Chinese moviegoers watch a preview before the premiere of "The Da Vinci Code" in Beijing on May 17, 2006. An audience in Beijing became the first in the world to see "The Da Vinci Code" when it premiered Wednesday in the Chinese capital -- beating the official Cannes debut by hours in a move that underscores Hollywood's efforts to woo Chinese viewers.
Models display officially licensed "The Da Vinci Code" jewelery before the premiere of the film in Beijing on May 17, 2006.
People wait in front of a theater screening "The Da Vinci Code" on the Champs-Elysees, in Paris on May 17, 2006. Director Ron Howard's adaptation of Dan Brown's blockbuster opened the Cannes Film Festival later Wednesday at a glitzy black-tie premiere.
French actress Audrey Tautou, in black dress at left, takes pictures following a photo call for "The Da Vinci Code," at the 59th international film festival in Cannes, France, on May 17, 2006. The premiere of "The Da Vinci Code" was to open the festival Wednesday evening.
Actor Tom Hanks gestures during a news conference for "The Da Vinci Code," as director Ron Howard, right, and French actress Audrey Tautou look on at the 59th international film festival in Cannes, France, on May 17, 2006. Hanks and Howard fielded a barrage of questions from the world's media over the controversy that has dogged the film, which is debuting at the festival.
"The Da Vinci Code" director Ron Howard talks to reporters in Cannes, France, hours before the film's premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 17, 2006. "There's no question that the film is likely to be upsetting to some people," Howard told reporters. "My advice, since virtually no one has really seen the movie yet, is to not go see the movie if you think you're going to be upset."
Author Dan Brown, second from left, French actress Audrey Tautou, third from right, American actor Tom Hanks, second from right, and American producer Brian Grazer, right, join others as they pose during a news conference for "The Da Vinci Code," at the 59th international film festival in Cannes, France, on May 17, 2006.
French actress Audrey Tautou, right, laughs while actor Tom Hanks, her co-star in "The Da Vinci Code," covers his face before a crowd in Cannes, France, on May 17, 2006. The cast, along with director Ron Howard, producer Brian Grazer and author Dan Brown, were promoting the film -- which officially was to open the film festival later in the day.
Director Ron Howard, center, and producer Brian Grazer attend a news conference in Cannes, France on May 17, 2006. "The Da Vinci Code" is the latest collaberation of the award-winning duo. Their other films include "Apollo 13," "A Beautiful Mind," and "Cinderella Man."
French actor Jean Reno poses during a news conference for "The Da Vinci Code" at the 59th international film festival in Cannes, France, on May 17, 2006.
Actor Tom Hanks makes a face in sunny Cannes, France, on May 17, 2006. Hanks plays Professor Robert Langdon in the film "The Da Vinci Code," which is based on the controversial book by Dan Brown.