"Da Vinci Code" author wants Roberto Benigni of star in “Inferno”

PanARMENIAN.Net - Dan Brown has kept one name in mind when asked whom he likes to lead his next film "Inferno", the on-screen adaptation of his newest novel of the same title. The author behind bestselling 2003 novel "The Da Vinci Code" reveals an actor on his wish-list during the promotional tour of the Italian translation of his latest book in Florence, AceShowbiz said.

"It would be an honor to have a great actor like Roberto Benigni in my next film ['Inferno']," admits 48-year-old Brown, who drew inspiration to write the new novel from the part of Dante Alighieri's 14th-Century epic poem, "The Divine Comedy", with the same name. "I have seen some of his performances based on Dante's work on YouTube and they are marvelous."

Having not approached the desired actor yet, Brown says that he will do so soon. Rep for Benigni has not made any official statement regarding the news.

Benigni is best known for his 1997 creation "Life Is Beautiful", in which he took double duty as a director as well as leading actor. A commercial success, the tragicomedy snatched Best Music, Original Dramatic Score and Best Foreign Language Film at the 71st Academy Awards, with Benigni named Best Actor for his role as Guido.

The actor's latest involvement in Hollywood production was "To Rome With Love" from director Woody Allen. Despite the film's mixed reviews, 60-year-old Benigni earned praises for his performance.