Earlier, when the move of casting Scarlett Johansson as the lead in Ghost in the Shell was branded as another example of ‘Hollywood whitewashing,’ producer Steven Paul defended the film, calling it an ‘international story.’ Now, in an interview with AP, Kaori Momoi, a Japanese actor who appeared in Memoirs of a Geisha, has been revealed to be playing the Lucy star’s mother in the Hollywood remake of classic Japanese anime, the Independent reported. That seems to confirm that the 31-year-old actress’ character has Japanese heritage. Talking about her part, Momoi said, “I felt blessed to have worked with her (Johansson).” She also described Hollywood as an amazing opportunity for Asian actors. To many fans, this has come as quite a contradiction, as why would they distance The Major from the Kusanagi, only to make her half-Japanese? It’s also surprising that the filmmakers are persuing the Japanese aspect of the character, yet haven’t hired a Japanese actor.
