While The Da Vinci Code (2006) was a gripping mystery thriller, its production was not without its share of comedic moments.
Director Ron Howard recently shared a particularly amusing anecdote about filming the movie, revealing how its star, Tom Hanks,
once found himself pants-less in front of one of the world’s most famous paintings.
Speaking at a Happy Days reunion panel during MegaCon in Orlando on February 7, Howard, 70, recounted a behind-the-scenes story that took place at the Louvre in Paris.
As the crew hurried to stay on schedule, Hanks ended up changing his pants in front of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, creating an unexpected and hilarious moment.
A Race Against Time at the Louvre
During the discussion, Howard explained that the Da Vinci Code production team had a rare opportunity to film inside the iconic Louvre Museum. However, the tight schedule meant that there was little room for delays.
“All of our grip equipment and camera equipment was in the Mona Lisa room,” Howard recalled. “At one point, we were really hurrying, we were behind schedule.”
The rush to stay on track led to an unusual situation for Hanks, who plays the film’s protagonist, Robert Langdon.
“Tom Hanks didn’t have time to go back to his dressing room to change for the next scene,” Howard said. “So, I was giving him some notes about what the next scene was going to be, and he was changing his pants in front of the Mona Lisa.”
Realizing the absurdity of the moment, Howard couldn’t help but pause and take it all in.
“I said, ‘Wait a minute. This is a moment we have to remember,’” he said.
A Career of Unique Experiences with Tom Hanks
Howard has directed Hanks in multiple films, spanning different genres and settings. Reflecting on their long-time collaboration, he joked about the many unusual places they’ve worked together over the years.
“We’ve been under the water with the mermaid [in Splash], we’ve been weightless with Apollo 13, and now you’re pants-less with the Mona Lisa,” he said, drawing laughs from the audience.
The duo’s professional relationship has spanned several decades, with Hanks starring in five of Howard’s films, including Splash (1984), Apollo 13 (1995), and all three films in The Da Vinci Code series—The Da Vinci Code (2006), Angels & Demons (2009), and Inferno (2016).
Howard’s Passion for Directing Over Acting
Howard, best known for his early career as a child actor on The Andy Griffith Show and later as Richie Cunningham on Happy Days, also spoke about his transition from acting to directing.
“I always liked acting. I always liked being around it,” he said. “But very, very early on, I was attracted to the role of the director.”
He explained that, over time, he realized he didn’t have the natural hunger for performing that many actors do.
“I wasn’t hungry to perform … I was just dying to be behind the camera,” Howard shared.
Looking Back on His Career—Or Not
Despite having directed some of the most beloved films in Hollywood history, Howard admitted that he doesn’t often revisit his own work.
“Frankly, I don’t go back and watch my movies,” he revealed in a 2024 interview with PEOPLE. “So it’s been a long time since I’ve seen [Splash].”
A Lighthearted Moment in a Serious Film
While The Da Vinci Code remains one of Howard and Hanks’ most intense and thought-provoking collaborations, it’s clear that the production had its fair share of humor behind the scenes.
The image of Tom Hanks hurriedly changing in front of the Mona Lisa adds an unexpected, lighthearted twist to the making of a film known for its intricate historical mysteries. It also highlights the camaraderie and fun that Howard and Hanks bring to their projects—even in the most prestigious and serious settings.
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