BERLIN, June 29 (UPI) -- The German Defense Ministry says it does not oppose filming the Bryan Singer-Tom Cruise historic thriller "Valkyrie" in Germany.
The ministry Thursday sought to qualify reports it would ban "Valkyrie" from shooting at German military sites because of Cruise's belief in the Church of Scientology, The Hollywood Reporter reported Friday.
Ministry officials said they haven't received an official request from "Valkyrie" producer United Artists to film in the country, but would "look agreeably" when they do.
"We have always believed Germany was the only place to shoot 'Valkyrie,' as it was the country where this incredible story took place. We are very happy that any apparent misunderstandings surrounding the production are clearing up," said Dennis Rice, president of UA worldwide marketing and publicity.
The film is about Col. Claus von Stauffenberg, played by Cruise, who led a failed German military plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler. The film's title comes from the plot's code name.
The controversy apparently stemmed from a Web site posting of conservative parliament member Antje Blumenthal, who claimed Defense Minister Franz-Josef Jung promised Cruise would not get permission to shoot because of his practice of Scientology, which Germany considers a cult.
