The news today that Shutter Island writer Laeta Kalogridis has been retained to work on DreamWorks’ live-action version of Ghost in the Shell, to eventually be projected in 3D, feels like it’s coming from the “what’s taking so long” department. The property, based on Masamune Shirow’s comic book, is a dense, heady odyssey into a world where people can download their souls into cybernetic bodies known as “shells.” It follows a similarly enhanced female police detective who — while tracking the first naturally evolving artificial intelligence — begins to wonder how much human she’s got left in her metal chassis. And this wouldn’t be the first time it’s been adapted:
There are, at last count, three anime films, one TV series, a handful of novels, a pair of videogames, and, of course, Shirow’s original manga. And Ghost in the Shell is a natural for Hollywoodization: What it will likely lose in ponderous philosophizing, Ghost will gain in a more disciplined story structure (especially with Steven Spielberg executive producing), something many Japanese animated films manifestly lack. Plus, Kalogridis seems like a good choice: Before writing Martin Scorsese’s upcoming Shutter Island, she was the initial engine for NBC’s Bionic Woman revamp, having written the pilot episode. Maybe she’s got some outstanding lady-cyborg-ballbuster issues to work out.
Whaddya think? Should Hollywood leave well enough alone, or is this a property that would flourish with Hollywood treatment?
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I think that Ghost in The Shell will be a fantastic live action movie. Sometimes GITS can get too far into metaphysical existentialism (the movies are really bad about that), but I hope that Kalogridis does not ditch it entirely. If they base off the movie off the plotting of SAC, then I think it will a great film.
Not to nitpick, GITS had two TV series, Stand Alone Complex and SAC: 2nd Gig.
I’m very hesitant with these live-action films Hollywood is churning out today from anime and manga. Dragonball Evolution was really bad and Cowboy Bebop with Keanu Reeves scares me. But with Spielberg, I guess I’ll just hold my breath.
The first Matrix already made a lot of live-action homages to Ghost in the Shell.
Why can’t they leave stuff alone!! Cowboy Bepop is great as is…jeeze not everything has o be made into a live action movie!!
I’m picking up a Blade Runner vibe.
well i guess…its something of a different nature that some really craves for…..
I’m always wary when Hollywood decides to adapt anime or manga. But if it’s done well, I’ll be the first in line.
I wonder if she understands The Major’s life is a Greek Tragedy
As long as James Cameron, Zack Snyder, Brian Singer, or Antoine Fuqua direct it should be ok. Megan Fox is my choice for Motoko. HHH as Batou? Get him in acting school NOW.
any body for THE ROCK as Batou?
i guess HAITI is where all the world’s attention are turned to at this moment….Lets all turn with our heart and soul to them in all!!!Peace