Da Vinci may work as pew-filler

Tom Hanks

Despite strong disapproval from the Vatican, the upcoming release of the religion-based thriller The Da Vinci Code could be a blessing for churches, says Tom Hanks, who stars in the movie.

He said church leaders should use the film to start a debate that would encourage more people to attend church.

"I think the movie may end up helping churches do their job," he said. "If they put up a sign saying, 'This Wednesday we're discussing the Gospel', 12 people show up. But if the sign says, 'This Wednesday we're discussing The Da Vinci Code', 800 people show up."