Dark Tower Movie speculation

[mousey]

Ok.. Sorry if this is in the wrong place, but I'm not sure where to put it.

So I've been thinking about how cool it would be if there was a dark tower movie made... With the following actors.

http://film.widarsson.se/images/viggo_mortensen.jpg

Viggo Mortensen as Roland Deschain

http://image3.examiner.com/images/blog/EXID2530/images/Shia_Labeouf_1.jpg

Shia Labeouf as Eddie Dean

http://thewowjonesreport.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/rosario-dawson.jpg

Rosario Dawson as Susannah Dean/ Detta-Odetta Holmes

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dd/MaxRecordsCCJuly09.jpg

Max Records as Jake Chambers

Anything to add/dispute? :grinning:

[lilythmageborn]

I actually made the following fantasy cast list last night:
Roland
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FVEusoCD7Vw/SuUgGClfBTI/AAAAAAAACQE/fkS9gM5AAPA/s800/DQ.png
Dennis Quaid, so long as you could keep him from grinning like an idiot like he seems prone to do. Has dark hair, blue eyes, and looks especially rugged when he's sporting a 5 o'clock shadow. Plus he has the deep voice needed that other possibles like Hugh Laurie and Viggo Mortensen sort of lack.

Eddie
http://cdn.buzznet.com/media/jj1//2008/08/gyllenhaal-shirtless/jake-gyllenhaal-shirtless-prince-of-persia-02.jpg
Jake Gyllenghaal. The pic is just an example of him with shaggy hair, though he'd need to wear hazel green contacts.

Susannah
http://mrsmvp.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/jada-pinkett-smith1.jpg
Jada Pinkett looks the part to me and I think she could pull off a Detta pretty well.

Jake
I think Jake's actor doesn't need to be famous. Any young teenage boy with sandy blond hair and blue eyes could fill the role.


I also had some ideas for some of the more minor characters.
Walter
I can't think of anyone who could possibly be better than Willem Dafoe. As Randall Flagg though they might want to have a different actor.

Callahan
James Cromwell. What can I say? They did a good job casting him in 'Salem's Lot.

Mia
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FVEusoCD7Vw/SuUixViYq_I/AAAAAAAACQM/kC_mZz2nSU4/s144/CF.png
Claire Forlani. She has the face, hair, body. I think she could pull off the "innocent" look better than someone like Angelina Jolie for instance.

Eldred Jonas
http://thezaz.nationallampoon.com/files/2009/08/06-sam-elliott-mustache.jpg
Sam Elliott. Nuff Said.

[djbeilstein]

Sounds like a dance for me!:smile2:

[michal]

mmm... Shia Labeouf? Don't know if I'd want to see him as Eddie. I LIKE Eddie and I really think a soft-spoken, clean faced Shia would be very unconvincing as an x-drug addict. Not enough charm for my taste...

I like you other ideas though. Do you really think they'd make this movie? I know there are many talks and big names running around this project, but I remain very skeptic.

[All Hail The Crimson King]

Just a request to Ms. Mod. Can you make a sticky Dark Tower Movie thread where all chat about that topic can go into instead of just having multiple threads on one topic?

[Moderator]

The title of this one is as good as any so have pinned it. I can't go back through the other threads to add them in here, though, as I've got too much else on my plate at the moment.

[All Hail The Crimson King]

The title of this one is as good as any so have pinned it. I can't go back through the other threads to add them in here, though, as I've got too much else on my plate at the moment.

Yeah, I was not thinking you'd do that, but thanks for making one thread sticky. :cool2:

[Bryan James]

Mousey makes a wonderful argument without arguing.

~BJS

[the_last_gunslinger]

Sam Elliiott as Eldred Jonas is perfect,an exact copy of the Jonas I saw in my mind's eye. I also like Jada and Rosario for Susannah.

I don't really agree with either of the "Rolands." They have that gritty feel, but they don't seem "cool" enough. That's not quite right, but they just don't do it for me.

[elevelyn]

This will always be Roland to me:

http://msp170.photobucket.com/albums/u250/heuchelinchen/Angel/Autogramme/Alexis%20Denisof/AlexisDenisof_meins.jpg

[All Hail The Crimson King]

Sam Eliot as Eldred Jonas is perfect. Viggo would have to work on his voice.

[rvialet]

Best choice for Susannah Dean in my opinion:

Naomi Harris from 28 Days Later, the Pirates movies, and Miami Vice. She has the looks, acting chops, and what seems to be the physical prowess to pull off the role.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/tommy5tone/naomie_harris.jpg

http://content8.flixster.com/photo/11/30/71/11307130_gal.jpg

http://www.latoursombre.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/susannah-dean.jpg

*For Eddie you need someone that could pull off young twenties...and I don't think Jake Gyllenhaal is that guy lol. I keep thinking of Norman Reedus:

http://www.american-gangster.net/images/norman-reedus-2.jpg

[guido tkp]

the enormity of even attempting to bring the dt to a screen (big or small) would be a daunting, moneygobbling endeavor: i'm hopping that they hire mostly unknowns...
all these 'stars', big and little, will cost way too much...: there be fanciful things, sceneries unseen in any other type of movie...
they need to take a que from good old george lucas, back in the days before anyone knew anything about long ago galaxies, and hire undiscoverd, but, nonetheless good, talent and sign 'em up for the long haul

if they start this thing, they need to finish it: i can't really see any of these relatively big-named stars sticking around for 5, 10 years (or more !) for a realistic salary..while most of the sets don't need to be anything special..
some of them do...
and there-in lies the quagmire of a humongous budget-busting beast

[Vincent Gaines]

Ok.. Sorry if this is in the wrong place, but I'm not sure where to put it.

So I've been thinking about how cool it would be if there was a dark tower movie made... With the following actors.

Viggo Mortensen as Roland Deschain

Shia Labeouf as Eddie Dean

Rosario Dawson as Susannah Dean/ Detta-Odetta Holmes

Max Records as Jake Chambers

Anything to add/dispute? :grinning:





Here's the actors of the characters I've visualized:


ROLAND:

Viggo, not bad...I see Clint Eastwood (he's obviously too old now)
but has anyone considered Hugh Jackman (since he looks like eastwood)


EDDIE:

No trendy young actors will do...I really can't visualize anyone other than
Cillian Murphy (batman begins - dr crane)


SUSANNAH:

Rosario Dawson isn't a good enough actor to pull it off!
IMO...Naomi Harris, nice call *rvialet* (Tia Dalma - Pirates of the Caribbean)


JAKE:

wouldn't really make or break the cast...as long as the kid can act


ELDRED JONAS:

Sam Elliot of course!


TICK TOCK MAN:

Mickey Rourke


CORAL THORIN:

Rosanna Arquette


PERE CALLAHAN:

Clint Eastwood


SUSAN DELGADO:

Scarlett Johansson - bleach blond
Though she's too old (for the Susan character?)


SHERIFF AVERY:

John Goodman...?


:eyebrow: anyone else have characters that stand out?

[NikoTes]

Benicio Del Toro as Roland = Perfect

[dwalters]

There are some great suggestions here. IMO, I doubt that a film version is ever going to be made. The story is just too big and the only way it would be feasible, time-wise or money-wise, would be to cut a great deal - something I don't think any of us wants to see happen. However, it's always fun to speculate on who would be cast if it ever happens.

Personally, I have to agree with guido. I think too many big names is going to make the budget skyrocket in no time flat considering the length and depth of the story. Additionally, I've always felt that if there are more than say 4-5 big names in the same movie it just kinda takes something away from it. I'd like to see mostly unknown actors filling most of the parts.

That said, I think Hugh Jackman would be a great Roland, and Norman Reedus would make an interesting Eddie.

[Wordslinger2]

*For Eddie you need someone that could pull off young twenties...and I don't think Jake Gyllenhaal is that guy lol. I keep thinking of Norman Reedus:

http://www.american-gangster.net/images/norman-reedus-2.jpg



Now that man looks perfect for Eddie, I was also thinking the actor who played Larry Underwood in The Stand, but he might be too old now.

As for Roland, Clint Eastwood would have been perfect in his salad days, but I am just not sure who could the role justice now..

[lifer19]

If The Dark Tower is to ever be done on screen I think %100 CGI would be the only way to go. There is way too much negative potential in the realm of casting to do this with live actors. If DT is ever done in cinema it better be done %100 right or not done at all!

[91rewoT]

Okay, so I haven't been a big supporter of making a Dark Tower movie (I already have visions of the characters in my head and don't want that messed up!), however, Mousey has come up with some good possibilities...and Sam Elliot is definitely Eldred Jonas!

[Prisoner of Reality]

Here's the actors of the characters I've visualized:


ROLAND:

Viggo, not bad...I see Clint Eastwood (he's obviously too old now)
but has anyone considered Hugh Jackman (since he looks like eastwood)


EDDIE:

No trendy young actors will do...I really can't visualize anyone other than
Cillian Murphy (batman begins - dr crane)


SUSANNAH:

Rosario Dawson isn't a good enough actor to pull it off!
IMO...Naomi Harris, nice call *rvialet* (Tia Dalma - Pirates of the Caribbean)


JAKE:

wouldn't really make or break the cast...as long as the kid can act


ELDRED JONAS:

Sam Elliot of course!


TICK TOCK MAN:

Mickey Rourke


CORAL THORIN:

Rosanna Arquette


PERE CALLAHAN:

Clint Eastwood


SUSAN DELGADO:

Scarlett Johansson - bleach blond
Though she's too old (for the Susan character?)


SHERIFF AVERY:

John Goodman...?


:eyebrow: anyone else have characters that stand out?

I absolutely agree with about the Clint Eastwood and Hugh Jackman comparison and since Roland was supposed to be the Sergio Leone spaghetti western version of Clint Eastwood i think Sai Jackman would be perfect for the part, i just wished he had the cool, calm, collective, but deathly attitude that Sai Mortensen is able to capture.

[fishandChips]

I really like that show True blood my guilty pleasure i call it. I sorta like Rutina Wesley as susannah, she's got that tuff girl quality about her that Susannah has. yet she can be very cute and kind. if you watch her in true blood she is sorta like that charactor in DT.

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTY5Mjg3Mzc0MV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMTU1OTUwMg@@._V1._SX254_ SY400_.jpg

[niteowl364c]

Not a bad list of choices. I came up with my fantasy list years ago. If your interested, here it is:

Roland: Jeff Goldblum
Jake: Haley Joel Osment
Walter: Tommy Lee Jones
Eddie: Kyle McLaughlin
Susannah: Angela Basset

Wadya think?

[TSK]

All of the "casting" here is great! I love hearing everyone's ideas. -- Ever since my first reading of The Gunslinger, I've had Lance Henriksen stuck in my head. He's a little older now, but he's always the one I imagine.

http://www.tvfanatic.com/files/lance-henriksen.jpg

[bonkersshe]

I hope they do not make DT into a movie (or series) Just look what everyone's different imaginative 'eye' had as ideas for actors to play the roles. I personally love Sam as Jonah. Course color his hair a tad and TADA, he's Roland. Cuba as Sheemie? (As in Radio character?) That's why I read, to let my imagination take over. Just my opinion and 5 billion blah blah blah

[DoctorSwerve]

Roland - Sam Worthington

http://mimg.ugo.com/200905/9421/sam-worthington-3.jpg

Eddie - James McAvoy

http://img2.timeinc.net/ew/dynamic/imgs/080625/wanted_l.jpg

Susannah - Zoe Saldana

http://joyhog.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/zoesaldana.jpg

Jake - Jake Cherry

http://www.filmdope.com/Gallery/ActorsC/65866-27242.gif

[flamingpretzel]

Maybe Eastwood in a cameo as Steven Deschain?

[fishandChips]

I hope they do not make DT into a movie

I guess that's why J.J. Abrams has quit the job as director for darktower. he said " I'm such a massive Stephen King fan that I'm terrified of screwing it up (http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/10/j-j-abrams-not-adapting-kings-dark-tower-series/)."

The big problem with the dark tower as a movie is casting a child actor who will not grow up so fast. like what happen's with all movies with child actors.:glare:

[Snaggletooth]

I pictured Eddie Dean as being a little older....anyone for Brad Pitt? (please don't hammer me, I'm only kidding)

A young Clint Eastwood would do fine as Roland. Roland's age isn't mentioned in the book, so let's have Clint anyway.

[Fran D'Amico]

Tough casting.But my dream cast would be
Roland Vigo Mortensen
Susan Naomi Harris
Eddie
Jake
Elmer Chambers Will Arnet
Steven Descain Lance Hendrikson
Cort John Goodman
Vanny Patrick Stewart
Walter Dennis Hopper
Ben Slightman Sr. Ned Betty
Crimson King Christopher Walken
Jonas Sam Elliot
Renalds George Clooney
Depape Billy Bob Thornton
Andinoli James Gardolfini
Blondini The warchief of the orphans from the movie the warriors
Moses carver Morgan Freeman
Rando Donald Sutherland
Callahan Clint Eastwood
Calvin Tower Wallace Shaun
Voices
Oy Not the guy from full house!!!!
Blaine Kevin Spacey too bad Vincent Price has gone to the clearing, he is who I heard while reading
Litttle Blaine Adam Sandler
Stuttering Bill Brad Davis
Andy Alan Rickman
Nigel Micheal Caine
The Tower James Earl Jones

[dsanchez]

so is this movie going to happen then? i'm pretty up in the air about it, i'm reading dt for the third time and there is just so much in the books that they can't bring to a movie screen. so much of the story is what is going on in the characters heads and you just can't pull that off on a movie screen. however, it would have the potential to be something epic if it was done perfectly. but most of kings books didn't translate well to movies or tv whether it was from bad acting or just having to cut so many things to make it fit into a 2 hour movie. for instance the stand, which is my all time favorite book, i thought was terrible on tv. the acting was pretty subpar. anyways, as for the actors, i think the best thing would be to use a bunch of unknowns who can look and play the part well.

[Moderator]

There aren't any plans at the moment for a film adaptation.

[Flipsk8emerica]

If someone like Peter Jackson were to do it, it would be a dream come true considering how good he did with the Lord of the Rings books. I think Daniel Day Lewis would play the perfect gunslinger.

