Next week, Ghost in the Shell, the live-action adaptation of the classic manga and anime, will hit theaters with Scarlett Johansson in the leading role of the Major. And while the early trailers and preview scenes have played up the film’s visuals, we finally have a better idea of how they will all come together onscreen.
Paramount has released a condensed version of the first five minutes of Ghost in the Shell, which finds the Major listening in on a high-level meeting that quickly comes under a threat from an unknown force. The first few seconds are particularly impressive, as it almost looks like an animated backdrop brought to life. Keep your eyes on the city and the ever-changing billboards.
ICYMI: watch an extended clip from #GhostintheShell from the beginning of the movie. pic.twitter.com/pk2YVOkqlL
— Paramount Pictures (@ParamountUK) March 22, 2017
Some of the action also reminds us of The Matrix, which is fitting since that film was partially inspired by several anime movies including Ghost in the Shell. It’s also a lot of fun to see a semi-invisible Johansson take out the attackers. This once again makes us feel that a Black Widow solo movie is long overdue.
Fans of the original anime may notice that the pace seems to be significantly faster in this clip. There may be a few moments from the film that were lost for this preview, and that has the side effect of delivering less tension when the robo-geishas strike. Still, there is an intriguing notion put forth in this footage: augmented humans may be physically and mentally superior, but they are also more vulnerable to new kinds of attacks.
Ghost in the Shell will open in theaters on Friday, March 24.
What did you think about the new clip? Let us know in the comment section below!
Image: Paramount Pictures
