 Ron Howard (I) (qv)s first envisioned choice for the role of  Robert Langdon was Bill Paxton (qv). Paxton was interested but  turned it down because of scheduling conflicts.  Russell Crowe (I) (qv) was then seriously considered for the role  but ultimately Howard decided on long time friend Tom Hanks (qv)  for the role. Other actors considered for the part were  Ralph Fiennes (qv), Hugh Jackman (qv) and George Clooney (qv).