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."
"Well..." Scarlett began to explain with a slight hint of hesitation. "It's about Ghost in the Shell."
"Oh. Yeah, I've read some of the comments." Rinko said.
"Yeah, it's pretty bad." Scarlett replied.
"But why come to ME of all people?" Rinko asked almost rhetorically, like she knew the answer.
"Many people have threw your name out there and I would have to agree with them, especially after Pacific Rim." Scarlett said in a downhearted tone.
"You're letting a few anonymous comments on the internet get you down?" Rinko asked.
"Internet comments almost never bother me but.....Many mainstream media outlets are commenting on it."
"I thought YOU of all people would be able to handle criticism like this." Rink said rather bluntly. "Not really something Kusanagi would stand for." Rinko playfully quipped.
"I know it's just....This is a beloved series." Scarlett said quietly.
"I totally get why they would cast you in the role Scarlett: you're strong-willed, smart, and incredibly beautiful. Even without not being Japanese, you have it in you to play The Major." Rinko reassured with a smile. "But I would lying my ass off if I said I didn't want that role BADLY."
Scarlett nodded her head understandably. Who didn't want that role? Rinko REALLY wanted the role but her schedule was full as she's shooting a TV show and 3 new films from now until the principal photography of GITS starts.
"Still, Scarlett, this could've been done over the phone or an e-mail. Why did you come all the way to Japan just to see me?" Rinko asked. Even Scarlett was perplexed.
"Umm......I have no idea." Scarlett replied casually. She really did have not one clue, which led Rinko to simply laugh.
"Since you're here, why not stay for a drink or two?" Rinko asked and Scarlett happily obliged.
For the next hour or so, Rinko and Scarlett had a friendly chat over drinks and tried not to bring the film up. Until Scarlett brought it up.....Again.
"Wow, I'm getting really nervous about Ghost." Scarlett said, which caused Rinko to groan.
"JEEZ SCARLETT!" Rinko exclaimed. "YOU. ARE. GOING. TO. BE. FINE." As Rinko held Scarlett's face in her hands. You know what? You need some proper motivation."
"What kind of motivat....." Scarlett tried to let out before Rinko placed her lips to hers.