You are not the odd one out kateyes. I am another one who doesn't see Tom Hanks as Langdon. As soon as I heard he was cast in the lead role I was thinking "Huh???, no way!". Tom is a good guy and all but he doesn't give off the intellectual air needed for the part.

You probably thought about Harrison Ford because of the reference in the beginning of the book? I really like him but he's a bit too old though don't you think? Who would be your second choice? I am thinking Viggo Mortenson or George Clooney or Kevin Spacey. Picking an authentically French girl for Sophie was a great idea.

Yes, as I said before, a young Harrison Ford would be an ideal Langdon. And, as Squeekychimp says, it's what Brown actually wrote in the book. [i]' “Ladies and gentlemen…” the hostess had announced to a full house at the American University of Paris's Pavilion Dauphine, “Our guest tonight needs no introduction. He is the author of numerous books: The Symbology of Secret Sects, The An of the Illuminati, The Lost Language of Ideograms, and when I say he wrote the book on Religious Iconology, I mean that quite literally. Many of you use his textbooks in class.” The students in the crowd nodded enthusiastically. “I had planned to introduce him tonight by sharing his impressive curriculum vitae. However…” She glanced playfully at Langdon, who was seated onstage. “An audience member has just handed me a far more, shall we say… intriguing introduction.” She held up a copy of Boston Magazine. Langdon cringed. Where the hell did she get that? The hostess began reading choice excerpts from the inane article, and Langdon felt himself sinking lower and lower in his chair. Thirty seconds later, the crowd was grinning, and the woman showed no signs of letting up. “And Mr. Langdon's refusal to speak publicly about his unusual role in last year's Vatican conclave certainly wins him points on our intrigue-o-meter.” The hostess goaded the crowd. “Would you like to hear more?” The crowd applauded. Somebody stop her, Langdon pleaded as she dove into the article again. “Although Professor Langdon might not be considered hunk-handsome like some of our younger awardees, this forty-something academic has more than his share of scholarly allure. His captivating presence is punctuated by an unusually low, baritone speaking voice, which his female students describe as 'chocolate for the ears.' “ The hall erupted in laughter. Langdon forced an awkward smile. He knew what came next—some ridiculous line about [b]“Harrison Ford in Harris tweed”[/b] —and because this evening he had figured it was finally safe again to wear his Harris tweed and Burberry turtleneck, he decided to take action.'[/i]

Sorry PDM--I missed the earlier comments just found the site--Squeaky--out of your list I guess I would go with George Clooney--but he really doesn't have the swimmers body--(Langdon kept in shape in the pool). I dont remember the Harrison Ford line in the book--but clearly it went into my subconscious--SP?. Russell Crowe seems way to physical to me. There is a British actor--his first name is Damien--he was in Band of Brothers--does a good American accent--and has that academic air about him. Has anyone heard who is playing Teabing and the Mad Monk????

Okay--I read back thorough the whole discussion board--I should have done that first--Ian Mckellan is great as Teabing--John Rhys-Davies would have been good but he is a bit sustantial physically for the role. Paul Bettany is great for Silas. Sorry to come into this all so late.
Also sorry for getting Squeekychimp's name wrong.

Hi Kateyes.
No need to apologise. I think it would be well-nigh impossible for all newcomers to read all earlier posts.

I hadn't realised about the Harrison Ford mention, either, until someone pointed it out. He just seemed like the ideal candidate to me. As you say, it must have gone straight to the subconscious.

I looked for a Damian on IMDB.com and found Damian Lewis, but I don't recognise him. I'll have to look out for him in future.
http://imdb.com/name/nm0507073/

kateyes,

Yeah, old George isn't the perfect candidate I agree. Guess it's that he is the right age and is a decent actor. He has a new movie coming out that sounds pretty good.

I think if Anthony Hopkins was about 20 years younger he would have made a good Langdon. He can do an American accent convincingly.

Oh well, guess it's gonna be Tom anyway. I have to confess that I'm not really that excited about seeing the movie. Rarely does the movie live up to the book. I think the LOTR trilogy was an excellent production so there is hope!

Damian Lewis is the person I was thinking of. He was great in Band of Brothers (History Channel runs it periodically--also Masterpiece Theater new version of The Pallisers). Both are worth the time.

I clicked on the link PDM provided to see if I recognized Damian but he does not look familiar so I can't say a word about him. If I see him in the future, I will remember you mentioned him.

I've been watching the DVD of Polar Express and Tom Hanks 'played' so many parts - perhaps he can pull off Langdon, after all!

I've just realised that Damian Lewis is the chap who my Mum and my sister-in-law think is wonderful.

Damian Lewis is very good--I have only seen him in two things--Band of Brothers and The Forsyte Saga--but he was excellent in both. ( I am also a big Clive Owen fan--think he would have been a better Bond than the Craig guy they picked. I was going to rent Polar Express for this weekend--so I will get back to you on Tom Hanks. I do think he is a wonderful will rounded actor-I just don't picture him physically as Langdon.