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© AP / Scarlett Johansson

WENN

Scarlett Johansson didn't watch Elizabeth Taylor's Oscar-nominated performance in the 1958 movie "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof" before taking on the stage role -- so it didn't influence her own interpretation.

The "Lost in Translation star" has reprised Taylor's Maggie in the new stage version of Tennessee Williams' award-winning play, and she says she stayed away from the most famous portrayal so she could bring freshness to the project.

Bing: Scarlett Johansson Broadway reviews

She tells Broadway.com, "The only time I've ever seen Maggie played is with Ashley Judd (on Broadway in 2003). I've never seen the film. ... Maggie is really an icon. I guess I never had any idea of the role as being iconic in any particular way other than the fact that Elizabeth Taylor (played it) -- I know the posters. But I don't know the nuances of her performance, or her take on it. I never felt the pressure of that. I understand, of course, that the role is a classic, and it's iconic in many people's minds, and so whatever my take is on it is certainly my take on it. For better or worse, people have their own ideas of the character based on previous performances. But I never had to be burdened with that, which I think worked in my favor."

Johansson is starring opposite Ben Walker in "Cat On a Hot in Roof" at the Richard Rodgers Theater in New York until March 30.