[TPG555]

You guys are going to think I'm nuts but Brett Favre seems like a good fit for Roland to me. Whether he can act...who knows.

[JohnDalglish]

You guys are going to think I'm nuts but Brett Favre seems like a good fit for Roland to me. Whether he can act...who knows.

Hi,

Who Brett Favre?

Long days and pleasant nights

[TPG555]

You guys are going to think I'm nuts but Brett Favre seems like a good fit for Roland to me. Whether he can act...who knows.

Brett Favre was the quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, an American football team in the NFL, for many years. He was then traded to the New York Jets, retired, came out of retirement and played for the Minnesota Vikings. Conicidentally, he is commonly referred to as "the old gunslinger" for his style of play. If you do a search for his images, you may find he looks the part and if you can find him talking in a commercial, you may see what I mean regarding my perceived similarities between the him and Roland.

Stand and be true.

[^Candy^]

I actually made the following fantasy cast list last night:
Roland
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FVEusoCD7Vw/SuUgGClfBTI/AAAAAAAACQE/fkS9gM5AAPA/s800/DQ.png
Dennis Quaid, so long as you could keep him from grinning like an idiot like he seems prone to do. Has dark hair, blue eyes, and looks especially rugged when he's sporting a 5 o'clock shadow. Plus he has the deep voice needed that other possibles like Hugh Laurie and Viggo Mortensen sort of lack.

Eddie
http://cdn.buzznet.com/media/jj1//2008/08/gyllenhaal-shirtless/jake-gyllenhaal-shirtless-prince-of-persia-02.jpg
Jake Gyllenghaal. The pic is just an example of him with shaggy hair, though he'd need to wear hazel green contacts.

Susannah
http://mrsmvp.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/jada-pinkett-smith1.jpg
Jada Pinkett looks the part to me and I think she could pull off a Detta pretty well.

Jake
I think Jake's actor doesn't need to be famous. Any young teenage boy with sandy blond hair and blue eyes could fill the role.


I also had some ideas for some of the more minor characters.
Walter
I can't think of anyone who could possibly be better than Willem Dafoe. As Randall Flagg though they might want to have a different actor.

Callahan
James Cromwell. What can I say? They did a good job casting him in 'Salem's Lot.

Mia
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FVEusoCD7Vw/SuUixViYq_I/AAAAAAAACQM/kC_mZz2nSU4/s144/CF.png
Claire Forlani. She has the face, hair, body. I think she could pull off the "innocent" look better than someone like Angelina Jolie for instance.

Eldred Jonas
http://thezaz.nationallampoon.com/files/2009/08/06-sam-elliott-mustache.jpg
Sam Elliott. Nuff Said.
Now see I would have cast Sam as Roland and definitely Shia as Eddie.

[KyleKarabekian]

Ok.. Sorry if this is in the wrong place, but I'm not sure where to put it.

So I've been thinking about how cool it would be if there was a dark tower movie made... With the following actors.

http://film.widarsson.se/images/viggo_mortensen.jpg

Viggo Mortensen as Roland Deschain

http://image3.examiner.com/images/blog/EXID2530/images/Shia_Labeouf_1.jpg

Shia Labeouf as Eddie Dean

http://thewowjonesreport.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/rosario-dawson.jpg

Rosario Dawson as Susannah Dean/ Detta-Odetta Holmes

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dd/MaxRecordsCCJuly09.jpg

Max Records as Jake Chambers

Anything to add/dispute? :grinning:

Ok, I can agree somewhat with Viggo, but the rest... not so much, escpecially Rosario Dawson and Max Records. Shia is ok.

My personel thought about the movie, is DON'T MAKE IT! I don't want to even see a commercial of it, if they make one.

[TPG555]

OK, hopefully the pictures will load...

Roland Deschain (Brett Favre...but Christian Bale would also work):
<a href="http://s652.photobucket.com/albums/uu242/tpg555/?action=view&current=Roland001.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu242/tpg555/Roland001.jpg" border="0" alt="Favre"></a>

Eddie Dean (Orlando Bloom)
<a href="http://s652.photobucket.com/albums/uu242/tpg555/?action=view&current=Eddie.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu242/tpg555/Eddie.jpg" border="0" alt="Bloom"></a>

Susanna Dean (Gabriel Union)
<a href="http://s652.photobucket.com/albums/uu242/tpg555/?action=view&current=Susanna001.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu242/tpg555/Susanna001.jpg" border="0" alt="Gabriel Union"></a>

Jake Chambers (Jamie Bell)
<a href="http://s652.photobucket.com/albums/uu242/tpg555/?action=view&current=Jake.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu242/tpg555/Jake.jpg" border="0" alt="Jake"></a>

[hossenpepper]

I just don't see how this could be done. Not in a movie or even 12. It's just too much. Look at "Stand By Me". A great adaptation of one of Steve's stories, but still had to have certain things cut from the movie for whatever reason. The point is that is a fairly short story and it made a full blown movie that still had to be truncated. Translating the DT over would be a mind-numbingly complex undertaking that would frankly probably piss most real fans off anyway. I would love it if it was done accurately and stayed true to the story, but don't see anyway to do it except a very long animated/CGI series. Maybe an HBO recurring series. Even in that format, it would take YEARS to tell it properly. If I was Steve, I would simply be too protective of that particular story to let it be done with nothing more than "best effort".

[Baz]

I dont understand all the moaning about a translation to film. If a passionate extreamly talented crew get it together it could be better than LOTR. Maybe 2 versions could exist, tv series an film. I read the Lost guys are not doin it, but they could still help out. This film NEEDS to be made before we lose the fire. lol (sorry about the lol) Stand an be true!

[TPG555]

hossenpepper, I disagree with you. The Harry Potter series proved that you can film a multi-novel series effectively. No film is like the book but there are certainly parts of the DT series that a film could do without (Brown & Zultan from book 1 for instance). Just remember, it's always the director's adaptation or vision of the book you are seeing, not the author's (or yours).

[sandiego39]

i would go with sam elliot or vin disel as roland just my thoughts

[hossenpepper]

hossenpepper, I disagree with you. The Harry Potter series proved that you can film a multi-novel series effectively. No film is like the book but there are certainly parts of the DT series that a film could do without (Brown & Zultan from book 1 for instance). Just remember, it's always the director's adaptation or vision of the book you are seeing, not the author's (or yours).

For me, this is not really about my vision. I realize that could never be what completely comes across, so it mroe about it being as close to all inclusive and the story as possible. I hear what you are saying about excess storylines/events. Valid points all.

The Gunslinger, for instance, is short enough in just pure page count that it could be a very good 2-3 hour movie. Drawing of Three treads into possibly 2 movies. Beyond that, only Song of Susannah is "short" enough to even consider putting into a single movie, while maintaining the whole story. The rest of the books are just too long, too much happens and it just seems to me that to try to cram them into a single, even 3hr plus, movie would force them to cut a lot of the progression and back story elements. Then it becomes: What do you cut? Who makes that decision? I read somewhere that Steve has been pondering retirement eventually and it seems this would make sure that never happened if he was intimately involved. I personally wouldn't want to see it if Steve didn't have a least a tacet involvement in the project. The story is just too important.

[Er0tic NeUr0t1c]

That guy would be a terrible Eddie Dean, I'm sorry, that would destroy everything for me.
Viggo Mortenson would make great Roland and so would that chick you chose for Susannah but your choice for Eddie is very bad. Jared Leto would make the best Eddie Dean I think, and Jake Gyllenhal would be runnerup. Here's a pic of Jared Leto. He was a heroin addict in Requiem for a Dream too and he played the part splendidly and very much resembled the character from the book. I think he'd make the best Eddie.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y292/ApathyChild/jared_leto25.jpg
^^ Jared Leto as Eddie Dean.

[1-Book-And-Counting]

Leto is a great choice for Eddie but is Leto still doing movie's as I think he is just been doing musici recently?

[hossenpepper]

Leto is a great choice for Eddie but is Leto still doing movie's as I think he is just been doing musici recently?

He should stick to doing movies... I can't stand his music personally... But I agree he has the right look for Eddie...almost a little TOO young and "edgy" though.

[KyleKarabekian]

That guy would be a terrible Eddie Dean, I'm sorry, that would destroy everything for me.
Viggo Mortenson would make great Roland and so would that chick you chose for Susannah but your choice for Eddie is very bad. Jared Leto would make the best Eddie Dean I think, and Jake Gyllenhal would be runnerup. Here's a pic of Jared Leto. He was a heroin addict in Requiem for a Dream too and he played the part splendidly and very much resembled the character from the book. I think he'd make the best Eddie.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y292/ApathyChild/jared_leto25.jpg
^^ Jared Leto as Eddie Dean.

Leto would be terrible!

[skyrow]

Roland-Billy Bob Thorton
Eddie-Colin Farrell
Walter-Willam Dafoe
Susannah- I always pictured her as that girl from mad tv, lol! I don't know her name
Jake- That one kid from bridge to Tarabithia

[Er0tic NeUr0t1c]

Leto would be terrible!

nah man think about it and how he was in Requiem for a Dream. The only thing is Eddie throws jokes around and such ivery now and then and Leto's always pissed or something it seems but I still think it'd be good.

[-Caleb-]

I think either Liam Neeson, Christian Bale, or Sam Worthington would be a great Roland

I think Mark Wahlberg or Johnny Depp would be a good Eddie Dean

Either Zoe Saldana or Jada Pinkett Smith as Susannah

And Christopher Lee as the voice of Blaine the Mono HAHAHA YES OH YES!

[-Caleb-]

Susannah- I always pictured her as that girl from mad tv, lol! I don't know her name

Bon Qui Qui?

[hossenpepper]

I was looking at The Wastelands yesterday at the illustrations and specifically the one of Roland. Based on that illustration, I think this actor LOOKS like that depiction a lot. Whether or not he could pull off the role, I don't know, but he has the look.

http://www.dailyactor.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Ty-Burrell.jpg

His name is Ty Burrell. He is a main character on Modern Family on ABC and was also in the Dawn of the Dead remake.

[skyrow]

Bon Qui Qui?

no, Debra Wilson.

[KitiKobain]

I personally think Timothy Olyphant would be the perfect Roland
http://www.insidesocal.com/usc/deadwood.jpg

[Aim4 the hed 2 kill zomBs]

If I had only been paid for the hours spent casting this movie with friends who have also read these books. Here goes:

Roland - Jeffrey Dean Morgan - (he played "Comedian" in the Watchmen movie, and is easy to make look young and old. Plus he's a great actor).
Eddie - Jason Lee
Jake - Martin Short - hahaha, I kid. As one of my friends said "He who casts movies with his humor has forgotten the face of his father." I really don't have one for Jake
Susan - You could go Halley Berry, but I don't know about that. I think Rosario Dawson would be better.
Narrator - Sam Elliot
Randal Flagg - Don't know the guy's name who played Rorschach in "Watchmen" but he'd be great.
Cort - R Lee Ermey - I'm proud of that one, so I'll say it again
Cort - R Lee Ermey
Father Callahan - I agree with Eastwood on this. Really Eastwood in his youth should hands down be Roland.
Oy - Frank Welkner -(he's done voice work for practically every cartoon voice you've ever watched)

[jodio]

i think james franko, or edward norton would make a good eddie

[WalterKovacs]

I personally think Timothy Olyphant would be the perfect Roland
http://www.insidesocal.com/usc/deadwood.jpg


I wouldn't have agreed with this pick before I saw his new show JUSTIFIED. His character has some of the mannerisms of Roland and I totally can see him pulling it off now. I'm with you on this one.

[Watahoot]

Halle Berry? Well you've just killed the entire Dark Tower film franchise..hehe

But I have no qualms with your other speculations :)

[Mugwomp]

I'm still pushing for Hugh Laurie as Roland:
http://images.buddytv.com/articles/Image/HouseMD/hugh-laurie-new-movie.jpg

the lovely Angela Bassett for Susannah:
http://im.in.com/connect/images/profile/sep2009/Angela_Bassett_300.jpg

and the kid from Breaking Bad as Eddie could be interesting...
http://www.variety.com/graphics/photos/weekend/ask_paul.jpg

and my dog as Oy (with some minor CG enhancement, of course):
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/mugwomp_photos/sadie-pirate-1.jpg

[Foolio]

Andy Whitfield for Roland
<img src="http://filmreviewonline.com/wp-content/gallery/spartacus-blood-and-sand/spartacus-andy-whitfield-erin-cummings.jpg">

I agree with Jada Pinkett as Susannah as you need someone that can play both sweet and mean.. age? shes a bit too old I think but could pull it off.

Eddie Dean.. well one he's supposed to be 21, so I would count out most of the actors mentioned in here. Shia? eh.. I did like someones mention of james McAvoy.. You need someone to play a 21 year old junkie from brooklyn.. think about it.

Jake: This is a really important role I think, as the relationship with jake to everyone else is a big part of the story The only person I could think of is Freddie Highmore but even he may be a bit old for the part as Jake is about 12?

[Nikolai Malthus]

I must admit that Hugh Laurie never occurred to me as a potential Roland. Now that I'm forced to think about it, he'd probably be good. But.....

Timothy Olyphant still gets my vote. Ever since I first saw him as Sheriff Bullock in Deadwood I was sold. He is Roland...plus he has worked with Stephen King before in Dreamcatcher.
http://www.blackhillstravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/timothyolyphant.jpg (http://www.blackhillstravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/timothyolyphant.jpg)

Those of you who agree, what would we need to do to suggest his selection for the role?

[TPG555]

Roland: Daniel Day Lewis
http://www.topnews.in/files/images/Daniel-Day-Lewis2_0.jpg

Eddie: Jonathan Rhys Meyers
http://forromancereaders.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/jonathan_rhys_meyers_escena_match_point1.jpg

Susanna: Viola Davis
http://www.nndb.com/people/419/000041296/rochon4-sized.jpg

Jake: Chandler Canterbury
http://sheilajrina.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/chandler-canterbury.jpg

Flagg: David Duchovny
http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/famecrawler/2008/10/16-22/tn2_david_duchovny_3.jpg

[Bigjack]

I think whoever they get for Roland, they need to find someone who has a very intimidating presence... Who ever it is needs to come across as a total bad ass...
I know I'm probably gonna catch a lot of heat for this but I think Vin Diesel could pull it off... Check out Chronicles of Riddick- the movie was kind of dumb but Vin played the part of a bad ass real well.

