Scarlett Johansson denies divalike demands

Scarlett Johansson has denied claims that divalike demands cost her the lead role in a revival of "The Sound of Music," a spokesman for the actress said. Johansson, 21, had been targeted to play Maria von Trapp in Andrew Lloyd Webber's production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, set to open in London's West End in November. "Her people were not pro the idea. It became clear that it wasn't going to work because the demands were so ridiculous," Lloyd Webber said. He continued Johansson's representatives "couldn't understand why she would want to appear in the West End for $18,500 a week when she could be earning $10 million for a movie. It was annoying because she really wanted to do it". Publicist Marcel Parisbeau said it was a busy work schedule and not pay demands that sank the actress' chance to play the role made famous by Julie Andrews in the 1965 film version of the musical.