Ghost in the Shellis getting ready to hit theaters in a little more than a week, but for those of you who are feeling a little impatient, you may check out the first five minutes of the movie online right now. Paramount decided to give fans a little taste of what’s to come by releasing the clip online today, and it is very heavy on the action. Despite the controversy surrounding her casting, it also seems likeScarlett Johanssonis kicking some serious butt as Major and looking good doing it.
Paramount initially debuted the clip during a Facebook Live streaming event but they later released a slightly extended version of the clip to theirYouTubechannel. In the video, we see Major hanging out on a rooftop listening in on an important meeting that has to do with “cyber enhancement.” Things quickly get out of hand and the bullets start flying. Also,Scarlett Johanssonjumps off a very tall building and it is pretty awesome. Here is the official synopsis forGhost in the Shell.
“Based on the internationally acclaimed sci-fi manga series,Ghost in the Shellfollows theMajor, a special operations, one-of-a-kindhuman-cyborg hybrid, who leads the elite task force Section 9. Devoted to stopping the most dangerous criminals and extremists, Section 9 is faced with an enemy whose singular goal is to wipe out Hanka Robotic’s advancements in cyber technology.”
This clip expands on a lot of footage that we have seen in the trailers forGhost in the Shellbut provides a little bit of context. It also gives us a much better sense of style, which looks to be a pretty interesting blend of digital and practical. There are definitely elements ofThe Matrixin there, as well as someJohn Wickand definitely some heavy influence from theGhost in the Shell anime movie. Also, slow-motion. A whole lot of slow-motion.
It is likely wise of Paramount to release this clip and try to get more people interested in seeingGhost in the Shellbecause it is going to have a tough time at the box office. In terms of direct competition, the only releases coming out that weekend that may pose any threat areThe Boss Babyand theJessica ChastaindramaThe Zookeeper’s Wife. However, there will be some big holdovers in the form ofPower Rangers,LifeandBeauty and the Beast. Not to mention movies likeLoganandKong: Skull Islandthat will probably still be hanging around. So even with a bankable star inScarlett Johansson, it is going to be tough for this movie to be ablockbuster hitwith so much competition in the way.
Ghost in the Shellis being directed bySnow White and the HuntsmanhelmerRupert Sanderswith a script written byJonathan HermanandJamie Moss. In addition toScarlett Johansson, the cast includesRila Fukushima,Michael Pitt,Peter FerdinandoandJuliette Binoche.Ghost In The Shellis set for release on March 31. Be sure to check out the new clip for yourself below.