Again, I know that this is a stretch but how about Steven Segal for the "man in black" or Flagg???

[JohnDalglish]

I think whoever they get for Roland, they need to find someone who has a very intimidating presence... Who ever it is needs to come across as a total bad ass...
I know I'm probably gonna catch a lot of heat for this but I think Vin Diesel could pull it off... Check out Chronicles of Riddick- the movie was kind of dumb but Vin played the part of a bad ass real well.

Again, I know that this is a stretch but how about Steven Segal for the "man in black" or Flagg???

Hi,

Welcome to the MB, and keep posting!

Sorry, but I strongly disagree with both of those suggestions.

Long days and pleasant nights

[msouza78]

Just my two cents wort, But I was thinking that Timothy Olyphant would make an excellent Roland, just saying. Thankee-sai. he is no stranger to westerns as he has stared in Deadwood, the HBO series. I believe he would make an excellent Roland of Gilead.

[msouza78]

David Duchovny as Flagg? that's just weird. i was thinking maybe Sam Elliot or Tommy Lee Jones as Flagg.

[petcemitaryfan]

Yeah I agree Shia Labeouf as Eddie Idk I imagine some short fat guy to play Eddie, maybe someone like Phillip Seemore Hoffman as Eddie or Dany Devito and I defently see the resemblance in Stephen King's character as Viggio Mortenson I think he would be a great Rolland of Gilliad or however you spell it, lol and Opera Winfery as Detta the sometimes crazy psychotic lady lol

[TPG555]

David Duchovny as Flagg? that's just weird. i was thinking maybe Sam Elliot or Tommy Lee Jones as Flagg.


I think Duchovny would be good because he can act a weird character and he kind of looks like a bad guy. Just imagine him with a dark cloak and having a palaver with Roland in the Desert.

Sam Elliot or Tommy Lee Jones would be too old for that role, I think. They'd be better as Big Coffin Hunters, IMO.

[Lady Di]

I know he is a little old, but the whole time I was reading The Dark Tower, I pictured Clint Eastwood as Roland. I think Whoopi Goldberg would be good as Odetta- she has the whole sassy thing. Maybe Colin Farrell as Eddie Dean.

[SuzyQ]

Sam Elliott had my vote, Hell yeah!!!

[ryannosaurus]

I think I have a unique pick for Roland. Viggo seems to be mentioned more than anyone for the part, and while he is a very good choice - especially after seeing him in The Road, which kinda makes me think of Roland's world which has "moved on".

But I think Timothy V. Murphy would be a dead ringer. He could be Viggo's older brother, looking at him!




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaQFuHyc-Jk (http://www.stephenking.com/forums/redirector.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FjaQFuHyc-Jk)

Both of those pics are taken from his IMDB page. I would SWEAR the second is of Viggo, but apparently not (according to IMDB anyhow).

Ryan

[Asatru]

Great choices!

[milkguy420]

way to call it on Eastwood as Callahan!

[nate_watkins]

I'm excited with the announcement to begin working on a film project for the Dark Tower! They said that some of the short stories, and graphic novels also might be included as part of the films.

[K4driver]

Hugh Laurie as Roland..I always imagined hearing him with an english accent mixed with a small bit of western drawl mixed in. Or perhaps Josh Holloway..
christopher Walken is Too old for Flagg right? if he is, what a shame.

[msouza78]

timothy Olyphant as Roland, His acting in The Crazies justifies him that much more in my mind as Roland. With a TV counterpart to the movies, you need good actors on the cheap, especially these days. I haven't even thought of castings for Eddie or Jake....but it strikes me, get the Gunslinger right and all goodness shall follow.

[rcenters]

How about this guy for Roland:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0107406/
Stephen Brennan, apparently Irish(can't find where he was born but in mostly Irish TV)...I saw him in episode 1 of 2nd season of Ballykissangel and he kinda looks like Roland does in the drawings of him holding a rose, standing in the field of roses in front of the Tower.

[fromTull]

He played Sabretooth in the X-men movies. Liev Schriber, or whatever.

[Aeyviallenpoe]

I don't agree with most of the picks for Eddie. I do agree, however, with Viggo/Roland and Naomi Harris, who looks EXACTLY like the painting for Detta/Odetta/Susannah.
Don't know if someone had already chosen this one for Eddie or not because... well... TL;DR.
This is how I see him in my mind's eye, say thankya big-big.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/menacemineure/Adrian-Grenier_3440.jpg he looks a bit cutesy in that one, so here also is
http://jiveturkey.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/adrian-grenier.jpg

Adrian Grenier. nnh. I'd be his Susannah but I'm a mite too pale.

NOT looking forward to the TV series. Honestly, either they screw up the storyline beyond recognition (but at least have decent acting), or they get the storyline somewhat right and the acting is ridiculous and hard to believe. I've written out this formula for pretty much EVERY SK movie or miniseries.
But, alas, I am a Tower Junkie, and will watch every minute of it in a form of reserved reverence. Kennit?
Aye, you all ken far too well, I wot.

[Brando85]

Hi Guys!! I just came across this thread on who should act in the Dark Tower movie adaptation and although i am only halfway through the books i came up with a few people i think might fill the spots.

Originally i figured that people who aren't A list actors so to speak would be better so it wasn't just an over priced summer Blockbuster but then i came across a few people i think would do well in the role of Roland, Eddie and Susanna. So here goes let me know what you think

Roland

For Roland i thought if he could work on his accent i think Christopher Walken would do a good job also my other thoughts were Hugh Laurie and Ian McKellen but i think maybe Walken and McKellen may be too old
http://imagecache6.allposters.com/LRG/10/1061/XNML000Z.jpg
http://house.download-tvshows.com/files/Hugh%20Laurie_1.jpg

For Eddie dean i found someone put Norman Reedus and i think that would work really well also i thought a drugged up looking Milo Ventimiglia might work too.
http://static.tvfanatic.com/images/gallery/milo-ventimiglia-picture.jpg

And for Susanna i keep coming back too Rutina Wesley from True Blood
http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l5zgkx6zHR1qaof7y.jpg

I aslo thought too Jarrod Padalecki from Supernatural as The Man in Black
http://images2.fanpop.com/images/photos/7100000/Jared-Padalecki-jared-padalecki-7197484-1600-1200.jpg

[fromTull]

This is a hot mess! Walken as Roland? His portrayal of the gunslinger would be a parody. Jared Padalecki only emotes when he's screaming (houseofwaxhouseofwaxhouseofwaxrememberthatanyone?houseofwax !) Anyone from heroes is on the 18th of their 15 allotted minutes. On the plus side, "why yes I did love your performance in the Dark Tower movies Ms. Rutina Wesley". Please lobby for her to play Susannah, Mr.Stephen King. I can't help it, I'm afraid the films could easily go BAD, and am maybe overly defensive. :oops:

For Roland i thought if he could work on his accent i think Christopher Walken would do a good job

[VictorWolf]

Lots of weird choices for The Man in Black. That guy looks too young. Of course I'm biased because I haven't seen him in anything. But here was one of my first thoughts when casting came into consideration.

10352

Jeff Kober. I've seen him play a minor role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and a cult leader/murderer on Law and Order: SVU (the episode "Charisma"). It was the way he talked to people. The way he controlled people, manipulated them mentally. It was pretty awesome to watch and if anyone else has seen it, then I'd like to hear their thoughts.

[Brando85]

Hi again guys
Thank you too those who gave me feedback on my choices and looking back on it now i agree some of them were not well thought through so i came up with some more that i thought might be better choices. Once again any feedback will be welcomed.
Before i picked Chrisopher Walken for Roland but now i realise this is unrealistic and also i picked Jarrod Padelecki for The Man In Black purely based on Supernatural as i am a big fan. At first i thought unknown actors would be better doing this and part of me still does but here is what i came up with for celebrities to play these roles and hopefully these choices would be more suited to the role.

For Roland Deschain
- Sean Bean
-Also i have found comments on Josh Halloway from Lost which would be interesting.
-I have seen Lance Hendrickson as an idea and like it although i think Lance may be too old for the part.

for Cort
-Tobin Bell
-and Terry O'Quinn who i aslo could see as Gasher

for Stevin Deschain
-I think everyone likes the idea of Sam Elliot and i have to agree

For Eddy
-I still like the idea of Noramn Reecus
-and if the can dig him back up maybe Edward Furlong
-i thought of Ryan Renalds but Van Wilder keeps coming to mind

For Susannah
-I still like the idea of Rutina Wesley

For Jake
-I am still stumped on Jake

for The Man In Black
-I have seen Gary Oldmans name come up and like it.
-But also came up with Jason Isaacs who could probably also pull off Eldred Jonas

for Tick Tock
-Liev Schreiber
-and Danny Huston

this is what i have come up with so far hope to hear back what you think.
Cheers

[VictorWolf]

For Jake
-I am still stumped on Jake


The only good child actor that I've seen in years is Kåre Hedebrant, but he's probably wrong for it too.

[Aeyviallenpoe]

Jake is Jake, and Blaine is a pain.

On a similar note, I always heard Kelsey Grammar's voice as Blaine. I think he'd be perfect for it. He can be creepy when he wants.

[Bubonic]

Anyone nominate Halle Berry as Susannah Dean yet?
I find it awesome how so many of us had Sam Elliot in mind when reading Wizard and Glass! I couldn't picture anyone else.

[Shardik_Maturin]

I agree on Eddie, Jonas and Mia, but I would prefer a thinner man in the part of Roland. Dennis Quaid has a big healthy face, not quite the right one.

I keep feeling Daniel Day Lewis would be perfect. I just can't decide if he'd be better as Roland or Walter. And Jim Caveziel? How old is he right now? Not enough I'm afraid...

Again, for Walter: what about Cillian Murphy? Odd but adequate, I'd say.

About Susannah: Jada Pinkett is way too short. I'd choose Rosario Dawson too.

For Paul "Pimli" Prentiss: Philip Seymour Hoffman?


I actually made the following fantasy cast list last night:
Roland
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FVEusoCD7Vw/SuUgGClfBTI/AAAAAAAACQE/fkS9gM5AAPA/s800/DQ.png
Dennis Quaid, so long as you could keep him from grinning like an idiot like he seems prone to do. Has dark hair, blue eyes, and looks especially rugged when he's sporting a 5 o'clock shadow. Plus he has the deep voice needed that other possibles like Hugh Laurie and Viggo Mortensen sort of lack.

Eddie
http://cdn.buzznet.com/media/jj1//2008/08/gyllenhaal-shirtless/jake-gyllenhaal-shirtless-prince-of-persia-02.jpg
Jake Gyllenghaal. The pic is just an example of him with shaggy hair, though he'd need to wear hazel green contacts.

Susannah
http://mrsmvp.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/jada-pinkett-smith1.jpg
Jada Pinkett looks the part to me and I think she could pull off a Detta pretty well.

Jake
I think Jake's actor doesn't need to be famous. Any young teenage boy with sandy blond hair and blue eyes could fill the role.


I also had some ideas for some of the more minor characters.
Walter
I can't think of anyone who could possibly be better than Willem Dafoe. As Randall Flagg though they might want to have a different actor.

Callahan
James Cromwell. What can I say? They did a good job casting him in 'Salem's Lot.

Mia
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FVEusoCD7Vw/SuUixViYq_I/AAAAAAAACQM/kC_mZz2nSU4/s144/CF.png
Claire Forlani. She has the face, hair, body. I think she could pull off the "innocent" look better than someone like Angelina Jolie for instance.

Eldred Jonas
http://thezaz.nationallampoon.com/files/2009/08/06-sam-elliott-mustache.jpg
Sam Elliott. Nuff Said.

[Gruefu]

Sam Elliot has to be Callahan!

Mads Mikkelsen as Roland? Would be great!
Eddie Dean - Josh Holloway or Rami Malek (maybe Rami is a bit too young looking)

[JohnDalglish]

Sam Elliot has to be Callahan!

Mads Mikkelsen as Roland? Would be great!
Eddie Dean - Josh Holloway or Rami Malek (maybe Rami is a bit too young looking)

Hi,

Ever since I've seen that with the current state of CGI it's perfectly possible I'll hold out for Clint Eastwood forty years ago as Roland.

Long days and pleasant nights

[Horrorchick]

Maybe brad paisley as a young Roland?
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e220/tracygodfrey/BradP.jpg

[arsepoetica]

I always thought Dennis Quaid would make an excellent Roland, if you've ever seen him play Doc Holliday in the movie Wyatt Earp, he can pull it off. Edward Norton would have made a great Eddie Dean, but he's too old now. Jack Palance would have been an amazing Eldred Jonas, but he's dead. So yeah, Sam Elliot works.

[Baz]

if google news is to be believed Ron wants to have Viggo. To me that feels right somehow. What an amazing thing this is actually happening.

[JohnDalglish]

if google news is to be believed Ron wants to have Viggo. To me that feels right somehow. What an amazing thing this is actually happening.

Hi,

Viggo will so the part justice I don't doubt.

But in a hundred years when people watch LotR (which they will IMO) and ST (I hope) they'll think we only had the one actor to play the hero and I think they'll get their Aragorn's confused with their Roland's and it will invite comparisaons with LotR that I hoipe it can stand up to, but it's a high benchmark in moviemalking IMO.

But he'd be great in the part otherwise.

Long days and pleasant nights

[Baz]

yeah an unknown actor could make an epic like The Dark Tower an be remembered as only Roland i think that would be cool. wouldnt it be cool if Sai King picked some of the actors.

[SHEEMIEE]

Hi,

Viggo will so the part justice I don't doubt.

But in a hundred years when people watch LotR (which they will IMO) and ST (I hope) they'll think we only had the one actor to play the hero and I think they'll get their Aragorn's confused with their Roland's and it will invite comparisaons with LotR that I hoipe it can stand up to, but it's a high benchmark in moviemalking IMO.

But he'd be great in the part otherwise.

