With a 25th anniversary remake now out and a feature film in the works, the "Ghost in the Shell" franchise is enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Now, following an announcement made on the official website for "Ghost in the Shell: Arise", Anime News Network has reported that the popular series will soon take the form of a stage play.
The production will be directed by Shutaro Oku, who directed the stage plays "Persona 3" and "Blood-C: The Last Mind," from a script by "Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex" writer Jun'ichi Fujisaku. The play has another "Ghost in the Shell" vet attached: "Arise" writer Tow Ubukata is attached to fill the role of editorial supervisor on the play.
"Ghost in the Shell" superfans should start making plans and arranging travel now to see the play, which will run at the Tokyo Geijutsu GekijÅ Playhouse from November 5-15.
A live-action adaptation of "Ghost in the Shell" starring Scarlett Johansson has also been announced. Johansson's casting in the role immediately led to accusations of whitewashing the franchise's lead character, thus causing fans to launch a petition to have the role recast. No news has surfaced about the production in recent months, indicating that it's still on track for its April 14, 2017 release date.