Abbey staff get Da Vinci 'facts'

Guides at one of London's most famous churches are being given fact sheets to help answer queries about its role in the controversial Da Vinci Code book. Tourists have been quizzing Westminster Abbey staff since it appeared in the book about code-breakers trying to find the truth behind the Holy Grail. [More]

Vatican attacks Da Vinci Code

The Vatican made its first public condemnation of best-selling novel The Da Vinci Code last night. Dan Brown's book was 'lies', said Cardinal Tarciso Bertone, 70, one of the Vatican's most senior figures and a contender to be the next Pope. [more]

British Abbey rejects Da Vinci Code film plans

LONDON (Reuters) - Producers of the upcoming movie based on the blockbuster novel "The Da Vinci Code" were not allowed to film in Britain's Westminster Abbey after church officials denounced the book as "theologically unsound." The 940-year-old London Abbey, where British monarchs are crowned, features in the international murder mystery by U.S. author Dan Brown which has been condemned by the Vatican and Anglican Church leaders for distorting the Christian message. [More]

Poll Added To 'The Priory'

'The Priory' Messageboards has a new poll:

Who should play the character of Jacques Saunière?

Ian Holm
Michael Gambon
Jim Broadbent
Brian Cox
An Unknown

Click here to vote!

New Site Additions

I have added a few new features to the site today. Be sure to check out The Cast Section for all the latest updates on who will be in 'The Da Vinci Code' feature film. I have also added a Locations Section giving you a brief history and images of locations being used in the film.

I have also added a really nice messageboard called 'The Priory', be sure to check out that area to chat with other fans!

Paul Bettany Joins "Da Vinci" Cast

From Variety: In the final major piece of casting in "The Da Vinci Code," Paul Bettany will play the albino fanatic, Silas reports Variety. Ron Howard is directing the Akiva Goldsman-scripted adaptation of the Dan Brown novel, with Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou playing the lead roles.

Ian McKellen, Alfred Molina and Jean Reno recently joined the cast. The role of Silas was being linked to such actors as Christopher Eccleston and Lambert Wilson but ultimately went to Bettany. Pic shoots next month and will open May 19. Brian Grazer is producing with John Calley.

Bettany, most recently seen in "Wimbledon" and "Master and Commander," is shooting the Richard Loncraine-directed "Firewall."

"Da Vinci" Shoots Lincoln & Louvre

From Dark Horizons: Producers of the multimillion-dollar adaptation of "The Da Vinci Code" have signed a deal, said to be worth £100,000, to use Lincoln Church as a double for London's Westminster Abbey reports ITV.

The Louvre Museum in Paris, scene of a murder in the novel, has also been given permission for filming to take place there when shooting begins on June 30. Production crews will be in Lincoln for two weeks in the summer. Filming will centre around the Chapter House, Cloisters and Nave.

Cathedral chief executive Roy Bentham said Lincoln and another unnamed British cathedral have been chosen for the film, which is expected to open next May.