Swedish artist Lars Vilks says he has no regrets about portraying the Prophet Muhammad as a dog, despite offending Muslims worldwide and receiving death threats from al-Qaida.

Vilks, 61, said Oct. 1 he plans to convert the dispute over his prophet drawings into a musical, with prominent roles depicting Iran's president, Sweden's prime minister and al-Qaida terrorists.

"A musical comes to mind ... I think it would help the debate," Vilks said.

"Personally I'm not afraid," Vilks said, although he lives in a secret location under police protection. He also admits to looking for bombs underneath his car.