Hollywood
Scarlett Johansson to star in DreamWorks’ ‘Ghost in the Shell’
MUMBAI: Scarlett Johansson has been signed on to star in DreamWorks’ upcoming venture, Ghost in the Shell.
The actress, who received accolades for her action lead in Lucy, will feature in the anime-based, live-action thriller directed by Rupert Sanders and written by Bill Wheeler.
Produced by Ari Arad and Steven Paul, Ghost in the Shell is based on the Japanese comic book of the same name. The plot is about the exploits of a member of a covert ops unit of the Japanese National Public Safety Commission that specializes in fighting technology-related crime.
Former DreamWorks executive Mark Sourian, will executive produce the movie, for which Johansson had reportedly, received an offer of US $10 million.
Johansson’s upcoming film includes Avengers: Age of Ultron where she plays the Black Widow.
Hollywood
Disney chair confident CEO Josh D’Amaro will ‘rise to the occasion’ in Trump–Kimmel row
Board backs new chief as ABC controversy tests leadership early on
NEW YORK: The Walt Disney Company has placed the responsibility of handling the escalating dispute between Donald Trump and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel squarely on its new chief executive, Josh D’Amaro.
Speaking at a business conference in Oslo, Disney chair James Gorman said it would be up to the CEO and his team to determine the company’s response to the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel Live!. He noted that such challenges are not uncommon for large corporations and require careful handling at the leadership level.
The row intensified after both Donald Trump and Melania Trump publicly called for Kimmel’s dismissal following remarks made on his show. The comments, which referenced the First Lady, sparked backlash in the days leading up to a security incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Kimmel addressed the issue on-air, clarifying that his joke was intended as a reference to the couple’s age difference and not an incitement to violence. He also expressed sympathy for those affected by the incident and reiterated his stance against violent rhetoric.
Despite mounting pressure, Gorman refrained from offering specific guidance on the future of the show or the host. Instead, he voiced confidence in D’Amaro’s leadership, describing him as “world class” and capable of navigating the situation effectively.
The episode presents an early and high-profile test for D’Amaro, who stepped into the top role just last month. How Disney balances editorial independence, public sentiment and political pressure will likely shape not just the outcome of this controversy, but also the tone of its leadership in the months ahead.
