Of course the manga’s original publisher never thought a Japanese actor would play the lead, but at a publicity event for the film in Tokyo, we get a look at what that might’ve been, if the movie had been made in Japan.
Even if that’s within the context of staged PR! It’s not uncommon for Japanese celebrities to cosplay for Hollywood movie events. Here, that has added and, most certainly, accidental meaning.
Of course, Beat Takeshi still would’ve been in the movie, and don’t take this as finalized casting decisions, but it is interesting to see locals bring these characters to life.
Via Eiga.com, here’s Rina Takeda as the Major.
He’s not only a talented actresses, but also a black belt and able to do things like this:
And this:
In her movies, Takeda does her own stunts, which are free of wire work and CG.
Via Natalie, that’s Korean-Japanese pro wrestler Riki Choshu as Batou.
It took two hours of make up to pull off this look.
Looks good, no?
Choshu says he can’t see a thing.
And she’s unloading those kicks in heels.
Well done. Take a bow!
In case you missed it, check out io9's Ghost in the Shell review right here.
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