Johansson hat-rick for Allen

Scarlett Johansson signs up for third Woody Allen film

Mar 14 2007

His last effort 'Scoop' failed to get a cinema release in Britain, and questions already loom over the fate of upcoming 'Cassandra's Dream', shot last summer with Ewan McGregor, Colin Farrell and one time 'denders star Tamzin Outhwaite. Nevertheless, Hollywood beau du jour Scarlett Johansson has signed up to star in Woody Allen's next project to be shot in Spain this summer.

Rebecca Hall, Javier Bardem and 'Volver' star Penelope Cruz will star alongside the 'Lost in Translation' starlet, who now becomes the actress Allen has used most frequently since his early runs with Mia Farrow and Diane Keaton.

It's the first film the neurotic director has filmed in Spain, but his fourth film outside of the US. Hollywood studios tired of Allen after his resistance to play by the rules which prompted him to look for backing elsewhere. The BBC came to his rescue financing most of 'Match Point' and now Spain-based producer Mediapro is bailing out the dithering director once more putting up half the money for the so far untitled film.

We wonder whether execs from the Spanish production company - who have yet to see a script - share Allen's reported indifference to good reviews and box office grosses?