German Government Now Supporting Valkyrie

Reports had circulated last week that the German Government was refusing Bryan Singer's WWII film Valkyrie from filming at historical sites due to its objection over Tom Cruise's Scientology beliefs.

In what seems to be a complete turnaround, the United Artists film, which focuses on German military hero Col. Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg, will receive $6.5 million from the government's new $80 million a year German Federal Film Fund (DFFF), according to Variety.

The filmmakers were seeking permission to shoot at the actual historical site, where the true story takes place in Berlin, however Germany was hesitant to comply for the sole reason of Tom Cruise being affiliated with the Church of Scientology. The controversial church is recognized as a bona-fide religious organization in the United States, however Germany has not granted the same status.

Two-thirds of Valkyrie's $80 million budget will be spent in Germany and Berlin city officials are hoping the support from the Federal Film Board, which administers the DFFF, will allay fears that Germany is fundamentally opposed to Cruise playing Stauffenberg.

If all goes as planned, the movie will begin filming on July 18.