Tom Hanks’ Angels & Demons Surges After Pope’s Death: Vatican Responds!

The mystery thriller Angels & Demons, featuring Tom Hanks, has seen a surge in viewership following the pope’s passing. The film, a sequel to the Da Vinci Code, is based on Dan Brown’s gripping tale of historical secrets and has been a topic of debate since its publication in 2003. The original film, where Hanks played the persistent symbologist Robert Langdon, was a global hit with earnings of $760 million in 2006, leading to this 2009 sequel where Hanks’ character battles the Illuminati.

Upon its release, Angels & Demons earned a solid $485 million and is currently experiencing a resurgence as viewers gravitate towards shows and movies related to the Vatican, intensified by the recent death of Pope Francis. The film, directed by Ron Howard, is available for streaming on Hulu.

The Impact on Angels & Demons

Increased Streaming Numbers for Vatican-Related Films Due to the Pope’s Death

Following the pope’s demise, there has been a marked increase in the viewership of films connected to the Vatican. The 2024 Oscar-nominee Conclave witnessed a 283% viewership spike the day after the news of Pope Francis’s death. Similarly, The Two Popes, featuring Anthony Hopkins, also saw increased popularity on streaming platforms.

The heightened interest in the secretive process of electing a new pope likely propelled Conclave, which offers a dramatized glimpse behind the scenes at the Vatican. Although Angels & Demons begins with a pope’s death and delves into the ensuing conclave, its connection to the conclave-themed curiosity among viewers might appear less direct. However, the film intertwines this with a plot about antimatter, kidnapping, and ancient symbols, making it a point of interest for viewers intrigued by the recent real-life Vatican events.

The Vatican’s Reaction to Angels & Demons

Mixed Church Responses to Howard’s Film

The Vatican had strongly criticized The Da Vinci Code for its controversial conspiracy theories about Jesus and Mary Magdalene. However, when its sequel came out, the Church opted for silence initially, probably to avoid fueling further publicity. It was only after the film’s premiere in Rome that the Vatican’s newspaper L’Osservatore Romano issued two editorial pieces. These not only critiqued the film but also discussed the broader impact of Brown’s writings. The film was described as both “ephemeral” and “gripping,” praised for its “splendid” cinematography and “dynamic and alluring” direction.

Ron Howard later expressed that the Church interfered with filming in Rome, which led to parts of the Vatican being recreated in Los Angeles. The second editorial after the premiere suggested that while Dan Brown’s books might not be a serious alarm, they should encourage the Church to modernize how it communicates its views on contemporary issues.

Fifteen years after its release, Angels & Demons is finding a new audience on streaming platforms, spurred by recent real-world events. While Brown’s novels might not be as timeless as biblical texts, they continue to captivate audiences with their intricate narratives intertwined with ecclesiastical themes and mysteries.