Johansson in Jordan: Hollywood star starts shooting Hong Kong scenes for new film
Scarlett Johansson blends into the city’s market scenes in a leading role tinged with controversy
Hollywood screen siren Scarlett Johansson has been seen shooting scenes for her new film Ghost in the Shell on the streets of Yau Ma Tei.
The 31-year-old Hollywood actress donned a black bobbed wig with a grey and khaki bomber jacket for filming in Pak Hoi Street yesterday.
The Avengers star was a controversial choice for the lead role, an Asian character known as Major Motoko Kusanagi, in director Rupert Sanders’ adaptation of the Japanese manga series. The decision to cast her prompted accusations of “whitewashing” and even sparked a petition to have her removed from the role.
The film shoot was scheduled to take place from Tuesday to Thursday, but could continue into next week if needed, according to a letter sent to neighbouring businesses by production company October Pictures.
But business owners appeared unfazed by the filming when approached by the Post, with the majority saying trade had been unaffected. Jesse Flores, owner of a small food shop in Saigon Street, expressed his excitement, saying it reminded him of when actors such as Bruce Lee would film in Hong Kong.