Ewan McGregor joins $50 million Hanks

Ewan McGregor joins the 'Da Vinci Code' team for the prequel 'Angels & Demons.' Again directed by Ron Howard, with Tom Hanks as the leading man, the gang will start shooting next June.

McGregor plays the Vatican insider, assisting Tom Hanks with unraveling what's going on in the Catholic Church. Naomi Watts is also attached to the project, which will be ready for the blockbuster summer of 2009.

Hanks is reportedly getting a record deal for this prequel. With an $35 million upfront and a $15 million extra if it does well at the box office. You must hate making a prequel if you request that kind of money.