I would have preferred an Asian actress, and I agree that we need more Asian actresses in lead roles.
But let's face the facts. She didn't "steal" anything.
Scarlett Johannson worked hard to make herself into a bankable star that studios can depend on. She has been acting since she was 13-years-old. The role didn't fall in her lap simply because of her skin color. I agree that she may have received more opportunities in hollywood because she's white, but you can't deny that she's worked hard for her success.
She's one of the
highest-grossing actresses of all time. She was the
highest grossing actress of 2016. Her action movie "Lucy" ($40 million budget) made $436 million worldwide. She's been in
six Marvel movies. The Avengers is the
#5 highest grossing movie of all time both domestically and worldwide. She's been in critically acclaimed movies like "Lost in Translation" and "The Prestige". How many actresses -- regardless of race -- can claim to have this much box office influence?
Say what you want about Scarlett Johannson, but it's mind-blowing that we have a live-action movie based on an anime that isn't getting panned by critics. Remember Aeon Flux? 10% on Rottentomatoes. Remember Dragon Ball Evolution? 14% on Rottentomatoes. Remember Speed Racer? 39% on Rottentomatoes.