McKellen and Molina Join 'The Da Vinci Code'

British actors Ian McKellen and Alfred Molina have been added to the cast of the anticipated screen adaptation of Dan Brown's controversial novel The Da Vinci Code. The movie, which will be directed by Ron Howard, features Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks in the lead role as Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon. Molina will portray Bishop Arigarosa, who takes a strong interest in the Holy Grail-pursuing efforts of Langdon and cryptographer Sophie Neveu, played by Audrey Tautou. McKellen takes on the role of wealthy eccentric Sir Teabing, who also has an interest in tracking down the Holy Grail.

Doctor Who To Play 'Da Vinci Code' Thug?

British actor Christopher Eccleston has wasted no time in finding his next big project after giving up on TV series Doctor Who after one season - he's reportedly in talks to play the villain of The Da Vinci Code. The Gone In 60 Seconds star is said to be the new favorite to play killer monk Silas in director Ron Howard's adaptation of Dan Brown's best-selling book, according to website Digitalspy.Com. Jim Carrey was also rumored to be in talks for the role of the monk, who is a fearsome albino in the story. The Da Vinci Code, which will star Tom Hanks, Jean Reno and Audrey Tautou, begins filming in June.

Religion Is a Ratings 'Revelation' for NBC

NBC got religion Wednesday and got ratings in the process. A one-hour Dateline special about the religious musings found in the best-selling novel The Da Vinci Code won the 8:00 p.m. hour with a 7.4 rating and a 12 share, beating a repeat of ABC's hit Lost, which drew a 6.9/11. At 9:00, NBC's Revelations debuted with a heaven-sent 9.9/15, far ahead of the network's average for that timeslot. (The biblical whodunit was nevertheless topped by Fox's American Idol, which recorded a 14.5/22.) NBC took the lead at 10:00 with Law & Order, which drew an 11.5/19 and beat CSI:NY, which registered a 7.1/12.