Ghost In The Shell production begins: First look at Scarlett Johansson as cyborg Major

The filming of Ghost In The Shell starring Scarlett Johansson is currently underway in Wellington, New Zealand. Directed by Snow White And The Huntsman's Rupert Sanders, the movie is an adaptation of the iconic Japanese manga comics of the same name, originally written and illustrated by artist Masamune Shirow.

"We are so pleased to be in Wellington to shoot 'Ghost in the Shell'," producers Avi Arad, Ari Arad, Michael Costigan and Jeffrey Silver said, according to ComingSoon. "The city boasts state-of-the-art production facilities and a rich urban landscape that make it an ideal setting for a sci-fi action film."

"The crew base in New Zealand working on the film is first class, and working with Sir Richard Taylor and the team at Weta Workshop is inspirational on every level," the producers added. "The people of New Zealand have been terrific partners in helping us bring this story and its beloved characters to audiences around the world and we are thankful for their continued hospitality."

Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures have revealed the first look of the movie — a single photo straight from the movie set showing Johansson, who plays the main character Major, gazing into the distance.

The synopsis of the movie reads: "GHOST IN THE SHELL follows the Major, a special ops, one-of-a-kind human-cyborg hybrid, who leads the elite task force Section 9. Devoted to stopping the most dangerous criminals and extremists, Section 9 is faced with an enemy whose singular goal is to wipe out Hanka Robotic's advancements in cyber technology."

The cast of the movie includes Beat Takeshi Kitano (Daisuke Aramaki), Juliette Binoche (Dr Ouelet), Michael Pitt (Kuze), Pilou Asbæk (Batou) and Kaori Momoi,. The members of Section 9 are played by Chin Han, Danusia Samal, Lasarus Ratuere, Yutaka Izumihara and Tuwanda Manyimo.

The movie hits theatres in the US on 31 March 2017.