“Ghost in the Shell” Live Action Has First Teaser Trailer: Images of Classic Anime Preserved

The first teaser trailer for "Ghost in the Shell" live action adaptation has been released. Finally, fans of the Japanese anime classic have something to reference to after it has been rumored that the movie adaptation would be white-washed with a Western theme. The trailer was 2 minutes long and it featured the "Shelling Sequence" of The Major.

The short teaser was visually stunning as reported by The Verge. Those expecting a Western-themed movie adaptation would be surprised since it oozes with fantastic Japanese imagery. Scarlet Johansson as The Major played perfectly although some say that her role referenced somewhat to Black Widow in "Avengers" and "Captain America: Civil War." Acting alongside Johansson is Takeshi Kitano from "Beat" who plays Chief Daisuke Aramaki.

Screen Rant said that the movie was able to shadow the aesthetic of the anime's opening sequence. Digital expertise was visible and is comparable to Academy Award winner "Ex Machina" wherein live actors were interlaced with CG techniques. Jess Hall of "Hot Fuzz" is responsible for the cinematography of the film.

Aside from commending the digital work of "Ghost in the Shell," the report raised questions on how closely the movie will depict the original work considering the tons of material available such as the manga, anime television series and animated film. There is also a question if "Ghost in the Shell" live action would appeal to Western audiences as well considering the white washing intrigue.

Steven Paul producer of "Ghost in the Shell" once said that the live action adaptation would be taking a new "international approach." But given the quality and the Japanese imagery seen in the trailer such as a neon kanji and a robot geisha, fans of the franchise would have to decide for themselves if Paul was indeed saying the truth.

"Ghost in the Shell" will premiere on March 31, 2017.