Ghost In The Shell Set Photos

Other than a profile shot of Scarlett Johansson as the iconic Major Motoko Kusanagi, and ensuing controversy over the casting, not much has been seen or heard from the Paramount and DreamWorks Pictures upcoming live-action reinterpretation of author Masamune Shirow's Ghost In The Shell.

Today, a series of pictures (via HK01 and Apple Daily) taken from the Hong Kong set of the film have made their way online, and they offer a new look at the highly anticipated and controversial film, including a fresh new look at Johansson, and a first look at Pilou Asbæk ("Lucy") as Batou, who is not "wearing" his iconic cybernetic eyes. The pictures also provide a first taste of what the setting and extras will look like.

Directed by Snow White and the Huntsman helmer Rupert Sanders, Ghost In The Shell also stars Michael Pitt, Takeshi Kitano, Rila Fukushima, and Juliette Binoche.

The film, which is based on the famous Kodansha Comics manga series of the same name, written and illustrated by Masamune Shirow, is produced by Avi Arad ("THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 1 & 2," "IRON MAN"), Ari Arad ("GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE"), and Steven Paul ("GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE"). Michael Costigan ("PROMETHEUS"), Tetsu Fujimura ("TEKKEN"), Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, whose animation studio Production I.G produced the Japanese "GHOST IN THE SHELL" film and television series, and Jeffrey Silver ("EDGE OF TOMORROW," "300") will executive produce.

Based on the internationally-acclaimed sci-fi property, "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.

"We are so pleased to be in Wellington to shoot ‘GHOST IN THE SHELL,’" said producers Avi Arad, Ari Arad, Michael Costigan and Jeffrey Silver. "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 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."

Ghost In The Shell opens in theaters on March 31, 2017.

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