'Ghost in the Shell' release date news 2016: Live-action movie casts Japanese actress to play Scarlett Johansson's mother

Kaori Momoi, a famous Japanese actress, has been cast in the upcoming "Ghost in the Shell" live-action film. Momoi will play the role of Major Motoko Kusanagi's (Scarlett Johansson) mother.

In the original manga and animated movies, there have been no mentions or appearances by Major Kusanagi's mother, but references have been made to a childhood accident that would lead to the character's consciousness being implanted into an artificial body. Fans don't know yet how big of a role Momoi's character is, but some take this as the studio's act to remedy the so-called "whitewashing" of the production.

Earlier this year, several fans online criticized the production for casting Scarlett Johansson in a role that was originally meant for an Asian actress. Some, however, considered the casting of Johansson as purely an economic choice, with the Hollywood star bringing in a major box office draw.

On the other hand, The Associated Press reports that actual Asian actors are too busy to fret over Hollywood's supposed "whitewashing." Momoi suggested that acting was ultimately about one's talent rather than about their skin color or nationality. The report went on to say that the actors understand the commercial marketability of Johansson, seeing that Asian films cast well-known actors too.

Momoi even praised Johansson's work on "Ghost in the Shell," noting the latter's professionalism and devotion to work.

"I felt blessed to have worked with her . . . what's fantastic is fantastic. What fails just fails," Momoi told the AP.

Like other Asian actors who have been cast in Hollywood films, Momoi saw Hollywood as more of an opportunity. With her own fame in Japan, she said that working abroad is like "getting away from being Kaori Momoi."

Hopefully the move has appeased some fans of the original film, and has gotten them on-board to having Johansson play Major Kusanagi.

"Ghost in the Shell" is currently filming, and is set to be released in March 2017.