Sony creates Web site for Critics of 'The Da Vinci Code' Film

MarketingVox:

To forestall - or at least retain some control over - the expected controversy over the upcoming film The Da Vinci Code, based on Dan Brown's book, Sony Pictures is expected to launch a website to serve as a platform for some of the fiercest critics of the book, reports the New York Times. The site, thedavincichallenge.com, will publish essays by some 45 Christian writers and scholars and leaders of evangelical organizations, who will dispute the book's theological and historical claims.

Via the New York Times:

John C. Green, a senior fellow with the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, said that the Web site is an intriguing strategy for an industry often denounced by Christians.

"In some sense it gives evangelicals and other religious people a forum and a degree of legitimacy because they've been asked to give a critique,' he said. 'On the other hand, you could see this as a modest amount of co-optation, like Sony is saying, 'You guys are getting your say, so leave our movie alone.' '"