and must decide whether to continue to be a mindless tool of the government or become a true individual.
Alongside Johansson, the movie features an international cast including Takeshi Kitano, Michael Pitt, Pilou Asbæk, Chin Han, and Juliette Binoche. The film was praised for its stunning visuals, action sequences, and its exploration of themes such as identity, technological advancement, and the ethics of cybernetic enhancements.
Despite its critical success, Ghost in the Shell was controversial due to Johansson's casting as Major, a role originally written as a Japanese woman in the manga. This led to accusations of whitewashing and fueled ongoing discussions about diversity in Hollywood casting.