I greatly disliked the Da Vinci Code but the prequel to it is getting the film treatment and many believe Hanks is getting the largest single film payday in history.

As expected, Tom Hanks and Ron Howard are in the final stages of joining the production of The Da Vinci Code prequel, Angels and Demons for Columbia Pictures.

 

The Hollywood Reporter notes Hanks is about to receive one of the biggest paydays ever to reprise his role as Harvard professor Robert Langdon; Sony declined comment about the status of the highly anticipated project, which also derives from a Dan Brown best-seller.

 

An early January start date has been scheduled for production on Angels and Demons; another A-list cast is being hired in supporting roles.

Tentative release: December 19, 2008.

 

Source

So Tom Hanks has to portray an even younger Robert Langdon.

 

I have yet to read this novel, but I definitely will.

I have yet to read this novel, but I definitely will.

If you liked Da Vinci Code, you will like Angels and Demons even better. It's quite a bit darker.

I have to read Angels & Demons too. I loved The Da Vinci Code.

For those of you who don't plan on reading the book or don't care about spoilers or read the last chapter first anyway:

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

A Cliff's Notes version of the story can be found on Wiki here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angels_and_Demons

I'm in the 'read Da Vinci Code, have yet to read A&D' boat. For some reason, I never get around to picking it up but now that a movie is coming out, I'm more motivated.