Ron Howard Reveals Why Tom Hanks Was Pantsless in Front of the Mona Lisa Filming ‘Da Vinci Code’

A Hilarious Behind-the-Scenes Moment with Tom Hanks and Ron Howard in The Da Vinci Code

One of the most iconic moments in Hollywood history didn’t make it into the final cut of The Da Vinci Code, but it’s a story that still leaves director Ron Howard in stitches. During the filming of the 2006 mystery thriller, Tom Hanks found himself in an unexpectedly vulnerable position—literally. In the midst of a chaotic filming schedule, Hanks was forced to change his pants in front of the world’s most famous painting, the Mona Lisa, while the crew scrambled to keep up. Howard, who was directing the film, couldn’t resist capturing the absurdity of the moment, calling it one of the most outlandish experiences he’s had while working with Hanks over the years.

A Rushed Wardrobe Change in the Louvre

The incident occurred during a particularly hectic day of filming at the Louvre Museum in Paris, where the production team had set up their equipment in the very room where the Mona Lisa is displayed. With time running short and the crew behind schedule, Hanks didn’t have the luxury of returning to his dressing room to change for the next scene. Instead, he opted to make the quick change right there in front of the iconic painting. Howard, who was providing Hanks with some last-minute notes for the upcoming scene, couldn’t help but laugh at the surreal sight. “I said, ‘Wait a minute. This is a moment we have to remember,’” Howard recounted during a recent appearance at a Happy Days reunion event at MegaCon in Orlando. For Howard, who has collaborated with Hanks on several projects, including Splash, Apollo 13, and the Da Vinci Code sequels Angels & Demons and Inferno, this moment stood out as one of the most unforgettable.

Tom Hanks: From Underwater Adventures to Pantsless in the Louvre

The pairing of Howard and Hanks has led to some of the most memorable moments in cinematic history. From the underwater escapades of Splash to the weightlessness of Apollo 13, the duo has tackled a wide range of challenges together. But nothing could have prepared them for the absurdity of Hanks changing his pants in front of the Mona Lisa. Howard humorously noted, “We’ve been under the water with the mermaid, we’ve been weightless with Apollo 13, and now you’re pantsless with the Mona Lisa,” recalling the moment he shared with Hanks during filming. Despite the serious tone of The Da Vinci Code, which follows Hanks’ character Robert Langdon as he unravels a murder mystery tied to the works of Leonardo da Vinci, the set was clearly not without its light-hearted moments.

Paul Bettany’s Unexpected Encounter with Tom Hanks

The on-set antics didn’t stop there. Paul Bettany, who played the role of Silas in the film, shared another hilarious anecdote during an appearance on The Late Late Show With Stephen Colbert in March 2021. Bettany recalled a scene in which he had to physically confront Hanks, grabbing him and punching him in the stomach as part of a stunt. The set fell silent, as is often the case during intense or dangerous stunts, with everyone holding their breath to ensure no one was hurt. But what happened next was anything but serious. As Bettany delivered the punch, Hanks let out an unexpectedly loud fart, leaving the entire crew in shock. Bettany, who was taken aback by the moment, later admitted, “I didn’t know what the form was” and was unsure of how to proceed.

Tom Hanks’ Version of the Fart Heard Round the World

Hanks himself also revisited the incident during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show in 2019. The actor confirmed Bettany’s account, explaining that the fart was an unintentional result of the physicality of the stunt. Hanks described how he and Bettany were filming a scene in which Bettany’s character was supposed to knock him to the ground. As he hit the floor, the impact caused the embarrassing sound to escape. “In movie fights, everybody treats it like it’s a real fight,” Hanks said, emphasizing the intensity of the moment. While the scene itself was meant to be serious, the unexpected fart added a layer of humor that no one saw coming.

The Legacy of The Da Vinci Code and Its Lighter Moments

While The Da Vinci Code is known for its intricate plot, historical intrigue, and suspenseful tone, these behind-the-scenes stories remind us that even in the most serious of films, there’s room for a little humor. The chemistry between Hanks and Howard, coupled with the unpredictable nature of filming, created moments that have become as memorable as the film itself. For fans of the movie, these anecdotes offer a glimpse into the human side of Hollywood, where even the biggest stars can find themselves in the most unexpected—and often hilarious—situations. Whether it’s Hanks changing pants in front of the Mona Lisa or Bettany’s stunned reaction to an on-set fart, these moments remind us that filmmaking is as much about the people as it is about the plot. And for Ron Howard, Tom Hanks, and the entire crew of The Da Vinci Code, these are memories they’ll cherish forever.