15 most debatable casting situations we have seen across movies and shows

Modified Jan 03, 2025 03:07 ET

Casino Royale (Image via Sony Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Columbia Pictures)

7) **Scarlett Johansson as Major Motoko Kusanagi (Ghost in the Shell, 2017)**

Scarlett Johansson (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Scarlett Johansson’s casting as Major Motoko Kusanagi caused an immediate backlash. Fans of the original anime were upset because the character was Japanese, and they felt the role should have gone to an Asian actress. Critics said Hollywood was ignoring representation again by picking a white actress for a role rooted in Japanese culture. Social media was filled with frustration, and the debate focused on how Hollywood prioritizes profits over authenticity. Johansson played the role with emotional depth and strength, but the controversy did not go away. The criticism stayed even after the film came out and sparked more conversations about race in casting.