The DaVinci Code attracted demonstrations during filming, overcame legal efforts aimed at preventing its distribution, and was condemned by many for distorting the story of Jesus. All the attention may have helped promote the movie—59% of Americans have read, seen, or heard about the story.

The DaVinci Code, produced by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks, suggests that Jesus Christ married Mary Magdalene and had children by her. Those who feared that the movie might undermine the faith of Christians may be re-assured to know that Americans overwhelmingly view the controversial movie as a work of fiction—just 9% believe the story is true.

Most Americans continue to believe the story of Jesus told in the Gospels--54% believe the Bible is literally true. An earlier survey found that 78% believe Jesus "was the Son of God who came to earth to die for our sins." Upper income Americans and younger adults are less likely to believe the Bible than others.

While it’s seen as fiction, the hype has built interest in watching the DaVinci Code. Forty percent (40%) of Americans say they’re very likely to see the movie at some point in time. That’s an amazing figure given that its reviews have been less than enthusiastic.

Westminster Abbey was featured in the book but not the film. The Abbey issued a statement saying "Although a real page turner, the Da Vinci Code is theologically unsound and we cannot commend or endorse the contentious and wayward religious and historic suggestions made in the book - nor its views of Christianity and the New Testament. It would therefore be inappropriate to film scenes from the book here."