Ron Howard has admitted having a run in with the Catholic church over his forthcoming Da Vinci Code sequel.

Speaking at a press conference for Angels and Demons, the director said he had been refused permission by the Vatican to film in many of the churches featured in the Dan Brown novel because of the controversy surrounding his 2006 adaptation of The Da Vinci Code.

“[The Vatican] made it clear from the start there would be no co-operation on their part, so we didn’t even bother asking their permission. So we had to apply our own filmic ingenuity, using all the technological advantages that film-makers have at their disposal.

“I feel very confident in saying that we’re able to take the audience on a very realistic and authentic journey behind the walls of the Vatican. But could we bring a film crew in and shoot? No.”

Howard, who recently directed Frost/Nixon, also said he would be keen to adapt future Dan Brown books about Robert Langdon, the chief protagonist in The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons.

He said: “Dan apparently has another Robert Langdon adventure in the pipeline. Working on these stories has been a fascinating experience. There’s clearly an audience for them. I’m going to be reading that story with great curiousity.”

The novel Angels and Demons is actually a prequel to The Da Vinci Code, but Howard’s film adaptation is set after the events of his 2006 movie. The film, which stars Tom Hanks and Ewan McGregor, is released on 15 May.

Source: Magazín Ixtanbul

Nov 8 2008
Beverley Lyons And Laura Sutherland

SCOTS actor Ewan McGregor has given his backing to a new charity campaign.

He is supporting the IKEA Soft Toy Campaign, which raises money for UNICEF and Save The Children.

This year, UK IKEA stores will donate £1 for every soft toy purchased until December 23.

The money raised will be split between the charities to support ongoing projects and launch new projects in 14 countries.

Ewan said: “As a UNICEF Ambassador, I have seen first-hand the vital work they are doing for children.

“Today you have the chance to help UNICEF and Save the Children make a difference to thousands of children’s lives all over the world by simply buying a soft toy.”

Source: www.dailyrecord.co.uk

By CHARLENE CHENG, News EditorPublished 7/12/2008THE SKINNY: While promoting Fox Reality Channel’s new documentary series LONG WAY DOWN at this summer’s TCA press tour, Ewan McGregor was able to reveal some details about Ron Howard’s upcoming THE DA VINCI CODE prequel ANGELS & DEMONS that begins shooting again shortly. “I went over to Italy to do a couple days filming on ANGELS AND DEMONS … and I’m about to start my work properly on it over the [next] six or seven weeks here in L.A.,” says McGregor. “I’ve enjoyed working with all of those people.”In ANGELS AND DEMONS, McGregor plays Carlo Ventresca opposite Tom Hanks, who returns as Robert Langdon.”I play the Camerlengo, the Pope’s right-hand man — his assistant,” explains McGregor. And the Pope has died, therefore, [it’s] what happens to the Camerlengo between the time of the Pope’s death and the next Pope. Basically after one Pope dies and before the next one is made Pope, there’s a period of time in there where the Camerlengo is in charge of the Vatican and that’s who I play.”Meanwhile, LONG WAY DOWN, which follows McGregor and close friend Charley Boorman as they travel from Scotland to South Africa on BMW motorcycles, premieres on Fox Reality Channel on August 2 at 9p ET/PT.”I’ve always wanted to ride bikes,” says McGregor who treasured this opportunity. “And I believe traveling on them is very different than traveling in a car. I think when you meet people, first of all there’s a kind of novelty factor in Magnolia or the Highlands of Ethiopia when you rock up on a big old bike. People aren’t used to seeing them. So there’s an interaction with the people, which is quite different.”Source: www.ifmagazine.com

Los Angeles, CA (CNS) – Ewan McGregor is set to co-star in a new Amelia Earhart biopic for Fox Searchlight. The 37-year-old actor will be joining Hilary Swank, Richard Gere, and Virginia Madsen in “Amelia.”The story which focuses on the legendary aviation pioneer’s, played by Swank, rise to fame, marriage to George Putnamn, played by Gere, and her affair with Gene Vidal, potrayed by McGregor.McGregor has long been asked by the filmmakers to join the cast but scheduling conflicts with his film “I Love You, Philip Morris” have gotten in the way. He is about to wrap up the film with comedian Jim Carey and will begin to work on the “Angels and Demons” film in June.He will squeeze in “Amelia” in between his hectic schedule.The film will begin shooting in Toronto.Source: www.allheadlinenews.com