2017 is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to blockbuster films. No longer relegated to the summer, the entire year is packed full of big budget tentpoles. From Kong: Skull Island and Power Rangers debuting next month, to Justice League and Star Wars Episode VIII coming towards the end of the year, genre fans will have no shortage of exciting films to go see. Another March release that seems destined to make it big is the live-action adaptation of the popular anime Ghost in the Shell.

While fans await a Black Widow solo movie starring Scarlett Johansson, Ghost in the Shell will be the latest in an ever-growing line of films to showcase her skill as a leading performer and action star. Thanks to her talents, she's become the highest-grossing female actor in history, something that's sure to help her latest film's bottom line. If the buzz behind the film is any indication, it's going to be a massive success.

Variety has a new set of numbers that show Ghost in the Shell is currently the most talked about film on social media. Generating 30,000 conversations thanks to its recent high profile TV spot during the big game, the movie garnered more discussions than other popular upcoming films like Beauty and the Beast (17,000), Transformers: The Last Knight (21,700), and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (24,000).

That last one is most surprising, as the second Guardians of the Galaxy film is only a few months away and coming on the back of not only the success of the first, but also of the Marvel brand in general. Still, Ghost in the Shell has a dedicated fanbase and is being teased as the "next-gen Matrix." It could also be that fans are excited for something a little bit different, as Ghost in the Shell doesn't look like your typical action film.

Of course, given all the controversy that's been surrounding the movie, all that buzz could be bolstered by plenty of negative conversations. Between fans upset at the adaptation and those offended by the casting choices, it's safe to assume that at least a chunk of those discussions were not by people planning on seeing the film. Then again, perhaps the movie is just benefiting from having a release date right around the corner. We won't know for sure until Ghost in the Shell premieres next month, but expect the movie to continue generating conversations in the meantime.

Next: Ghost in the Shell Trailer #2: They Cannot Control Me

Source: Variety