Scarlett Johansson is to play a "ruthless alien seductress" in new movie 'Under the Skin'.

The Hollywood beauty will star as the lead character in an adaptation of the Michel Faber book, which will be directed by Jonathan Glazer.

'Under the Skin' tells the tale of an alien disguised as a beautiful woman who preys on humans on remote roads and abandoned areas.

However, she finds herself in conflict with her own kind when she begins to alter her thinking about human beings.

Glen Basner from FilmNation, who is launching the project, said Scarlett was the perfect actress to embody the alien temptress.

He revealed: "We're so very excited to be working on this arrestingly original movie. How could we pass up the chance to work with a visionary director like Jonathan, especially when combined with the intriguing notion of Scarlett Johansson as a ruthless alien seductress?"

Production on the project - which has been adapted for the big screen by Walter Campbell - is set to begin in spring 2011.