The controversy surrounding "Ghost in the Shell" primarily revolves around its 2017 live-action adaptation, which faced criticism for whitewashing. Scarlett Johansson was cast as Major Motoko Kusanagi, a character originally depicted as Japanese in the manga and anime. This choice sparked debates about cultural appropriation and representation in Hollywood, with many arguing that it sidelined Asian actors and perpetuated a lack of diversity. Additionally, the film's handling of themes related to identity and technology drew mixed reactions from fans of the original work.

"Ghost in the Shell" (2017) underperformed at the box office for several reasons. Firstly, it faced significant backlash over whitewashing, as Scarlett Johansson was cast as Major Motoko Kusanagi, a character originally Japanese in the source material. This led to accusations of cultural appropriation. Additionally, the film struggled with mixed reviews, with critics citing a lack of depth compared to the original anime and manga. The marketing may not have effectively communicated its themes, and competition from other releases at the time also played a role in its disappointing performance.

"Ghost in the Shell," released in 1995, is a highly influential anime film known for its thought-provoking themes, stunning animation, and exploration of identity and consciousness in a cybernetic future. It delves into philosophical questions about the nature of the self and technology's impact on humanity. The film is acclaimed for its artistic style and has inspired many works in science fiction. While it may appeal more to fans of the genre, its cultural significance and visual artistry make it worth watching for anyone interested in animated cinema or philosophical narratives.

The "Ghost in the Shell" franchise includes several films. The main movies are: 1. **Ghost in the Shell (1995)** - The original animated film directed by Mamoru Oshii. 2. **Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (2004)** - A sequel to the original film. 3. **Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - Solid State Society (2006)** - A TV film based on the Stand Alone Complex series. 4. **Ghost in the Shell (2015)** - An animated film set in the Stand Alone Complex universe. 5. **Ghost in the Shell (2017)** - A live-action adaptation starring Scarlett Johansson. There are also other adaptations and series, but these are the main feature films.