Scarlett Johansson to play lead in 'Ghost in the Shell'

Los Angeles: Actress Scarlett Johansson has been roped in to play the lead role in DreamWorks' "Ghost in the Shell". The Black Widow of Marvel Cinematic Universe is cast to portray Major Kusanagi, a covert agent fighting tech crimes in a futuristic cyberpunk world, reported Ace Showbiz.

The live-action film is adapted from Masamune Shirow's manga of the same name. Rupert Sanders ("Snow White and the Huntsman") is expected to sit behind the lens with the script by Bill Wheeler. Avi Arad and Steven Paul are among the producers.

In October 2013, Johansson, 30, was reportedly being offered USD 10 million to play the heroine. The role was originally planned for Margot Robbie, but "The Wolf of Wall Street" actress dropped out of negotiations as she's lined up for "Suicide Squad", Warner Bros' potential blockbuster centering on anti-heroes in DC Comic Universe.