Guest Author - Michelle Snow

The upcoming film adaptation of Dan Brown's hit novel, "The Da Vinci Code," has locked in a leading actress, supporting actor and a key location.

Director Ron Howard has cast French actress Audrey Tautou, best-known as the ingenue in Amelie, in the key female role of Sophie Neveu. Neveu is the young French cryptologist assisting Professor Robert Langdon in his investigation.

Also newly cast is Jean Reno (The Professional, Mission Impossible) playing the mysterious French detective Bezu Fache.

The two join the already cast Tom Hanks, who is undertaking the pivotal role of Langdon.

Howard and his producing partner Brian Grazer have also received permission from the French Culture Ministry to shoot in the famed Louvre museum, a key location in the worldwide bestseller. The museum last allowed a film to shoot five years ago. Filming usually takes place at night and on Tuesdays, when the museum is closed to the public.

No release date is currently set for the film, but insiders speculate a summer or Christmas season date in 2006.

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