While the 2006 film "The Da Vinci Code" unfurled as a gripping mystery that kept audiences on the edge of their seats, the making of this cinematic masterpiece was, at times, more akin to a humorous comedy sketch. During a "Happy Days" reunion event held at MegaCon in Orlando on February 7th, director Ron Howard, 70, shared a captivating anecdote about the film's behind-the-scenes antics, particularly how the lead actor, Tom Hanks, found himself pants-less in front of one of the world's most revered artworks.
"Our entire grip and camera equipment was set up in the Mona Lisa room," Howard recounted, referring to the on-location shoot at the Louvre in Paris. "And at one crucial juncture, we were in a rush; we were lagging behind schedule."
He elaborated, "Tom Hanks didn't have the luxury of time to return to his dressing room to change for the next scene. As I was briefing him on what to expect in the upcoming scene, he was busy changing his pants right in front of the Mona Lisa."
Howard chuckled, saying, "I thought, 'Wait a minute, this is a moment worth remembering forever.'" He noted that his collaborations with Hanks, including films like "Splash" and "Apollo 13," have often taken the actor to unexpected and quirky places. "We've dived under the sea with a mermaid in 'Splash,' experienced weightlessness in 'Apollo 13,' and now, you're pants-less with the Mona Lisa," he joked.
Elsewhere during the panel discussion, which was also attended by Howard's "Happy Days" costars Anson Williams and Don Most, he spoke about his early days in Hollywood. "I've always loved acting and being part of it," he said. "But from a very young age, I was more drawn to the role of a director. Years later, I realized that I lacked the performer's instinct. I wasn't passionate about being in front of the camera... I was just desperate to be behind it."
Howard has directed Hanks in five films, including three installments of the "Da Vinci Code" series: "Splash," "The Da Vinci Code," "Apollo 13," "Angels & Demons," and "Inferno."
In a 2024 interview with PEOPLE, the director admitted that he doesn't often revisit his own work and hadn't watched one of his most cherished films for quite some time. "Frankly, I don't often go back to watch my movies, so it's been a considerable amount of time since I last saw 'Splash'," Howard said when asked about underrated scenes from the 40-year-old film.
