October 17, 2014 - 14:35 AMT
Scarlett Johansson courted to topline "Ghost in the Shell" novel adaptation

Scarlett Johansson is courted to play another kick-ass heroine in an adaptation of graphic novel "Ghost in the Shell". As AceShowbiz reveals citing Deadline, the Black Widow of Marvel Cinematic Universe has been offered $10 million to play the titular character in the feature film.

The role was initially planned for Margot Robbie, but "The Wolf of Wall Street" actress dropped out of negotiations as she's lined up for "Suicide Squad", Warner Bros.' potential blockbuster centering on anti-heroes in DC Comic Universe.

Based on Masamune Shirow's manga of the same name, "Ghost in the Shell" follows augmented-cybernetic human named Major Kusanagi who fights criminals in a futuristic cyberpunk world. Rupert Sanders ("Snow White and the Huntsman") is reported to direct.

Meanwhile, "Suicide Squad" follows a group of convicted villains who were given a second chance for redemption. They go on high-risk black ops missions which likely end up killing them all. Directed by David Ayer, it eyes Robbie, Will Smith, Ryan Gosling and Tom Hardy.