Long days and pleasant nights


Na im not buyin the Viggo thing - Stick him in as Patrick d (judging from the cracking Jesus painted back spread of Patrck D), get someone who looks the part - trawl the streets , find clint eastwoods TWINNY and make that part his - someone new - take the chance i say . This could be epic or, please no ,an epic fail!! Im wanting to see how they cope with the jumping through doors - are we going to see a time bandits portal appear?!?!?? and are we going to see the world through eddie deans eyes like "being John Mallkovich"? Whatever the results some of us are going to be spewing (hopefully (please) not me! Ive been there already with the Phantom menace !!!!!
(can u put a bracket (?) in a bracket)?:oo:

hat tip hand to head.

[Michele28]

New to the site and happy to have others who these books have great importance. The D.T. chacters are very real to me. sometimes I think I'll look up and see them. I read Cujo at 8 or 9 and have been an addicted C.R. ever since. The D.T books and Insomnia left a great impression. I have mixed feelings about a movie/ t.v. series. The characters really have to be chosen carefullly. I think most people would say if it was possible- Clint Eastwood. Obviously there aren't alot of people who can pull Roland and his his ka-tet off, not to mention the complexities of the story. I love Sam Elliot and could deal with that , not sure about Viggo. What agout Mark Harmon? The Stand was pretty well cast but there were a few I couldn't stand (i.e. Molly Ringwald.) Any thoughts? Also interested in the comic se.ries for those who have read them Thanks

[teheee]

AGREED!!! Sam Elliot is ROLAND!

[Garriga]

I'm still pushing for Hugh Laurie as Roland:
http://images.buddytv.com/articles/Image/HouseMD/hugh-laurie-new-movie.jpg

the lovely Angela Bassett for Susannah:
http://im.in.com/connect/images/profile/sep2009/Angela_Bassett_300.jpg

and the kid from Breaking Bad as Eddie could be interesting...
http://www.variety.com/graphics/photos/weekend/ask_paul.jpg

and my dog as Oy (with some minor CG enhancement, of course):
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/mugwomp_photos/sadie-pirate-1.jpg


THANK YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FINALLY SOMEBODY AGREES THAT AARON PAUL SHOULD PLAY EDDIE DEAN!!!!!!!!!!!! he is young enough, and he plays a junkie in breaking bad. Eddie Dean is my favorite character i have read the series twice and when i heard about the movie Aaron Paul popped in my head. Yet nobody agrees with me or even give me any feedback........................

[Garriga]

the version i read he is 23. born in 1964

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

I'm sorry, I can't take Hugh Laurie seriously, fine Scottish actor as he is.

For me, he'll always be Stephen Fry's foil in Jeeves and Wooster or a well-meaning but stupid fop in Blackadder.

PLEASE not Hugh Laurie.

Long days and pleasant nights

[Garriga]

[QUOTE=Garriga;418299]the version i read he is 23. born in 1964[/QUOTE

sorry for the grammatical error: the version i read he WAS 23

[Garriga]

Susannah is 26...................

[SHEEMIEE]

Hi,

I'm sorry, I can't take Hugh Laurie seriously, fine Scottish actor as he is.

For me, he'll always be Stephen Fry's foil in Jeeves and Wooster or a well-meaning but stupid fop in Blackadder.

PLEASE not Hugh Laurie.

Long days and pleasant nights
Permission to shout "Bravo" at an annoyingly loud volume sir?
i agree - besides hes got a cane now !:oo:

[nate_watkins]

Hi,

I'm sorry, I can't take Hugh Laurie seriously, fine Scottish actor as he is.

For me, he'll always be Stephen Fry's foil in Jeeves and Wooster or a well-meaning but stupid fop in Blackadder.

PLEASE not Hugh Laurie.

Long days and pleasant nights

I haven't seen Hugh in anything other than the show House. He might do alright as Roland, but I'm sure there are plenty of actors that fit the part just as well.

In past seasons of House, he seems to have kind of a darker side to him, but he's more of a comedic actor from what I've seen.

[Michele28]

I'm starting to go back to my original thought after reading the Dark Tower Speculation posts that the Dark Tower really should just be left alone as far as film goes. No real C.R., especial the DT people will ever be happy. Everyone has their own pre-conceived notion of the characters that can be filled.

[rcenters]

I was a little skeptical of Viggo Mortensen, not because he wouldn't be a good Roland but because I prefer unknowns, it would be like Aragorn comes to MidWorld...but I just read that Javier Bardem is ahead of him for the role, so I suppose I'd better just endorse Viggo after all.

With that said, I read a suggestion on one of the gossip sites that, it didn't actually say this outright, but it implied that whatever major actor signs on for the first Dark Tower movie, might not do Roland in the TV series that follows. It didn't imply why, of course, but we know that's because many movie actors won't do TV. That's another reason to go with an unknown, to help keep the same actor doing it in both film and TV.

[Michele28]

:oops: I'm sorry, I clearly ( hope) meant that everyones pre-conceived notions of these characters CAN NOT be met. I love the graphics and the other things being done to keep us DT junkies going. But the DT as a movie should just be left alone. Especially when you start talkin 2 different Rolands, one movie, one T.V.

[throne_92]

my choice for Susannah:

http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2510787584/nm0628601

[throne_92]

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BNjMzNTAxNDUwNV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMjMyNjI5MQ@@._V1._SY314_ CR14,0,214,314_.jpg (http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2510787584/nm0628601)
(http://www.imdb.com/r/nm_header_moreatpro/name/nm0628601/)
Thandie Newton AS Susanah?

[SHEEMIEE]

Ok so i just watched (again) Star trek newbies with my da' last night-and while my mind wandered i began realising that the Uhuru and Kirk combination Chris Pine and zoe saldana where having a pretty good palaver together and the chemistry did work, all we need is a wheel chair and an attitude, a drug habit and BANG! no matter how I tried i could not get simon Pegg in a cowboy hat though!

[bobledrew]

Not sure that's as true as it used to be. Charlie Sheen went from movies to 2.5 men; Kiefer Sutherland from movies to 24; Glenn Close to Damages; Gary Sinise to CSINY; Rachel Griffiths to Six Feet Under & Brothers & Sisters (and Sally Field!); pretty much the whole cast of Law & ORder Criminal Intent; Jada Pinkett in Hawthorne...

[Connie Reader]

This will always be Roland to me:

http://msp170.photobucket.com/albums/u250/heuchelinchen/Angel/Autogramme/Alexis%20Denisof/AlexisDenisof_meins.jpg

Good call!!! He'd make an excellent Roland. I think I might just be disapointed with whoever they choose now unless it's him! I loved him in Buffy and even more so in Angel. Do you ever watch 'How I met your Mother'? He's been on a few times and just made another appearance on last weeks episode. Must be nice for him being able to work with his wife a bit.

[throne_92]

"Shia Labeouf as Eddie Dean" I'm sorry, that's a joke

[igatti]

Steve Vallo Wants To Be Blaine the Mono !!! :mad2:
www.stevevallo.com

[Aristaqis]

My pick :
Roland : Viggo Mortensen (for he looks good with cowboy clothes and blue eyes.. and he would play Roland perfectly.. )
10997
Jake : Asa Butterfield ( for he fits description and is indeed a good actor )
10998
Eddie : Jared Leto (for he has that image of junkie.. )
10999
Susannah : Naomi Harris (for Tia (pirates) is soo much like Detta)
11000
what do you think?

[muskrat]

If Shia Lebeouf goes anywhere near this flick I'll kill somebody.

[dawgwai]

My and my wife's cast list:
Roland - Viggo Mortensen
Eddie - Chris Evans
Susannah - Naomie Harris
Jake - yeaahhh
Callahan - James Cromwell
Walter - Gary Oldman or Willem Dafoe
Jack Mort - Greg Grunberg
Jonas - Jackie Earle Haley
Clay Reynolds - Josh Hartnett
Roy Depape - Ryan Phillippe
Steven Deschain - Clint Eastwood reverse aged?
Ted - Anthony Hopkins
Sheemie - Frederick Koehler (from Death Race)
Dinky - Norman Reedus
Tick Tock - Kevin Durand (Robin Hood, Smoking Aces)
Gasher - Tommy Flanagan (Braveheart, Sin City)
Pimli - Ricky Gervais
John Cullen - John Mahoney
Pop Mose - Bill Cobbs
Aaron Deepneau - Carl Reiner
Calvin Tower - Armin Mueller-Stahl
Sheriff Avery - John Carroll Lynch
Cordelia - Embeth Davidtz
Lazlo Rimer - Lance Henriksen
Rhea of the Coos - Grace Zabriskie
Dandelo - Brad Dourif
Hax - W. Earl Brown
Young Stephen King - Joe Hillstrom King

Deli owner in 1977 and 1999 - Stephen King
Pharmacy owner - Peter Straub
And there it is, hope you like it Mr. Howard, lol. Feedback very welcome...

[Connie Reader]

Best choice for Susannah Dean in my opinion:

Naomi Harris from 28 Days Later, the Pirates movies, and Miami Vice. She has the looks, acting chops, and what seems to be the physical prowess to pull off the role.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/tommy5tone/naomie_harris.jpg

http://content8.flixster.com/photo/11/30/71/11307130_gal.jpg

http://www.latoursombre.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/susannah-dean.jpg

*For Eddie you need someone that could pull off young twenties...and I don't think Jake Gyllenhaal is that guy lol. I keep thinking of Norman Reedus:

http://www.american-gangster.net/images/norman-reedus-2.jpg

I like you're choice for Suz, she'd be great!

[evilmike218]

your crazy I think the kid would be the only fit. dont get me wrong, I love these actors/actress, but not the right fit at all. Rosario Dawson isnt even black she is hispanic.

[rweston]

COMPLETELY agree with Hugh Laurie as Roland.

[rweston]

file:///C:/Users/Randi/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.png11025

Hugh Laurie as Roland

11026

Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Eddie

11027

Naomi Harris as Susannah

[Michele28]

Not really happy with the Hugh Laurie idea, no disrespect intended. I still think Mark Harmon for Roland. and Zoe Saldana could pull a Susannah I think. But William Dafoe and Christopher Walken as Walter, Crimson King, or Dandelo would be great. There's room for both of them in this if this movie/slash T.V series has to happen, still isn't sitting well with me. We've all seen what can happen to amazing books when turned into a movie. Anybody who has read The Clan of the Cave Bear series can verify. Or of course there's the Molly Ringwald?!?!?! And thank you to all the people who write their thoughts and comments. This is the first message board I've ever bothered to join! When Stephen King gets you in his clutches it's all over. Thankee-sai to all C.R.'s.

[Liselle]

Wasn't sure where to put this question so I put it here, if wrong place sorry!. My husband was listening to Radio 4 on Friday on his way home from work and he was listening to a interview with Ron Howard and of course Dark Tower came up and apparently he said it might not go ahead (Ron still wants to do it) now because there is problems with writers (hubby was only half listening so didn't get which writers). Has anyone else heard anything like this.

[Moderator]

Steve just had a meeting with Ron Howard and Akiva Goldsman a couple weeks ago and the contracts have all been signed. I think he would have mentioned if there was a problem but he said the meeting went fine. :dunno: My understanding is they're planning to start announcing casting choices, possibly this week.

[Bev Vincent]

I saw another interview where Ron Howard said the same thing, but I think he was just hedging his bets. He may not have gotten the official green light from the studio, or he might not have all the funding lined up yet. Announcing some big-name stars for the project will go along way towards kicking it into high gear.

[Garriga]

If they take it one day at a time it should turn out great.

[Garriga]

Ok.. Sorry if this is in the wrong place, but I'm not sure where to put it.

So I've been thinking about how cool it would be if there was a dark tower movie made... With the following actors.

http://film.widarsson.se/images/viggo_mortensen.jpg

Viggo Mortensen as Roland Deschain

http://image3.examiner.com/images/blog/EXID2530/images/Shia_Labeouf_1.jpg

Shia Labeouf as Eddie Dean

http://thewowjonesreport.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/rosario-dawson.jpg

Rosario Dawson as Susannah Dean/ Detta-Odetta Holmes

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dd/MaxRecordsCCJuly09.jpg

Max Records as Jake Chambers

Anything to add/dispute? :grinning:
I like your choice for Roland but ,Susannah Dean is black. Rosario Dawson is Latino

[Smokescreen1982]

I've just read that Christian Bale could be tipped to play Roland.

I sure hope this is just a rumour, he hasn't got the looks or the age for Roland and he's ego could ruin the whole thing.

[Roland de Gilead]

Ms. Mod, IS true that offered Roland's character to Javier Bardem?
I wait that alone it is a rumor because many friking we do not agree with that Bardem interprets to Roland.
It would be a real disappointment...

[Moderator]

Yes, I've posted about this in the News Forum and started a new thread in the Dark Tower movie forum.

[lorydarlin]

the first time I saw Viggio I have pictured him as Roland. The other actors are good pick too.

[samidragon]

Say no to Javier Bardin! He will kill the character of Roland! Viggo could work, Dennis Quaid is a little too soft . . . Jeff Bridges would be a great Roland!

http://www.examiner.com/images/blog/EXID11613/images/Jeff-Bridges.jpg

[Baz]

Jeff Bridges would be a great Marten. he has a great face

[Drumbum]

I have mixed feelings about a DT movie or tv series. I just don't think either medium will do it justice. But if it happens, it happens. Javier isn't Roland. I think SK should have a say when it comes to who will be cast. I'd like to hear his picks. It's his story, after all.

[TroyBlackford]

I have to say I'm surprised by the anti-Javier backlash from... a handful of very vocal people. I think he would be great.


Javier isn't Roland. I think SK should have a say when it comes to who will be cast. I'd like to hear his picks. It's his story, after all.

He's the executive producer and very likely DOES have a huge 'say.' I'll bet that you ARE hearing his choice, and you simply don't like it.

[Moderator]

Steve doesn't object to the suggestion for Javier Bardem--he likes the choice, but isn't the one who made it. There does seem to be some misunderstanding about this, but he's not an executive producer for the project (only Ron Howard, Akiva Goldsman, and Brian Grazer are in that capacity) although he is consulted and there are certain things he has to sign off on before they can proceed.

