HOLLYWOOD - Yesterday, Entertainment Weekly magazine reported that Israeli actress Ayelet Zurer would star opposite Tom Hanks in Angels & Demons, the prequel to 2006’s Da Vinci Code.
Today, reports have surfaced that Ewan McGregor is in talks to join the thriller. He would play a powerful Vatican insider who assists Hanks’ Robert Langdon.
The character is Camerlengo Carlo Ventresca, also known as Janus, the late pope's closest aide, notes The Hollywood Reporter.
The Angels & Demons story centers on religious art scholar Langdon, who finds himself entangled with powerful forces with ancient roots: the Illuminati and the Catholic Church, Variety explains.
Zurer will play Vittoria Vetra, an Italian scientist who joins forces with Langdon.
Ron Howard is directing the film, which is set to begin shooting in Europe in June before moving to Los Angeles.
Zurer, who is best known in her native Israel, has appeared in U.S. films including Munich and Vantage Point.
McGregor is currently shooting I Love You Phillip Morris with Jim Carrey.
http://www.hollywood.com/news/Ewan_McGregor_in_Talks_to_Join_Da_Vinci_Code_Prequel/5225182
