I became a fan of Paul Bettany's the day I saw A Knight's Tale (and the movie wasn't even that good). So learning that he's now officially in the upcoming Da Vinci Code film has upgraded my enthusiasm for the project from "Totally Indifferent" to "Mildly Interested".

Bettany is going to be a major star in the next 5 years. He has fantastic comedic timing, but has also shown that he can carry himself in a major dramatic roll (A Beautiful Mind and Master and Commander). The sign of a potential star is when they can shine in a mediocre film (Wimbledon).

So now Bettany is lined up for The Da Vinci Code. Here's what the good folks over at FilmFodder have to say:

The last piece of the "Da Vinci Code" casting puzzle has snapped into place. Variety says Paul Bettany ("Wimbledon") will play Silas, the albino religious fanatic/henchman. Bettany's casting solidifies the film's major roles. Now, all that stands between the movie and ungodly box office receipts is the actual filming, which is scheduled to begin next month.