[TroyBlackford]

Thanks for the clarification, Ms. Mod! I will not repeat the misconception, and am glad to be corrected. Actually, it would be cool if he WERE the EP, but one takes what one gets. :)

[noraneko]

I think Jeff Bridges will be the best Jonas...And John Hamm would be the best Roland to me, all beacuse Clint Eastwood is too old...But I totally say a big NO to Javir Bardem even I´m spanish, he doesn´t lookk like Roland at all, pleas Stephen, don´t let them do that!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[noraneko]

The best Sussanah is Rutina Wesley!That´s for sure...

[marywhip]

Good choices!

[SHEEMIEE]

bugger.......i just wanted to put my tup'ney bit in for the character Sheemie.......a perfect choice is this fine actor>
11998

But alas i just found out he died a few months back at the fine old age off 96!

RIP norman wisdom!!

[Elemeno P]

. . . Stephen King's "The Dark Tower" with Javier Bardem prepping in Astoria. Ron Howard directs . . .

Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/cindy_adams/super_hero_director_uL5H9qYRFEinz9XJcQEgdO#ixzz1LULmc9C2

My daily google trolling.

[jones18]

So, what is happening Ms. Mod?

U weighs 'Dark Tower' turnaround

Movie trilogy and interlocking TV series could be shopped

By Rachel Abrams (http://www.stephenking.com/forums/redirector.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.variety.com%2Fbiography% 2F4069), Justin Kroll (http://www.stephenking.com/forums/redirector.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.variety.com%2Fbiography% 2F3458)


Universal's "Dark Tower" movie trilogy and interlocking TV series, seen as a hugely ambitious project from the start, may wind up being too big for the studio's appetite.Sources tell Variety that in the past few days, the project, based on Stephen King's sweeping seven-book-and-counting series, has run into budgetary complications that have caused Universal execs to rethink original plans. Insiders expect U brass to meet in coming days to decide whether to put the project into turnaround, whereby producer Imagine Entertainment could shop it to another studio, either to partner with Universal or take over entirely.
To be clear: Sources tell Variety that as of Thursday, Universal is moving ahead as if the project is going forward. The studio had no comment.
Ron Howard unveiled plans in September to adapt "The Dark Tower" for three films -- at least the first of which he plans to direct -- bridged by a pair of TV series. Universal soon came on as a distributor, given Imagine's production deal with the studio; NBC (or an affiliated cable net) was expected carry the TV component.
Javier Bardem's deal to play the lead role of Roland Deschain is nearly closed, while Howard is still eyeing thesps for other roles. Howard and Brian Grazer are producing through Imagine, while Akiva Goldsman is set to write the script.
With a project of this size and scope, it wouldn't be unusual for any studio to weigh its risk-sharing options -- or pulling out -- at this stage of development. And "Dark Tower" isn't the only major project that Universal has recently reconsidered. "At the Mountains of Madness," which had Guillermo del Toro set to direct and Tom Cruise circling to star, was scrapped on the brink of lensing after U calculated that it would struggle to make money with its $150 million budget and R rating.
That project went into hibernation in March, not long after the newly minted NBCUniversal CEO Steve Burke was in Universal City for meetings with NBC and Universal Pictures brass.
King's "Dark Tower" epic has been long pursued for screen adaptation, but the series' length and scope -- rooted in a post-Apocalyptic realm resembling the Old West as well a parallel modern-day world -- has been a tough nut to crack for scripting and production planning. Before Imagine announced its adaptation plans, J.J. Abrams and "Lost" co-creator exec producer Damon Lindelof had optioned rights from King for $19 (a key number in the "Tower" universe). But they weren't able to find a take on the material that satisfied their ambitions.
Nonetheless, the Imagine team and U felt confident they had a workable vision. In announcing their plans for "Dark Tower," companies set a May 17, 2013 target date for release of the first film.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118036473 (http://www.stephenking.com/forums/redirector.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.variety.com%2Farticle%2F VR1118036473)

[jones18]

Another article with bad news...


Sources: Universal's 'Dark Tower' Trilogy on Brink of Turnaround Source: The Hollywood Reporter (http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/SIG=1162ks9er/**http%3A//www.hollywoodreporter.com/) Thu May 05, 2011, 10:00 pm EDT





The ambitious plan of Universal, Imagine Entertainment and NBC to turn Stephen King’s The Dark (http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/SIG=11jparkf0/**http%3A//movies.yahoo.com/movie/1808715948/info/) Tower opus into a film trilogy with a television supplement has hit a major snag.
Spearheaded by Imagine’s Ron Howard and Brian Grazer as well as writer-producer Akiva Goldsman, Dark Tower was to have been a film trilogy with a TV component in between the movies. Javier Bardem was in negotiations to star in the Howard-directed first movie and the first TV component, with options for the other two movies; in April, Mark Verheiden came aboard to co-write the TV component with Goldsman.
But the unprecedented project was never officially greenlit, and there are rumblings now that the plan might be grinding to a halt.
Two sources close to the project tell THR that Universal’s new owners at Comcast have scrutinized the plan and have tentatively decided to put the project into turnaround, mainly due to budgetary concerns. The sources also say that the final portion of the project has been found creatively lacking.
Imagine's Michael Rosenberg, however, vehemently denies that the turnaround order has been given.
Sources say a final decision is expected soon on whether to move forward, seek additional financing partners or cancel the project entirely.
If Dark Tower does become available to other studios, it won’t be a cheap project to take on. Insiders say that Universal paid $5 million for the rights. That doesn’t include the hefty fees for Howard, Grazer and Goldsman, not to mention Oscar-winner Bardem’s fees for not only the movie but the TV show (he’d be paid more than the average TV star).
Warner Bros. is one potential home for the project. The studio vied for Dark Tower rights last year and is already developing The Stand, King’s post-apocalyptic opus. Insiders say Warners would at least kick the tires on Dark Tower.
Another potential home is Sony, for whom Imagine and Goldman made The Da Vinci Code and its sequel, Angels & Demons.

Kim Masters contributed to this report.

[Moderator]

Have known about this for about a week but couldn't say anything publicly and can't really add much now either. All I can say is that Ron Howard is working hard to secure the financing that will be necessary to move the project forward as he is very committed to making it happen. If I get the thumbs up to post anything else, I will do so.

[Elemeno P]

Gotta love those quotes.....

"final portion of the project has been found creatively lacking"

"Warners would at least kick the tires on Dark Tower"

Meh...at least this will give me more time to get my wife to read the series.

[FXguy]

Because Universal Studios thinks that a movie based on the game, "Battleship", is more marketable (it comes out in 2012):

http://www.fangoria.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4383%3Adark-times-ahead-for-tower

[Elemeno P]

Universal's pockets aren't deep enough.

I say just leave it....sounds like they want to fudge with the ending.

[jones18]

'The Dark Tower' Staff Put On Hiatus As Filmmakers, Studio Address Budget Problems (http://www.deadline.com/2011/05/dark-tower-staff-put-on-hiatus-as-filmmakers-studio-address-budget/)

Universal Pictures has put pre-production staff on hiatus as they discuss ways to bring down the budget of the ambitious adaptation of the Stephen King novel series The Dark Tower. Talks are ongoing between studio brass, director Ron Howard and his Imagine Entertainment, and writer/producer Akiva Goldsman about how they will proceed. The plan was to make three movies that would star Javier Bardem, with TV miniseries in between each film. The plan was as ambitious as New Line's gamble on The Lord of the Rings years ago. One thing for sure, even though staffers have been told there's a chance they will return, the plan to start production in September is scratched. If Universal decides the proposition is too rich for its blood -- it recently halted At the Mountains of Madness because it was an R-rated $150 million film -- then the next move would be to bring it to Warner Bros, where Goldsman's Weed Road has its deal. Word that Universal would put the project in turnaround began circulating last night, but both the studio and Imagine denied it. They're still denying it. We've held our tongue until now, when staffers have been told to stop working.

http://www.deadline.com/2011/05/dark-tower-staff-put-on-hiatus-as-filmmakers-studio-address-budget/

[Baz]

Universal you should either commit or dont. I think this story deserves more respect than a half arsed will they wont they type thing. Or give it to someone pioneering enough to give it everything it deserves

[JohnDalglish]

Universal you should either commit or dont. I think this story deserves more respect than a half arsed will they wont they type thing. Or give it to someone pioneering enough to give it everything it deserves

Hi,

I couldn't agree more, it seems to be turning into another Talisman type of thing.

Darn studios!

Long days and pleasant nights

[Baz]

Thanks John. They couldnt hope for a better project to pour money into.

[kingricefan]

Peter Jackson, where are you????????????????????????

[kingricefan]

I am actually releived that the 'project' is going into reconsideration. I never was happy with the whole 'two movies, limited run on TV, then another movie' thing. Regular TV cannot do any justice to this series, even if it's only for six or seven episodes. What were 'they' thinking anyway? Would any of us enjoyed seeing the first installment of the Lord of the Rings movies in a theater, then watched the second one on TV (unless, of course, you own an amazing 50 foot flatscreen and awesome surround sound system), then gone BACK to the theater to see the last installment? It just wouldn't happen, my friends. The third installment would've tanked as we all would say to ourselves 'I'll just wait till it comes on TV.'. A series and project this huge NEEDS to be seen in the theater, where you can immerse yourself into the story. I hope Peter Jackson jumps on board quick and gets the job done!

[Seb Shaw]

It's a shame that studios these days would prefer to make films with little imagination and a neat profit return, such as Twilight Saga, The fast and the Furious films and the SAW franchise - no offense to anyone who likes these titles, I myself like the SAW franchise, but just illustrating a point.

A commitment needs to be made to this fantastic project, they already have a predetermined audience from many factions: ourselves, sci-fi lovers, western lovers, action lovers etc. Throw in an award winning actor like Javier Bardem and you have yourself one of the best film projects in a long long time.

Perhaps WB are best suited for this project, seeing their success with the Harry Potter films (same amount of books-- they have the experience in that area)

Once the films are completed they could perhaps fill in the inevitable blanks that they missed out with a TV series, knowing full well that because of the success of the films people would flock to the television event of the last ten years.

Well... That's just my idea :)

[JohnDalglish]

I I hope Peter Jackson jumps on board quick and gets the job done!

Hi,

Peter Jackson indicated in a UK interview some years ago that he wasn't interested in committing himself to another multiple project like LotR again, and I think I remember DT being specifically referred to in the interview.

Long days and pleasant nights

[kingricefan]

Hi,

Peter Jackson indicated in a UK interview some years ago that he wasn't interested in committing himself to another multiple project like LotR again, and I think I remember DT being specifically referred to in the interview.

Long days and pleasant nights

Hi John! Yes, I remember him stating this too, but maybe, just maybe he'll reconsider? I just hope and pray that someone will see the light and if they decide to do the DT books as films, that they do it as lovingly as Jackson did with the LOTR films and do them as feature films, at least 4 would be needed to make the story right, but they MUST be done as films, not some shlocky TV version, unless they can get it done on a channel like HBO, but if they did it that way it wouldn't reach as wide an audience as alot of people (myself included) don't have those channels.

[JohnDalglish]

if they decide to do the DT books as films, that they do it as lovingly as Jackson did with the LOTR films

Hi,

Aye, indeed!

From your lips to Gan's ears.

Long days and pleasant nights

[Baz]

Sai Kings incredible writing contribution to cinema should be enough for any one especially when this is his ultimate lynch pin story. I know they have to consider all sorts of things before committing but youd think theyd be like "oh yes Stephen King, the guy who wrote all those multi award winners, where do I sign" but nooooo... Those guys need to sit down an think whats our special contribution gonna be, not how much money can we make. Twilight might do well now, but whos gonna give a feck in 20 years? Where as someone like Roland will be remembered even when the films get old, like Clint. Sorry Im rambling :D

[Rosalind]

Haven't been on this site for a long time, but having read the latest newsletter regarding the limited edition of the new volume of DT I had to write, but couldn't find the best place for my post. I agree with all the above actors for the DT movie, but have great apprehensions regarding the making of this film. I read on a newsletter that it will be split between cinema and TV episodes. Who thought up this stupid idea. Will the same actors be used in both the movie and TV adaptations? What about the UK fans? We usually have to wait a few years for a series to reach our TV screens and it will no doubt be cut from what the US viewers see and peppered with numerous adverts. It's just not fair. Why can't it be made like Lord of the Rings in 3, 4 or even 5 movies. It deserves the same treatment as LOTR. As far as the new chapter of DT is concerned, limited edition means, very, very expensive and probably not available in the UK either!! I'm beginning to think Stephen is just in it for the money now. He knows how popular this series is and is trying to maximise his profits. Well, I for one, won't be adding to his fortune. Stephen, if you read this, I am very disappointed, both with the ideas for the forthcoming movie/tv adaptation and the money-making project for the new DT book.

[kingricefan]

Haven't been on this site for a long time, but having read the latest newsletter regarding the limited edition of the new volume of DT I had to write, but couldn't find the best place for my post. I agree with all the above actors for the DT movie, but have great apprehensions regarding the making of this film. I read on a newsletter that it will be split between cinema and TV episodes. Who thought up this stupid idea. Will the same actors be used in both the movie and TV adaptations? What about the UK fans? We usually have to wait a few years for a series to reach our TV screens and it will no doubt be cut from what the US viewers see and peppered with numerous adverts. It's just not fair. Why can't it be made like Lord of the Rings in 3, 4 or even 5 movies. It deserves the same treatment as LOTR. As far as the new chapter of DT is concerned, limited edition means, very, very expensive and probably not available in the UK either!! I'm beginning to think Stephen is just in it for the money now. He knows how popular this series is and is trying to maximise his profits. Well, I for one, won't be adding to his fortune. Stephen, if you read this, I am very disappointed, both with the ideas for the forthcoming movie/tv adaptation and the money-making project for the new DT book.

