Naomi Watts cast in The Da Vinci Code prequel

A prequel to The Da Vinci Code is to star Naomi Watts opposite Tom Hanks, it emerged today.

Angels and Demons will be the second film to feature Hanks as Robert Langdon, a university professor thrust into a web of conspiracy and intrigue as he tries to decipher a set of clues linked to the Holy Grail.

It is not clear what role Watts will play, but filming is due to start next February - a date later than planned due to the ongoing writers' strike in America.

The actress, who recently gave birth to a baby boy with actor boyfriend Live Schreiber, rose to fame after starring in the creepy David Lynch thriller Mulholland Dr, followed by playing the lead role in The Ring and The Ring Two.

She has also featured in big-budget epics such as King Kong as well as smaller, moving dramas like 21 Grams.

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