2) The International Cast
In defense of the ScarJo casting controversy, Ghost in the Shell’s producer Steven Paul claimed that this version of the tale was a more “international story” than the Japanese-based original anime.
“It wasn’t just focused on Japanese; it was supposed to be an entire world,” explained Paul. “That’s why I say the international approach is, I think, the right approach to it.”
We get a first taste of what he means in the trailer, as we get to see the diverse cast of actors who spring from a vast array of cultural backgrounds. Apart from Johansson, there’s French actress Juliette Binoche, who plays Hanka scientist Dr. Ouelet, Australian actor Lasarus Ratuere as Ishikawa, Section 9’s tech expert, Singaporean actor Chin Han as Togusa, the only “natural” Section 9 employee and Japanese star Takeshi Kitano as Section 9 director Chief Aramaki. We’re pretty sure she’s not in the trailer, but Rila Fukushima (of The Wolverine and Arrow fame) is also set to appear in the film.
The most prominent supporting character seen in the trailer is Danish actor (and Game of Thrones star) Pilou Asbaek as Batou, otherwise known as the blonde guy with the small cybernetic lenses over his eyes. It won’t come as a surprise to fans that the character looks to have a significant part in the movie, as he’s generally depicted as the secondary protagonist of the series.
In the manga and the anime, Batou is the Major’s second-in-command. He’s also the central character of Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence, in which he investigates Kusanagi’s disappearance. The live-action movie has replicated his look perfectly, and it seems he’s being cast in a similar role as the Major’s partner who she has to learn to trust.