Movie bosses are reportedly planning to cast Scarlett Johansson in the role of Natascha Kampusch, the girl who was kidnapped and kept in a basement for eight years.

Several Hollywood studios are keen to secure movie rights to the Austrian's story, which is thought to be worth around £50 million after it hit the headlines around the world.

According to the Daily Mail, Johansson, who shares Kampusch's hair and eye colour, is currently producers' favourite to take her role.

"This has been huge across the world," said a source. "What happened to this girl is unbelievable and would make the most amazing movie plot. It's one of those real life stories you can only dream about."

Wolfgang Priklopil captured the girl while she was on her way to school and committed suicide after her escape by jumping in front of a train.