Oscar winner Tom Hanks has emerged as the frontrunner to star as Professor Robert Langdon in the big screen adaptation of Dan Brown's bestseller 'The Da Vinci Code'.
The Hollywood Reporter says Hanks is director Ron Howard's first choice for the lead role and that talks have already begun with the actor.
In the latest issue of Newsweek, Howard said: "Tom is an exciting actor to watch thinking. We probably don't need his status from a box office standpoint, but he gives Langdon instant legitimacy."
The film is due to begin shooting next year.
Hanks' new film, 'The Polar Express', opens in Irish cinemas on 10 December.
