AceShowbiz -

The first still from the upcoming manga adaptation "Ghost in the Shell" has been released as production kicks off in Wellington, New Zealand. The photo gives the first look at Scarlett Johansson as the heroine named Major Motoko Kusanagi with her signature hairstyle.

The film follows 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 movie is directed by Rupert Sanders ("Snow White and the Huntsman"). It's supported by Pilou Asbaek, Michael Pitt and Takeshi Kitano. It's scheduled to make its way out across the United States on March 31, 2017 in 3D.