'Ghost In The Shell' Live-Action Movie To Retain Scarlett Johansson Amid Petition To Recast

Amid petitions to recast the Hollywood actress, Scarlett Johansson, the "Ghost in the Shell" live-action movie is speculated to begin filming in February 2016.

The recent reports from Stuff.com claimed that the 31-year-old star will begin shooting for the live-action movie despite the online petitions against her.

Collider reported that the petition has asked the DreamWorks Studios to recast the "Avengers" star with an Asian actress.

"The original film is set in Japan, and the major cast members are Japanese," the petition reads as reported by KpopStarz reported. "So why would the American remake star a white actress? DreamWorks could be using this movie provide opportunities for Asian-American actors in a market with few opportunities for them to shine."

Earlier, Scarlett Johansson revealed details about the movie based on the anime adaptation, when she was asked about an update on the project.

"It's happening," Johansson said as reported by  Franchise Herald reported. "It will begin shooting at the beginning of next year, so I think we start production January or February and it's me and Rupert."

Meanwhile, The Daily Mail reported that the actress has already arrived in Wellington, New Zealand, where she will begin shooting for the sci-fi movie, "Ghost in the Shell," starting from the first week of February at Miramar's Stone Street Studios.

Based on the manga written by Masamune Shirow and in directions by Rupert Sanders, Scarlett Johansson is set to portray the role of Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg detective who leads a task force called Section 9. 

"Ghost in the Shell" live-action movie will also feature Pilou Asbæk and Sam Riley in the lead roles. 

The "Ghost in the Shell" live-action movie is set to be released on Mar. 29, 2017.