Sony adapting Dan Brown's 'Inferno' for a December 2015 release

Author Dan Brown's latest novel, "Inferno," the fourth to feature professor Robert Langdon, is set for adaptation by Sony, which is targeting a Dec. 18, 2015, release date.

The novel was released in May.

According to Deadline, Ron Howard, who directed both "The Da Vinci Code" and "Angels & Demons," based on the first two novels in the series, as well as Tom Hanks, who played Langdon in both films, are set to return.

Howard had announced he would not direct the adaptation of Brown's third novel, "The Lost Symbol," and Mark Romanek ("One Hour Photo") had been pegged to helm the project.

Now it appears "The Lost Symbol" is being skipped altogether with "Inferno" next up for adaptation.

"Inferno," which was released in May, is described as follows on Brown's official website:

In the heart of Italy, Harvard professor of symbology Robert Langdon is drawn into a harrowing world centered on one of history’s most enduring and mysterious literary masterpieces...Dante’s Inferno.

Against this backdrop, Langdon battles a chilling adversary and grapples with an ingenious riddle that pulls him into a landscape of classic art, secret passageways, and futuristic science. Drawing from Dante’s dark epic poem, Langdon races to find answers and decide whom to trust...before the world is irrevocably altered. 

"The Da Vinci Code," released in 2006, grossed $758 million worldwide, while "Angels & Demons," released three years later, earned $485 million.

'Cloud Atlas' maps course for a Oct. 26 release

Concept art from "Cloud Atlas," which will be released in October.

Warner Bros. Pictures has officially slated the epic "Cloud Atlas," from filmmakers Lana Wachowski, Tom Tykwer and Andy Wachowski for domestic release on October 26, 2012.

In addition, the studio has acquired rights for the film in the major markets of the UK, France, Spain, Australia, and Japan, with plans to release it in those territories in early 2013. The joint announcement was made Tuesday by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

"Audiences who have seen an early screening of 'Cloud Atlas' have been elated by its powerful and inspiring story, as well as its breathtaking visuals," Fellman stated. "An October release in North America is the perfect window to showcase this epic film."

"We are proud to be distributing this remarkable motion picture in a number of key markets," Kwan Vandenberg said. "We look forward to working with these visionary filmmakers and the other international distribution partners to bring 'Cloud Atlas' to moviegoers around the world."

Academy Award® winners Tom Hanks ("Philadelphia," "Forrest Gump") and Halle Berry ("Monster's Ball") lead an international cast that includes Oscar winner Jim Broadbent ("Iris"), Hugo Weaving, Jim Sturgess, Doona Bae, Ben Whishaw, James D'Arcy, Zhou Xun and Keith David, with Oscar winner Susan Sarandon ("Dead Man Walking") and Hugh Grant. Each member of the ensemble appears in multiple roles as the stories move through time.

Wachowskis, Tom Tykwer to start 'Cloud Atlas' next month

It's been three years since the Wachowski siblings' "Speed Racer" crashed and burned at the box office, but now they are ready to start filming their latest project "Cloud Atlas" next month with co-director Tom Tykwer.

"Cloud Atlas" was published in 2004.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the trio will begin filming at Germany's Studio Babelsberg in mid-September.

Based on the novel by David Mitchell, the movie will tell six stories in different times and places, ranging from 19th century Australia to post-apocalyptic Hawaii. The novel was originally published in 2004.

The film is set to star Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugo Weaving, Susan Sarandon and Jim Broadbent.

According to the report, Andy and Lana Wachowski ("The Matrix") and Tykwer ("Run Lola Run," "Perfume: The Story of a Murderer") will be filming simultaneously with the former handling the more futuristic settings while the latter shoots the period stories.

The Reporter quoted X Filme rep Stefan Ardnt, who said the production budget will be less than than the $100 million to $120 million previous reported.