Langdon is portrayed as a Harvard University professor of religious iconology and symbology, a fictional field related to the study of historic symbols, which is not methodologically connected to the actual discipline of semiotics.
Brown's novels that feature the lead character also include historical themes and Christianity as motifs, and as a result have generated controversy.
Brown states on his website that his books are not anti-Christian, and that he is on a "constant spiritual journey" himself.
[2][3] The novels were a success around the world and became bestsellers, and soon adapted into films in which Ron Howard directed and produced 3 of 5 novels: The Da Vinci Code (2006), Angels & Demons (2009), and Inferno (2016), with Tom Hanks portraying the lead character, Professor Robert Langdon.
The novel The Lost Symbol was adapted in 2021 by Peacock with Ashley Zukerman playing the lead character, Professor Robert Langdon.