Sorry that you're upset about what is going on with the DT movies. I feel your pain. Read my post above and you will see what my views are. As for the limited editions of SK books, he doesn't make much money off of those, most of the money goes to the materials used to produce them (as they are FAR better quality than the trade copies you find in your local bookstore), the artists whom illustrate them and the publishers whom put them out. SK makes his money (and well-deserved I might add!) with the trade copies of his books (which WILL be available in the UK) and with the money the Hollywood movie studios pay for the rights to film said books/stories. And sometimes even then he doesn't get any money up front as in the instance of letting the producers of Lost have the initial rights to the DT books for a meer $19 (and he took major cuts for the publication of a few books when he was getting flack for how much his publisher was giving him for his advances, like taking a meer $1 for the rights to one book). I understand your frustration but please don't think that SK is 'in it for the money', 'cause he ain't and has never been. He don't need the money, my friend. He writes for himself. He'd be writing if he still lived in that single-wide trailer in the Maine woods and be happy. :grinning:

[audrey]

It's completely heart-wrenching to hear that the production is being reconsidered. And as much as I want to see this epic saga on film, I believe it would be even more crushing to see it done shoddily. I think I could even handle the TV-miniseries (being chopped down and softened for a TV audience), but I would vomit if I saw crappy graphics/effects and an extremely short story line just to save money.

Most of us here are in the throes of the Dark Tower, so money seems such a small pittance to set it free on the silver screen (and to also maybe infect our literacy-challenged loved ones with the DT as well? mwhahaha). BUT... we do have to keep in mind that the production companies need to make money (how else would they be able to create movies that are up to our standards?).

So, I will keep in my heart that some company will have the cojones to step up to the plate and keep the story epic. If Universal doesn't think they can handle it, better for them to say it now, than months into production, then either stop it alltogether or cut it back horribly.

And here's one budget-saving idea... Why not get fresh, no-name actors? I LOVE seeing fresh faces that have no association in my mind!

Blessings to all <3

[jones18]

Is this a good or a bad news, at this point?



Universal Pushes 'Dark Tower,' Attempts To Trim Budget (http://www.deadline.com/2011/05/universal-pushes-dark-tower-attempts-to-trim-budget/)

By MIKE FLEMING (http://www.deadline.com/new-york/)

EXCLUSIVE: Universal Pictures has pushed this year's start date on the Ron Howard-directed adaptation of Stephen King's mammoth novel series Dark Tower until February, I'm told. It was supposed (http://www.deadline.com/2011/05/dark-tower-staff-put-on-hiatus-as-filmmakers-studio-address-budget/) to start this summer. The studio will work with the filmmakers to reduce the budget on a series that will include three feature films and two limited-run TV series. Universal has its own ticking clock: It must greenlight the film by July, or the rights revert back to the author and the filmmakers. Recent speculation had Universal contemplating putting the film in turnaround. That hasn't happened, yet. Akiva Goldsman wrote the Dark Tower script, and Brian Grazer is producing with Goldsman. Javier Bardem has been set (http://www.deadline.com/2011/04/javier-bardem-closing-dark-tower-deal/) to play gunslinger Roland Deschain. The original plan by Universal, to mount a movie trilogy and limited-run TV series, is arguably the most ambitious Hollywood project since New Line and Peter Jackson shot three installments of The Lord of the Rings in one long shoot.

http://www.deadline.com/2011/05/dark-tower-staff-put-on-hiatus-as-filmmakers-studio-address-budget/

[Patricia A]

I just asked about this in another thread, thanks for the info.

[jones18]

So it seems this is still going to happen afterall, only delayed....or is Ron Howard just trying to be very positive? And what about Javier Bardem ? Ms. Mod said he was already on board but in this interview Howard says Bardem is very interested but there isn't anything sure about the casting right now.
Is there something that you can say us about the things written in this article, Ms Mod?


Ron Howard Says ‘The Dark Tower’ Will Shoot Spring 2012, Remains Cagey About Javier Bardem

With a plan to stretch over three films and television series, Ron Howard and Akiva Goldsman‘s adaptation of Stephen King‘s “The Dark Tower” is certainly ambitious, so much so, that rumors swirled earlier this month at Universal was getting cold feet about the project. Alas, the project is still set up at the studio, but undergoing some revisions as the cautious studio looks like slim down the budget with the filmmakers getting more time to get the story and approach right. EW recently caught up with Howard and he was quite candid about the latest developments, including the involvement of Javier Bardem who isn’t quite secured just yet.

“We had to pull back to our September start date due to budget delays and ongoing story development and logistical issues, but Dark Tower is moving forward,” Howard said. “We’re thinking of starting in early spring now. I can’t really say who’ll be in it yet, but Javier Bardem has shown a great deal of interest. We’ll know by the end of the summer, when our flashing green light goes solid.”

That’s quite a different tune, especially since Bardem was reportedly signed on last month. However, with the budget getting trimmed and the story getting adjusted, perhaps the actor wants to see where the direction goes before fully committing and that seems fair enough. But it also opens a window for Bardem to take another look at “James Bond 23” which will shoot this fall. As you might recall, the actor was offered a villain role in the film which would’ve have initially conflicted with “The Dark Tower.” But with the fall now free and clear, could Bardem take another peek? We hope so.

As for why the mega-franchise will roll out on both the big and small screen, Howard has a simple explanation. “There are elements of the ‘Dark Tower’ saga that are more personal and can be best dealt with on television,” he said. “TV allows you to roll out details of the characters in a more methodical way.” And by details, we’re sure the “Arrested Development” producer means more Mayon-egg, right?

No word yet on how the production shift will affect currently slated May 17, 2013 release date, but we imagine that will be shifted to later the same year. But in this age of rushing films to find a release date, it’s kind of nice to see one blockbuster taking a pause to make sure all of its moving parts make sense.

http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/archives/2011/05/24/ron_howard_says_the_dark_tower_will_shoot_spring_2012_remain s_cagey_about/

[Brian - Metro]

That's the best news in a while. :cool2:

I was thinking Comcast/Uni was gonna pull the plug a couple weeks ago. This sounds much more promising and grounded. Honestly, i cant imagine how the production could start so soon anyway. The preproduction tasks are insurmountable. Spring seems much more realistic. (Mind you , that's almost a year away)

[Patricia A]

Thanks for the info jones! I'm excited to see how this turns out.
I'm a little dubious about Bardem though, mayhap there is something about him I can't see, but he really doesn't look/feel like Roland to me.
I'm sure he's a good actor and all, but none the less I hope Bond 23 makes him an offer he can't refuse.

[neverwell19]

The recent lack of information on the project has been maddening! Glad to hear it's moving forward! Still, I have to be honest, I'm still not sold on Bardem. I've warmed up to the idea, but more than anything, I think it's his voice. (and I really can't picture that man dancing the commala). I'm not going to put him down, cause he's a good actor, and maybe there's something Ron Howard sees that we aren't privy to...

Roland is iconic! The casting of Roland is the lynch pin to this whole saga! I don't recall any bit of casting in recent history that has been so heatedly debated! Casting Tom Cruise as Lestat in Interview With The Vampire is the only instance I can think of that caused such a stir among readers. Lord Of The Rings and Harrry Potter were epic book series that required careful casting, but I think they were both done well.

This is my first post on these boards, but I've been reading for a long time. Just for good measure, I kinda wantto throw my opinion out there... I know Vigo, Bale and Jackman were all fan favorite candidates (and I'd have been happy enough with any of them), but I've been following this since JJ Abramas and Damon Lindeloff bought the rights for $19.... and I have thought ever since then that Josh Holloway (LOST's Sawyer) would be absolutely perfect as Roland. He can be a total shut off stubborn hard ass, but he can do touching and funny as well. There's always a lot going on behind those eyes and for our brooding gunslinger that kind of depth is essential. Anyway, had to throw my 2 cents out there to see what my fellow constant readers think. We have no control over this and things will happen as they will, but I'd like to think that the fan's opinions matter...cause we're the built in audience!

Well, anyway, here's to hoping the information starts flowing as production creeps closer..

Long days, Pleasant Nights

[Brian - Metro]

Your right about Sawyer. At least the look is there. But Bardem is an actor's-actor.

If you have not seen "No Country for Old Men, you should. It will probably calm some of your concerns. You will see how his character morphs from a villain to an anti-hero to a hero by the third act. He's very scary. And he's dedicated to a cause much the same way Roland is. (By any means necessary kind of thinking.) Check it out.

[Hartter]

124321243012431

[neverwell19]

Brian... No Country For Old Men is excelent and Bardem is chilling! I think more than any of the objections I've heard (eye color, height, weight, ethnicity etc...none of which bother me) I'm mainly concerned about his voice. I love Anthony Hopkins, Jeff Bridges and Tom Hanks, however none of them would be appropriate for Roland... Perhaps I'm just wanting to see the PROOF that Bardem can be our gunslinger! If he CAN do it, I'm all for it.

At any rate, I'm just dying to see who else gets cast, find out who's scoring our beloved epic, and above all else I want to know... HOW ARE THEY DIVIDING THE STORY?! Suffice to say, there's no way movie 1 is going to be "The Gunslinger" then roll credits; there's far too much story to tell, and I think stopping there would leave casual audiences out in the cold (or desert, if it please ya). Also, Is Wizard and Glass going to be one of the mini series, or will it be flashbacks, cut out completely? Pretty big questions, if you ask me...

Long Days, Pleasant Nights!

[scott90]

what makes me think Bardem will make a great Roland is that scene in No Country where he is strangling the deputy on the floor.
that crazy stare/smile
Makes me think of what Roland's face must look like when he is mid-battle, with dozens of people bearing down on him and his old warhammers are blasting away.

my thoughts on the beginning of the movie *CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT READ THE CODA OF DT7*

I reckon start from where the books ended. Give Roland the horn.
That will give a small yet significant difference as the stories have pointed to, so there could be a bit of flexibility in this storyline.

I'd start the movie in like a dream sequence/montage (that word just reminds me of south park) of the coda from the dark tower book. Maybe just all black or hazy like you feel when the characters are going todash. End with his scream and pitch black - then blinding light as he opens his eyes walking across the desert with the horn on his hips.

And no credits at the beginning, just the movie name right at the start.

thoughts?

[keithv]

This forum should be gettin busier now as more news about the DT movie(s) starts hotting up. With regards to casting the roles, I like what i've seen so far but I do think Ewan McGregor would make a perfect Eddie Dean. Maybe someone more 'chiselled' for Roland but then make-up is so good these days.
I'm also not completely sold on the idea of the TV series in between movies yet either. I think that the first 3 books could easily make for an action packed 1st movie. The 2nd movie could be the retrospective 'Wizard and Glass' story and the 3rd could be a kick ass conclusion. I don't think any of those films need to be any longer than the Lord of the Rings trilogy that was so successful.

[jones18]

So, is this project definitely dead?


Rambling Reporter
2:02 AM 6/16/2011 by Merle Ginsberg

Howard Off Dark Tower? Universal says Ron Howard's epic adaptation (three movies, plus TV) of Stephen King's novel The Dark Tower is "being rewritten." But sources close to Howard say the project has come to a serious standstill, and Howard's ready to jump ship. Word is, Howard wants to direct Scott Rudin's Somali pirate project slated for 2013 for Sony. Howard's best pal, Tom Hanks, has signed as Richard Phillips, the skipper of cargo ship Maersk Alabama, who was held hostage by Somali pirates, then rescued by Navy SEALs in 2009. It has been widely reported that Paul Greengrass is close to signing a deal to direct the pirate film, but insiders say Hanks wants Howard because they've worked together on five movies. A spokesperson for Universal denies Dark Tower is dead; spokespeople for Sony would not comment.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/rambling-reporter-201073

[Brian - Metro]

This seems to be the worst news yet.

[JohnDalglish]

So, is this project definitely dead?


Rambling Reporter
2:02 AM 6/16/2011 by Merle Ginsberg

Howard Off Dark Tower? Universal says Ron Howard's epic adaptation (three movies, plus TV) of Stephen King's novel The Dark Tower is "being rewritten." But sources close to Howard say the project has come to a serious standstill, and Howard's ready to jump ship. Word is, Howard wants to direct Scott Rudin's Somali pirate project slated for 2013 for Sony. Howard's best pal, Tom Hanks, has signed as Richard Phillips, the skipper of cargo ship Maersk Alabama, who was held hostage by Somali pirates, then rescued by Navy SEALs in 2009. It has been widely reported that Paul Greengrass is close to signing a deal to direct the pirate film, but insiders say Hanks wants Howard because they've worked together on five movies. A spokesperson for Universal denies Dark Tower is dead; spokespeople for Sony would not comment.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/rambling-reporter-201073

Hi,

Avoiding the temptation to shoot the messenger, that's bad news!

Long days and pleasant nights

[Moderator]

I would consider it unconfirmed rumor. I think Steve would have mentioned it if that decision had been made.

[goodwitch]

Thanks Ms Mod! That news is scarier than anything I've ever read, heard or seen!

[Brian - Metro]

This is reassuring: http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/topnews.php?id=19640

[Bavarian Raven]

thanks for the link, Brian-Metro =D

[Distortion]

Unfortunately looks like Universal is passing on the chance to bring The Dark Tower to the big and small screens. Something I am glad and sad about. Sad that it will take longer to receive a product, but glad, because I wasn't too keen on the movie and tv series ideas. I think that you've either got to go all Harry Potter/LOTR on it and do 5,6, or 7 films to give it the grandure that it needs (and I'd rather see it on the big screen), or take it to the series idea and run it for say 4 or 5 seasons, but put it on HBO or Showtime, so you can put in the meat (sex, language, violence, heart, effects) that you have to have to make the series full, that you can't put on network tv. Course you run into a casting problem with Jake, as any boy you cast won't last through the ten years of production without needing a shave....While I'm on casting, I like Javier Bardem, but don't see him as Roland..but I think for damn sure that Rutina Wesley (Tara on True Blood) is the hands down choice to plad Oddetta, Detta, Susannah!
http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTgyMTc2MjE1NV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNjkyMDI5Mg@@._V1._SY314_ CR0,0,214,314_.jpg (http://www.stephenking.com/media/rm873629952/nm2179180)

[Robert Hildebrand]

I now understand that Comcast/Universal Studios has now canceled the film project I like some of you you am not to happy with this desision. (If Comcast where in charge some years ago I wonder if Harry would have ever been produced?) here is the link I was given http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-rt-us-darktowertre76i06q-20110718,0,3464229.story I say campaign against this. They have chosen poorly.

