Ayelet Zurer cast in 'Angels & Demons'

Ayelet Zurer has been cast as Vittoria Vetra in Angels & Demons, Entertainment Weekly reports.

The Israeli actress, who has previously appeared in Munich and Vantage Point, saw off competition from Naomi Watts to secure the female lead in the Da Vinci Code prequel.

The film follows Tom Hanks's Robert Langdon as he investigates the murder of Vetra's father while attempting to stop the Illuminati from blowing up the Vatican.

Ron Howard will direct Angels & Demons in Europe this June. Studio Sony Pictures is targeting the film for a May 15, 2009 release.