'The Da Vinci Code' starts filming in Paris

(andPOP) - "The Da Vinci Code" starring Tom Hanks has begun filming in Paris, more specifically the Louvre museum where the Mona Lisa is kept.

The $100-million movie, based on Dan Brown's highly successful novel, started filming on Wednesday at the Ritz Hotel and continued to film at the Louvre where the opening scene takes place.

Hanks plays the hero, Robert Langdon, who decodes a number of clues linked to historic works, including Da Vinci's "Mona Lisa," to solve a centuries-old secret guarded by a deadly cult.

Director Ron Howard would also be shooting in Britain but they were denied permission to film in the Westminster Abby because officials deemed the novel to be theologically unsound.

The book has created much controversy and has spurred many books that refute the author's claims. One of the most debated topics is whether Mary Magdalene was married to Jesus.

French actor Audrey Tautou of "Amelie" fame also stars in the movie.

The film is expected to be in theatres May of next year.