The 44-year-old actor was said to have based his character Willy Wonka in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" on the eccentric singer - who was cleared of child molestation charges in 2005 - and has joked he would be willing to portray the reclusive star if the opportunity arose.

He told BANG Showbiz: "I have heard that I based Willy Wonka on Michael Jackson before, but no, that was not my plan, I wish I had thought of that though."

"But there is still time to play him. He might get up to his old tricks again and maybe there will be a TV movie about him!"

Johnny - who stars as a murderous barber in "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" - also revealed he had no intention of sounding like David Bowie in the musical film.

He added: "I wouldn't ever dream of attempting to channel David Bowie because he is one of my heroes. But if there is a similarity it wasn't intentional. It's a nice compliment though."