[Ranger5854]

Et tu Universal? Then fall Tower...

[seanryan]

Universal have turned down Ron Howard's project/pitch but could be good news as Warner Bros "may" be interested and looking for a new franchise....

http://www.totalfilm.com/news/universal-turn-down-ron-howard-s-adap-of-the-dark-tower

[vannestjc]

http://www.deadline.com/2011/07/universal-wont-scale-stephen-kings-the-dark-tower-studio-declines-to-make-ambitious-trilogy-and-tv-series/

Howard and Grazer don't seem to be giving up, but this is, now, a project without a home.\

Universal's forgotten the face of their fathers. :(

Jim

[ArielRacing]

Is this real?

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-rt-us-darktowertre76i06q-20110718,0,3464229.story

http://www.deadline.com/2011/07/universal-wont-scale-stephen-kings-the-dark-tower-studio-declines-to-make-ambitious-trilogy-and-tv-series/#comments

[jones18]

So...what is going to happen now? Is this definitely the end ?


Universal Nixes Stephen King's 'Dark Tower' - No Ambitious Film Trilogy Or TV Series
(http://www.deadline.com/2011/07/universal-wont-scale-stephen-kings-the-dark-tower-studio-declines-to-make-ambitious-trilogy-and-tv-series/)
By MIKE FLEMING


(http://www.deadline.com/new-york/)EXCLUSIVE: The moment has come for Universal Pictures to fish or cut bait on The Dark Tower, the ultra-ambitious adaptation of the Stephen King 7-novel series that was going to encompass a trilogy of feature films and two limited run TV series. The studio has said, No Thanks. Universal has passed on going forward with the project, dealing a huge blow in the plan for Ron Howard to direct Akiva Goldsman's script, with Brian Grazer, Goldsman and the author producing and Javier Bardem starring (http://www.deadline.com/2011/04/javier-bardem-closing-dark-tower-deal/) as gunslinger Roland Deschain. Now, the filmmakers will have to find a new backer of what might well be the most ambitious movie project since Bob Shaye allowed Peter Jackson to shoot three installments of The Lord of the Rings back to back.

This stunning development comes after Universal in May push (http://www.deadline.com/2011/05/universal-pushes-dark-tower-attempts-to-trim-budget/)ed (http://www.deadline.com/2011/05/universal-pushes-dark-tower-attempts-to-trim-budget/) plans to start production this summer on the first film. The studio claimed to be on track for a February, postponing to reduce the budget. This temporarily dispelled rumors that Universal was putting the project in turnaround, rumors that cropped up when the studio put workers on hiatus (http://www.deadline.com/2011/05/dark-tower-staff-put-on-hiatus-as-filmmakers-studio-address-budget/). But it was only a temporary respite. I'm told that this time, the studio reviewed Goldsman's script for the first film and the first leg of the TV series, and would only commit to the single film. That wasn't good enough for the filmmakers, who had already hired (http://www.deadline.com/2011/04/mark-verheiden-to-co-write-ep-nbcs-dark-tower-series-with-akiva-goldsman/) comic book and Heroes and Battlestar Galactica writer/producer Mark Verheiden to co-write the TV component with Goldsman, which was to be made for NBC Universal Television (studio insiders deny that the studio was only willing to make the movie and not the series). I know the filmmakers planned to make it all part of the first shoot while they had the cast in place and the sets erected. I'd heard back in May that Warner Bros--where Goldsman's Weed Road is based and which is fully financing two installments of Peter Jackson's The Hobbit--was a possible landing place for the adaptation of King's 7-novel epic that is that author's answer to Tolkien'sLOTR novels. The Dark Tower is about the last living member of a knightly order of gunslingers, with Deschain becoming humanity’s last hope to save civilization as he hits the road to find the Dark Tower. Along the way, he encounters characters, good and bad, in a world that has an old West feel.
Why did Universal chairman Adam Fogelson and co-chairman Donna Langley decide not to go forward? They weren't saying, at this point. Nor were the filmmakers. Universal has put big chips on the table for several tent pole films and maybe that has something to do with it. The big bets include the Peter Berg-directed Battleship with Taylor Kitsch starring, as well as the Keanu Reeves-starrer 47 Ronin with Carl Rinsch directing. If you listen to word on the street, both of these are $200 million realm with huge marketing budgets. Universal recently passed on green lighting At The Mountains of Madness, which Guillermo del Toro was to direct with Tom Cruise starring, based on HP Lovecraft horror tale. That time, the studio balked at funding a $150 million film that gave del Toro the latitude to deliver his cut with an R-rating.
Insiders said that Universal brass loved the filmmakers and the project, but couldn't make it work with the current budget in its business model.
http://www.deadline.com/2011/07/universal-wont-scale-stephen-kings-the-dark-tower-studio-declines-to-make-ambitious-trilogy-and-tv-series/
(http://www.deadline.com/2011/07/universal-wont-scale-stephen-kings-the-dark-tower-studio-declines-to-make-ambitious-trilogy-and-tv-series/)

[Moderator]

Unless/until there's an official release from Imagine Entertainment saying the project is dead or that alternate sources won't be approached for funding it, these reports are still in the rumor column as for the project not going forward at all.

[fushingfeef]

http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/07/18/plan-to-adapt-stephen-kings-the-dark-tower-reaches-dead-end/?hpt=hp_bn11
"But for a sprawling, effects-heavy fantasy series that could either only be aimed at adults, or lose much of the savagery that made it distinctive, it was too big a gamble for Universal, which would find itself stuck with a costly commitment if the first film underperformed."

I can't think of anything quite like it that has been attempted before so I can see why the studios might get cold feet.
I wonder if the DT can at least be made PG-13 (like Lord of the Rings)? Is it worth compromising over?

I for one would rather see a faithful and complete anime version rather than a butchered live-action version.

[Robert Hildebrand]

I talked to Rocky Wood (an expert on King books and president of the HWA) about this, he says, "best not done then done on the cheap." I would have to agree with this. Its much to big a story to not treat it in the manner in which it desrves.

[shiland]

News today that negotiations with the NBC execs canned the production of the Ron Howard project. Reason: too expensive.
My humble suggestion is to bring the project to Showtime. They have the balls to put a project like this together and it can be an R rating.
Stupid NBC!
GRUMBLE......

[seanryan]

I've read a few comments today in which people have stated they are happy that The Dark Tower project has been "potentially" dumped by Universal because they feel Ron Howard is wrong for the project. Mr. Howard is a damn (yes I used the damn word, sorry :)) fine director in my opinion who has simply chosen the wrong material for some of his films. But as we all know, that is clearly not the issue here. The Dark Tower story is rock solid and very ambitious for a movie or multiple movie/tv series project. So it doesn't just need a solid director, it needs someone with the passion to see it made right. Looking at the fact that Mr. Howard spent a year on his pitch before he approached Mr. King, shows how respectful he is to the man and the material - only suggests to me that perhaps he is the "only" man for the job.

Now lets just hope Warner have the hunger and the money for a new franchise...

[Philzilla]

I've read a few comments today in which people have stated they are happy that The Dark Tower project has been "potentially" dumped by Universal because they feel Ron Howard is wrong for the project. Mr. Howard is a damn (yes I used the damn word, sorry :)) fine director in my opinion who has simply chosen the wrong material for some of his films. But as we all know, that is clearly not the issue here. The Dark Tower story is rock solid and very ambitious for a movie or multiple movie/tv series project. So it doesn't just need a solid director, it needs someone with the passion to see it made right. Looking at the fact that Mr. Howard spent a year on his pitch before he approached Mr. King, shows how respectful he is to the man and the material - only suggests to me that perhaps he is the "only" man for the job.

Now lets just hope Warner have the hunger and the money for a new franchise...

Harry Potter franchise ends this year so you never know.

[bobledrew]

The man has spoken -- or at least emailed. Apparently Mr. K sent an e-mail to his pals at Entertainment Weekly, in which he told them (http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/07/19/stephen-king-dark-tower-universal/):

“I’m sorry Universal passed, but not really surprised. As a rule, they’ve been about smaller and less risky pix; maybe they feel it would be better to stick with those fast and furious racing boys. I bear them no ill will, and trust Ron Howard to get Roland and his friends before the camera somewhere else. He’s very committed to the project.”

[Robert Gray]

I would like to be privy to the behind the scenes wrangling on issues of script (which I'm sure the studios quibble about) are pushing. My feeling is that the script of the Drawing of the Three is probably the real issue.

[prufrock21]

Couldn't Peter Jackson do for The Dark Tower what he did for Lord of the Rings? (And I must insist that Christian Bale play
Roland Deschain.)

[JohnDalglish]

Couldn't Peter Jackson do for The Dark Tower what he did for Lord of the Rings? (And I must insist that Christian Bale play
Roland Deschain.)

Hi,

As far as I remember, Peter Jackson was asked this specific question in an interview in the UK some years ago and he said that he wouldn't be interested in devoting the rest of life to such a project at his age (look how long The Hobbit has dragged on!).

A great pity, isn't it?

He'd be PERFECT for the job IMO

Long days and pleasant nights

[Sandy Smith-Williams]

Awesome selection...

[prufrock21]

I can see, JD, where Mr. Jackson would be wary of taking on another project as difficult and demanding as Lord of the Rings.
However, he has proven he is up to the task. It would be a masterpiece, the Dark Tower on the big screen--his crowning achievement. There would be another Oscar in it for him. He could retire after this. The possibilities are endless.

[JohnDalglish]

I can see, JD, where Mr. Jackson would be wary of taking on another project as difficult and demanding as Lord of the Rings.
However, he has proven he is up to the task. It would be a masterpiece, the Dark Tower on the big screen--his crowning achievement. There would be another Oscar in it for him. He could retire after this. The possibilities are endless.

Hi,

Aye, indeed.

But it would depend on your age and energy and appetite for a long project, would it not?

Peter Jackson

But I certainly agree that he would be by far the best possible choice in a perfect world.

Long days and pleasant nights

[prufrock21]

In a perfect world, Peter Jackson would direct DT on the big screen, Christian Bale would star, the movie would win 12 Oscars, Steve King would get the Noble for Literarure, and I would be awarded a signed copy of Steve King's The Plant Parts 1-6.

[bri0316]

This is terrible! I have been looking forward to how the Dark Tower series would be presented both on the big screen and TV, and Comcast buys Universal and dumps the project, the CEO of Comcast is a fool! I know it probably wasn't him directly that did this, but I'm so bitter about this. I hope that Stephen pushes to get this going again with or without Universal. And might I suggest he do an open casting call for some of the roles? It would be amazing to be apart of this project...

But if this does get moving again I think Ryan Reynolds would make a great Eddie. As for Roland...well that one is more difficult because I feel Clint is getting too old for the role, so I could only lean towards Harrison Ford, Hugh Laurie, Clive Owen, and maybe Aaron Eckhart. Yes they are all very different, but I like the potential they could bring to the role, though I can't say they look like the Roland I always imagined as I read the books...

I sincerely hope the idea of making the Dark Tower into a movie doesn't die here. I like so many others have been waiting to see what lies in the Dark Tower. If Ka wills it...

[Robert Gray]

I can't say I think it is terrible. The books will always be better in my head than any vision a filmmaker comes up with. While the Lord of the Rings movies were good, they were still far better (and more epic) in my head. I can't say that I look forward at all to the compromises and changes studios will demand of the scripts. Consider the changes that will be made to Ms. Holmes and Ms. Walker for example. Do you really think in our current, ridiculous climate that she will survive the translation? My own view is that financing is problematic because behind the scenes the "money" wants changes that Ron Howard doesn't want to make. That will be a factor just as much as the economy.

My advice, if you are somehow disturbed by this turn of events, is reread the book. That is always a good salve for the wound.

[Tiny]

so they wanted to change a bunch of stuff ??? And Ron -Opie- Howard was smart enough to say no ?
...think in our current, ridiculous climate that she will survive the translation?
please explain this: what climate ? what changes ? what transition ? Im afraid your gonna have to spell it out for some people (like me)
Your post is intriguing to me.
do you just mean the words she used "Honky Mo' fuc'rr" and such ?

Also, I dont think any other group is gonna pick it up, I think its dead in the water. Shattered ; like the blue "for special " plates under Susanne's foot.

[JohnDalglish]

I think its dead in the water. Shattered ; like the blue "for special " plates under Susanne's foot.

Hi,

But never say never.

It took almost fifty years to bring LotR to the screen properly!

Long days and pleasant nights

[Robert Gray]

so they wanted to change a bunch of stuff ??? And Ron -Opie- Howard was smart enough to say no ?

I am not privy to what went on behind the scenes, but that is my educated guess. I believe script would have been a big factor. A director like Ron Howard wouldn't have signed on to the project unless he liked the books. The trend of late has been for the directors with pull to try and stay very true to the source material. Ms. Walker/Holmes is enough all by herself to make Studios cringe. There is also the issue that Roland himself is a very unsympathetic character in the first book. It is a great story but not necessarily one that wins over Studios. I could go on and on. I have no faith whatsoever that a cinematic release of the Dark Tower would be remotely like the book.


...think in our current, ridiculous climate that she will survive the translation?
please explain this: what climate ? what changes ? what transition ? Im afraid your gonna have to spell it out for some people (like me)

I doubt it. I think you can figure it out just fine without my help.


Your post is intriguing to me.
do you just mean the words she used "Honky Mo' fuc'rr" and such ?

It goes way beyond language (although her being a colorful, insane caricature is certainly part of it). Racism is a central issue, sexuality implicit in sometimes violent ways. We should not forget Ms. Walker's comments about having a good pull on each other's candles. If Walker is watered down enough to be rough but not offensive, the game is already lost. I heard speculation sometime back about her not even being black in some script variations.


Also, I dont think any other group is gonna pick it up, I think its dead in the water. Shattered ; like the blue "for special " plates under Susanne's foot.

Eh. If it gets made, I'm sure I'll see it. I won't shed any tears if it isn't. The books are all that matter to me. I just hope that Sai King already got a fat check for the movie rights. That way he gets paid whether or not the abomination ever gets made.

