Variety is reporting that Steven Spielberg’s personal interest in the Japanese manga/anime epic Ghost in the Shell is likely responsible for DreamWorks recent aquisition of the film rights to the property. Sony and Universal had also been in the running to nab the rights to the franchise. DreamWorks’ plans for Ghost involve releasing a feature length live-action 3D film.
Spielberg’s interest in the story made it a more prominent target for the studio and stated that “Ghost in the Shell’ is one of my favorite stories. It’s a genre that has arrived, and we enthusiastically welcome it to DreamWorks.”
DreamWorks has already tapped Avi Arad’s Seaside Entertainment to produce the film, while Jamie Moss is slated as the writer.
Read the original report over at Variety.
Let us know about your favorite Ghost in the Shell storyline over in our Lounge…
On April 15, 2008, MilkMan Pictures said:
I don’t think we need this. The original animated film is so good. Maybe if they went live action like the are going to do with WB/Dicaprio’s Akira… then maybe. Still I kinda wish they would leave these properties alone.