Some Hollywood actresses are cautious about revealing too much skin but 20-year-old
Scarlett Johansson had to be persuaded to keep her underwear on, according to her director in "The Island," Michael Bay.
Speaking before Monday's New York premier of the thriller, which stars Johansson and Ewan McGregor as human clones on the run, Bay said he was prepared for the usual actress nerves when it came to shooting a love scene between the two leads.
"We're ready to go and of course the actress is not there," he told reporters. He said he was summoned to Johansson's trailer, expecting to have to reassure the star of "Lost in Translation" that her privacy and dignity would be protected.
"She's standing there and she says, 'I'm not wearing this cheap ... bra. I'm going naked,"' Bay said.
"I said, 'It's PG-13, you have to wear the bra,"' he said.
Bay describes "The Island" -- which carries a PG-13 rating meaning it is suitable for children with parental guidance -- as a summer "popcorn movie," though the plot raises important ethical issues about science and the morality of cloning.
The film by the director of "Armageddon" and "The Rock" is a change of direction for Johansson who has played a string of critically acclaimed roles in films such as "Girl With a Pearl Earring" and "In Good Company."