[bobledrew]

I understand your reverence towards the books, folks. I really do. But y'know, NO novel or series of novels can be translated literally to the screen -- just as you can't translate a novel literally into another language.

It may come together, and it may not. It may be great, or not. I think you have to give the filmmakers a chance to do a good job. I suspect that if SK thought Ron Howard and his team were awful, he never would have let them get the option.

[Robert Gray]

I understand your reverence towards the books, folks. I really do. But y'know, NO novel or series of novels can be translated literally to the screen -- just as you can't translate a novel literally into another language.

It may come together, and it may not. It may be great, or not. I think you have to give the filmmakers a chance to do a good job. I suspect that if SK thought Ron Howard and his team were awful, he never would have let them get the option.

I don't think Ron Howard and his team were/are awful. That is irrelevant. Making movies, except in rare cases, is a battle between countless different groups all of whom want a say. The money almost always has the last say. As to whether or not Sai King would let someone have the option, of course he would. While he may not hold television in high regard, Sai King loves movies.

[garygak]

I just read that Universal Pictures has officially backed out of the production of the Dark Tower movie/t.v. series. I read further speculation on-line that the project may be shelved. I part of me would be very disappointed. I imagine it being done to the quality of Lord of the Rings. It could be a fine film! Another part of me thinks, Maybe it shouldn't be made into a movie. I am currently reading The Postman by David Brine. It is disappointing to crazy glue Kevin Costner's face into every scene. It takes something away from the book. A lot of movies do that. Shawshank is one of my favorite stories/SK movies but whenever I read it I hear Morgan Freeman. I see Tim Robbins. So, I don't know. Would it be that bad if The Dark Tower never made it to film.

[Tiny]

Eh. If it gets made, I'm sure I'll see it. I won't shed any tears if it isn't. The books are all that matter to me.

This is exactly how I feel also.

[sinrise]

I was just thinking about that very thing the other day after hearing Ron Howard has officially decided not to do it. I'm glad. If a director like Ron Howard can't get carte blanche to do a story as fantastic as DT, all hope is lost. I would rather not see one of my favorite stories of all time turned into a bad movie. I didn't like the idea of him having to even discuss 'budgetary issues' and 'scale the project back.' Seriously?

To be fair, a story like DT just isn't 'Hollywood.' It probably wouldn't be successful. And how could the story be changed, or made more 'action oriented?' I wouldn't want that. If it's going to be done, it should be done right, just like the novels.

I would love to see an animated series that followed the books perfectly. They could afford to keep the 'less action oriented' parts of the story intact and wouldn't need to worry about budgets. It could be done in a similar artistic style to the prequel comics.

If I had my druthers, DT would be made into a movie as close to the books as possible, but sadly, resources are finite :(

[Brian - Metro]

Sinrise... Last we heard Ron Howard was still committed to the project and was looking to other studios. See our hompage news:

http://www.stephenking.com/index.html

[Baz]

I want this film to be made so much it deserves to made more than some stupid ass film about cars an women.

[jones18]

Is this true? THR is saying in no uncertain terms that the project is definitely died because Imagine already tried very hard to shop it elsewhere in the past months but came up empty and the article is also saying Imagine as a company is in serious trouble at the moment.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ron-howard-brian-grazer-universal-216143 (http://www.stephenking.com/forums/redirector.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hollywoodreporter.com%2F news%2Fron-howard-brian-grazer-universal-216143)

Dark Tower met its end July 15 when Universal pulled out of what was to be the first of three films and two TV projects based on the Stephen King book series. A source says the initial budget of $165 million was trimmed to $135 million. With Universal still balking, Imagine frantically shopped the project but came up empty.

[JohnDalglish]

Is this true? THR is saying in no uncertain terms that the project is definitely died because Imagine already tried very hard to shop it elsewhere in the past months but came up empty and the article is also saying Imagine as a company is in serious trouble at the moment.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ron-howard-brian-grazer-universal-216143 (http://www.stephenking.com/forums/redirector.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hollywoodreporter.com%2F news%2Fron-howard-brian-grazer-universal-216143)

Hi,

Hmmm, not looking good, is it?

Long days and pleasant nights

[Tinahorve]

I am sort-of glad. It could never live up to the image in head. Although some of the books (The Stand and the remake of The Shining) I liked the TV mini-series versions a lot, I can't imagine the DT series being able to be made true to the books.

[jones18]

The thing I don't understand is why they didn't cancel the project before starting pre-production, casting, etc.

[JohnDalglish]

The thing I don't understand is why they didn't cancel the project before starting pre-production, casting, etc.

Hi,

Because that would be too sensible for the Follywood folken living in La-la land perhaps?

Long days and pleasant nights

[jones18]

Hi,

Because that would be too sensible for the Follywood folken living in La-la land perhaps?

Long days and pleasant nights

Hi,

You are right, but still... Well, maybe in a not so near future someone will make it properly.

[muskrat]

Someone call Roger Corman. He could do the whole series over the weekend for 10 grand and a couple of used cars.

[Dominar Rigel]

Now that this project has fallen apart, it's got me thinking about a different approach.

What if the filmmakers approached this the way Marvel is doing the Avengers movies? In that case you have several separate stories which combine from time to time. There will be an Iron Man 3, a Thor 2, and an Avengers 2 and 3 in all likelihood. We haven't seen this in movies before to my recollection.

So imagine one filmmaker making Dark Tower 1, another filmmaker making 'salems Lot, another making DT 2, another making The Stand, and so on, then to have the different stories and characters mingle down the line?? This is purely fantasy on my part, but still, how cool would it be to see Father Callahan show up in a later Dark Tower movie? Or to go to Insomnia just to get a glimpse at a future DT nemesis? Would be cool, just sayin'. ;-)

[guido tkp]

erm..they couldn't get the $$ for the small effort that they were trying to do...and you think they could get what possibly would be 30 to 40 projects going...all interconnected enough to actually make sense ??

only if it was a on-the-cheap webcast in 200 parts

and...hey, but is that a blade runner' caricature there, good buddy...seems awfully familiar

i think the idea of, maybe not roger corman, but someone who knows how to do this on the cheap...like the guy who did 'monsters' or that south african one...'district 9': this is alot more about the journey, personal and otherwise than it is about heavy special effects.

IF it's gonna be done., i would prefer to see it done right...and i'm still not sold on ron howard, and i've not felt too good about bardem...so the delay is possibly good from my p.o.v., either way

[MelissaConstantReader]

Garygak, I absolutely agree with you. Love what you had to say! When we read the books, we all have our own imagery in our minds. I don't think I would like that to be disturbed by any actor. When I read the DT books, it is an escape into another world that consumes the mind and takes me away right into the story. I'm afraid if I watched the movie, it would take away from that wonderful experience.

[prufrock21]

Perhaps the producers/developers are trying to do too much too soon. Why not concentrate on doing The Gunslinger first? If well done, this first movie is bound to generate interest for the sequels to follow. A case of success generating success.
I too am not very keen on Ron Howard. Peter Jackson definitely has the chops for this project.

[morganelafee]

Didn't thought about Jared myself and he's one of my favorite actor/singer! Good guess!

[saxplayer]

Ron Howard might be a little too cheesy with his hand print on these amazing “once in a lifetime” books. it would take an amazing team to band together “katet” if you will, to assemble together the right chemistry, talent, and long term commitment from every single person involved. In other words, like trying to climb Mount Everest in flip flops. We need seriously intense folks on this one with Stephan there side by side the whole way for his thumbs up in every detail. can I get an Amen?

[Br00ksInTexas]

Really sad about the shelving of the movie. You know what they say though.. Ka is a wheel. Someone will love it enough to make it. I just wanted to add that I recently saw "Cowboys Vs. Aliens" and despite my earlier protests with friends, I think Daniel Craig could do Roland justice. It's in the eyes.

[Beatbox]

Is there a time period for Ron Howard and Imagine Entertainment to get the Dark Tower up and running before the rights revert back to SK or is this likely to turn into the next Talisman. IMO Frank Darabont would be the right man for the job.

[Connie Reader]

I am SO bummed. :'(

[Carlos Solrac]

If it were me, i'd cast:

file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Pc/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.png
Andrew Lincoln as The Gunslinger

file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Pc/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.png
Colm Feore as Randall Flagg (The Man in Black)

and i dont know who else because i never got through the first book. :)

[JohnDalglish]

and i dont know who else because i never got through the first book. :)

Hi,

Hmmm, I see, thankee for your opinions anyway.

Can I suggest that you get a copy of Drawing of the Three (the second book) and see how you get on with that?

Long days and pleasant nights

[jones18]

I don't know how reliable is this news because the source is NYP but they quote Brian Grazer...

Back on the rise (http://www.stephenking.com/forums/redirector.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nypost.com%2Fp%2Fpagesix %2Fback_on_the_rise_KNA6txa93IU0gejJ2gLh1H)
Last Updated: 12:27 AM, August 17, 2011

Ron Howard and Brian Grazer’s much-anticipated “Dark Tower” project isn’t dead yet, despite Universal’s cancellation last month of the ambitious screen adaptation of Stephen King’s opus, planned to be three movies and a spin-off TV series. Producer Grazer tells us that despite Universal’s refusal to commit to the sweeping project, director Howard isn’t giving up and is now “trying to get outside financing to make it, and distribute it through a major [studio].” Grazer said they also planned to go ahead with the TV spin-offs of the horror Western fantasies, but through other networks or even Netflix. But the epic “Tower” project, which still has Javier Bardem attached to star as the gunslinger Roland Deschain, will have to be put off until at least next year. Grazer added: “Ron is now going to be working on the Formula One (http://www.stephenking.com/forums/redirector.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nypost.com%2Ft%2FFormula _One)racing movie ‘Rush’ about Niki Lauda, so the soonest we could do it would be June next year.” Grazer, meanwhile, is working on the Hoover biopic “J. Edgar” starring Leo DiCaprio.
http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/back_on_the_rise_KNA6txa93IU0gejJ2gLh1H#ixzz1VCUaF4HM (http://www.stephenking.com/forums/redirector.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nypost.com%2Fp%2Fpagesix %2Fback_on_the_rise_KNA6txa93IU0gejJ2gLh1H%23ixzz1VCUaF4HM)

[prufrock21]

Does Quentin Tarantino have the chops for this? I wonder.13225

[JohnDalglish]

Does Quentin Tarantino have the chops for this? I wonder.13225

Hi,

Much as I love Tarantinos work, I feel that, as an artist, he has a directorial 'style' which he would bring to the material for beter or worse, in much the same way as Kubrick brought his own artistry to The Shining, with debatable results.

Darabont!

Long days and pleasant nights

[prufrock21]

All good directors bring their own "styles" to a production. What I mean is, does he have the wherewithal, the chutzpah, to see it to fruition?

[some_guy]

I may get tied up and set in charyoo tree for this, but I can't help but think the dark atmosphere of this entire series would be wonderfully adapted in (dare I say it) animation. Not just any animation, though, I am referring to a recently done style for a short film called "The Backwater Gospel" that I have had the pleasure of seeing. It's on youtube if you want to see what I'm talking about. The style works perfectly for a morbid or even post-apocalyptic type of story. I must warn you, the video is slightly violent.

Hell, the video itself reminds me heavily of Roland's experience in Tull.

I do admit, however, that it would work better as a TV series (if animated) than a full feature-length film simply for the fact that It is really difficult to keep people interested in animation after 1 1/2 hours of it. The fact that Stephen wrote these novels with shorter-than-average chapters works very well in the favor of a tv series.

Just my speculation. Long days and pleasant nights.

[ArielRacing]

So the countdown reached zero today at darktower.com and nothing happened. Will something happen or this is just a ghost image that remained after Universal's exit?

[masago0123]

I like it except Max Records is way to sissy kid looking, and perhaps someone a little older and tougher looking than Shia

[masago0123]

I like Vigo and Rosario, but Shia and Max are too baby faced.

[Ben Staad]

I like Vigo and Rosario, but Shia and Max are too baby faced.

I agree about Shia...Plus I really don't care for his acting.

[Baz]

So whats the latest news on The Dark Tower Films? Does Ron Howard still walk towards The Tower? Commala-Come-Come, Roland wants it done

[Moderator]

:dunno:

[CCAL]

Aw well maybe we'll hear something positive real soon. I'm still checking for news about Discordia....should be soon now--I hope!

[Baz]

Ron? RON!! give us a bone Ron

[James-B]

Think its finished before its even started. There is nothing i want more than a Dark Tower series of films however i am worried about how well it will translate. They will have to cut out MASSIVE amounts of the book. The talk about making it into 3 films and 2 series is interesting but, again not sure if it would work. I would prefer 6/7 films like harry potter, but budget wise im not sure how realistic that would be....Harry Potter was a far bigger franchise....'Brand' even than DT....*sigh*

[prufrock21]

Why are these production companies so greedy? Why not do The Gunslinger first, gross 300 million, and then consider filming
the rest as a trilogy?

[CCAL]

I think they can do it without chppoing massive amounts out of it. After all if a picture is worth a thousand words...
It can be done, I believe it whole-heartedly, but WILL they is another question entirely imo.

[Moderator]

Still in the unconfirmed rumor category, but here's an update (http://www.stephenking.com/forums/redirector.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.indiewire.com%2Fthepla ylist%2Farchives%2F2011%2F10%2F23%2Fthe_dark_tower_down_to_s ingle_movie_budget_currently_set_at_or_below_100_mi%2F%23) on the movie production.

[Spideyman]

Still in the unconfirmed rumor category, but here's an update (http://www.stephenking.com/forums/redirector.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.indiewire.com%2Fthepla ylist%2Farchives%2F2011%2F10%2F23%2Fthe_dark_tower_down_to_s ingle_movie_budget_currently_set_at_or_below_100_mi%2F%23) on the movie production.


Two words caught my eye:

satisfying ending and good ending.

I'll put my trust in Sai King, and if he accepts "the ending" in this movie, OK. I just have chills and thinny sensations. Don't mess up the book ending!!!!!!!

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

Hmmm, suspicious words I don't like the sound of IMO, AWSS.

Long days and pleasant nights (someday)