Filming on the Da Vinci Code prequel (pic) has suffered a setback after the diocese of Rome banned filming in its churches.
The film's producers' request to film at Rome's Santa Maria del Popolo and Santa Maria della Vittoria church was turned down because the film "does not conform to our views," said a diocese spokesman.
The Da Vinci Code had angered many Catholics with its idea that Jesus Christ had kids with Mary Magdalene. The spokesman added, "It's a film that treats religious issues in a way that contrasts with common religious sentiment. We would be helping them create a work that might well be beautiful but that does not conform to our view,"
The prequel sees Tom Hanks reprising his role Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon. This time Langdon discovers the resurgence of a secret brotherhood known as The Illuminati. Teaming up with a mysterious Italian scientist, he races against time to stop the group attempting to blow up Vatican City.
Hanks will be joined by Ewan McGregor, Ayelet Zurer and Pierfrancesco Favionand, with Ron Howard returning on directing duties.