January 5, 2015 - 22:10 AMT
Scarlett Johansson to topline DreamWorks' “Ghost in the Shell”

After proving herself as a formidable action lead in the hit Lucy, Scarlett Johansson is ready to tackle DreamWorks' Ghost in the Shell, The Hollywood Reporter says.

The actress has signed on to star in the anime-based, live-action thriller, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. Rupert Sanders (Snow White and the Huntsman) will direct from a script written by Bill Wheeler.

Based on the Japanese comic books of the same name, the story follows the exploits of a member of a covert ops unit of the Japanese National Public Safety Commission that specializes in fighting technology-related crime. Back in the fall, THR reported that Johansson had received a $10 million offer to star in the film.

Ari Arad, Avi Arad and Steven Paul are producing. Former DreamWorks executive Mark Sourian, who shepherded the property for years at the studio, will executive produce.

Johansson will next be seen as Black Widow in the May tentpole Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Photo: Marvel Studios