In a new film entitled Valkyrie, Tom Cruise will play Colonel Claus Von Stauffenberg, a man deeply opposed to Nazi treatment of the Jews and leader of a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler.  Unfortunately, the plan to film on German military sites was quickly undermined when Defense Ministry spokesperson Harald Kammerbauer denied the crew access citing Cruise’s belief in Scientology.  Kammerbauer claimed that the Church of Scientology is not recognized as a church by the German government and that the religion is merely an invention to make money.  Furthermore, he said the film would not be shot on the sites as long as Cruise was playing Count Stauffenberg.

Kammerbauer also stated that the German military deeply espouse the accurate portrayal of Stauffenberg and the events of said mission.  One of the films producers, Paula Wagner, was quick to refute: “(Cruise’s) personal beliefs have absolutely no bearing on the movie’s plot, themes or content.”

I’m no advocate for Scientology.  In fact, I largely agree with the opinion of the German military — Scientology is a façade, a faux religion for rich people.  But I must side with Cruise in this case — this is a ridiculous reason to hinder the production of a movie.  He is an actor.  His religious affiliation won’t have an effect on how this story is told.  And hasn’t Germany learned yet about the dangers of discrimination?