Scarlett Johansson denies diva claims

Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson has denied claims that diva-like demands led to the dropping of plans to hand her the lead role in a West End revival of The Sound Of Music.

Johansson had been targeted to play nanny Maria von Trapp, the main character of the popular musical that will open in London in November. But Andrew Lloyd Webber, the show's producer, said a litany of "ridiculous" demands from the actress' management last year caused negotiations to fail.

Johansson's publicist said she could not take the role because of her busy schedule. Lloyd Webber is, instead, searching for an actress from a reality TV show to fill the role.