Scarlett kidnapped

Film

13:30 13 September 2006

Scarlett Johansson is hot favourite to play Austrian kidnap victim Natascha Kampusch in a film about her bizarre life.

Movie bosses are locked in a fierce bidding war for the film rights to the 18-year-old's eight-year ordeal, which began when she was kidnapped by neighbour, Wolfgang Prikopil, and are determined to land the actress for the lead.

Natascha was kidnapped on her way to school in Vienna in 1998 and held prisoner in a concrete cellar by 44-year-old Prikopil, who committed suicide by throwing himself under a train after her recent escape.

The young girl amazed the world with her unbelievable story when she gave an interview on Austrian TV, and Hollywood studio chiefs believe the incredible saga could be a worldwide smash.

During her interview, Natascha seemingly tried to defend her kidnapper, saying that although she was desperate to escape his clutches, he treated her well and they shared a "tender relationship". She even attended his funeral.

Natascha earned £800,000 for her TV appearance, which she has pledged to use to buy a home and for her education.

Her agent, Dietman Ecker, has revealed she has been approached by over 30 "big and internationally known" film companies and has been offered up to £1 million for the film rights to her amazing story.

(C) BANG Media International