Disclaimer: A fanfic that's completely fictional that probably has never and will never happen? Why I never! Yes this is complete fantasy and never happened. As usual, feedback is more than welcomed!
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*October 2014*
Top headline: "DreamWorks casts Scarlett Johansson as Motoko Kusanagi in live action Ghost in the Shell."
*Comments section*
"NOOOOOOOOOO!"
"More Hollywood whitewashing smh."
"Why is always mayonnaise being cast in these roles?"
"OK. I'll wait and see."
To say that there was backlash over the decision to cast Scarlett Johansson as the lead in the live action Ghost in the Shell was a massive understatement. Margot Robbie was originally offered the role but even if she was cast, the backlash would still be the same and none of the fault would really be placed on the actress. Sure you can argue that they can refuse the role but this is an adaptation of an iconic anime. It's pretty coveted and while it would've been preferable to cast someone of Asian-descent, ScarJo has name value and money ultimately plays a factor.
However, Scarlett, who is not someone who uses social media, braced herself for the impending media backlash.
"How bad is it?" Scarlett asked her publicist.
"Yeah, it's bad." He replied.
"Can you read me some of these comments?" Scarlett asked as she bowed her head and closed her eyes.
"FUCK OFF HOLLYWOOD!"
"Whitewashing. AGAIN. I'm done."
"I love Scarlett but NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO."
"Anyone have some bleach so I can numb myself so I can pretend I didn't read the article correctly?"
"Rinko Kikuchi wasn't available?"
"Jesus." Scarlett exclaimed. " "Wait, did that comment say Rinko Kikuchi?"
"Yes."
Rinko became a fan-favorite after her performance in Pacific Rim and fans online had lobbied her to play the role of Motoko Kusanagi in a live action Ghost in the Shell. Scarlett had an idea on how to combat this negativity before it starts to overwhelm her.
"Do you think you can get me in contact with Rinko's people?" She asked her publicist and he nodded. After 15 minutes of getting in touch with Rinko's people, a meeting was set up in Rinko's native Japan. In a week. It might've felt like a dogs' age for Scarlett but it was enough time to let this news die down slightly.
*1 Week later*
Scarlett arrived in Japan, luckily not detected by the paparazzi. She traveled to the destination, which was a club that Rinko recently purchased. It was so dynamic looking that it could be used for a sequence in Ghost in the Shell.
"Nightclub? Hm." Scarlett thought to herself as she took a look around and admired the scenery. "Why not a house or apartment?" "At least it gives me an excuse to wear something somewhat casual tonight." There were just some of the things running through Scarlett's head.
*4 Hours later*
Scarlett got dressed and headed to the club, which was called "The Red Cat." She was wearing a navy blue jacket with black sweatpants which showed off her ample behind, black shades, and a plain white shirt. The club was packed, the drinks strong, the House music loud, and the lighting red. Hey, it wasn't called "The Red Cat" for nothing. But that didn't seem to matter too much for Scarlett as she was scheduled to meet Rinko Kikuchi.
"I'm here to meet Ms. Kikuchi." Scarlett told the bouncer with a smile in her fluent Japanese. Years of promoting her tentpole Marvel movies and other films of hers in the country has more than helped her to get used to the Japanese dialect.
"Yes, she is expecting you." The bouncer retorted and escorted the blonde actress to the back of the club.
"Wow, this place is even bigger than I thought." Scarlett exclaimed in English and she was right. The staircase was uniquely designed, a floating staircase that was so....Kubrickian in design that it's really hard to describe other than it was painted blood red and black. Eventually, the music began to drown out as they reached the hallway. "Does Rinko live here?" Scarlett thought. This place was big enough to live in but in any case, they eventually arrived to Rinko's "office."
"Ahhh Scarlett." Rinko joyfully exclaimed. She was wearing a purple cutaway dress and silver heels. "That's okay, Hotaru, we'll take it from here." Rinko explained to the bouncer as he departed. We then sit alone in her office, the decor being all red and white.
"Wow, this is a pretty big office." Scarlett said, admiring the decor. "You could probably live here if you wanted." Which caused Rinko to giggle.
"So.....Miss Johansson. What brought you out here to Japan? We could've done this with just a simple phone call."