5 Mar – DreamWorks' live-action adaptation of the famous Japanese manga, "Ghost in the Shell" has just cast its first Japanese actor as Takeshi 'Beat' Kitano joins Scarlett Johansson in the sci-fi fantasy film. Rupert Sanders will direct the adaptation of the series which is written and illustrated by Masamune Shirow. It tells the story of a female cyborg who leads a task force called Special 9 to prevent a dangerous extremist from destroying the advancement of cyber-technology. Kitano's role in the upcoming film will be as Daisuke Aramaki, the chief of public security of Section 9. "This film tells the story of mankind in the near future in a unique setting. My role Aramaki is a unique and attractive character. The story revolves around the human relationships of the characters," said Kitano. "This film will be stylish and entertaining, which is completely different from the type of movies I direct myself. This excited me and was the reason I decided to participate in this film." The 69-year-old is one of the most respected veterans in the Japanese film industry, having experience both on and off camera. This film will be his second Hollywood credit after working with Keanu Reeves in "Johnny Mnemonic" back in 1995. Paramount Pictures will release "Ghost in the Shell" in March 2017.