Warner Bros jumps from Dark Tower

Aug 21, 2012   By: Michael | #Mike Fleming  #MRC  #Stephen King  #Warner  

For the first time a Dark Tower deadline has been met! Warner Bros said they would will make their decision within two weeks and that’s what they’ve pretty much done; unfortunately, it’s bad news. Warner has decided to walk from the project, passing up a golden opportunity to make this Dark Tower franchise theirs.

In a quick interview with Deadline, Stephen King had this to say about Warner Bros’ decision,

“The Dark Tower, to me, and I’m not unbiased because I’m the writer on this thing, but to me it looks like gold on the ground waiting to be picked up.” — Stephen King

I think Deadline’s Mike Flemming sums up the announcement perfectly, “You need guts to find gold in this precarious time in the film business, and Warner Bros ultimately didn’t show any here.”

So, who’s got the guts?

Is this the end of the franchise? Who will step in and take on this ambitious project and reap the huge rewards?

Well, no sooner had Warner made the announcement than we’re hearing that MRC have immediately stepped forward and has started serious talks with the intent on making The Dark Tower happen.

MRC might be my own initials, but it ain’t I who’s stepped in. This is Media Rights Capital, the people behind the summer hit, Ted (with Mark Wahlberg) and the upcoming Elysium (with Matt Damon). Apparently Modi Wiczyk from MRC is a huge Stephen King fan, though there’s no official word from them yet.

If nothing else, it shows what depth The Dark Tower world has that it’s now gaining real attention from so many quarters – the biz is finally starting to understand what opportunities are available. I just hope Media Rights Capital have both the resources and balls to take this on.

121 responses

I am thrilled that Wiczyk is a Sai King fan. I would like to think that this might be the company to finally get this done. However, I am not going to get my hopes up. Having Wiczyk be a King fan, might also ensure that these films get made properly. I guess only time will tell. LD&PN

Aimee – August 21st, 2012
I was so devastated this morning when i woke up to read these sad news.. I felt like just crawling back under the sheets hugging my Dark Tower collection and not coming out until tomorrow morning. I was SO looking forward to WB taking on this project. But then the thought hit me that since this project is currently sailing from studio to studio that maybe someone would come along. And that’s why I’m very pleased to hear that MRC might be hopping on board this “Terror train”. Apparently the 2006 movie Babel was an MRC picture too. That’s a pretty pleasant fact me thinks.

Actually, letting MRC do it could be a much wiser option. WB might be big and mighty and have the money to push this thing through, but having that much power, they’d most probably screw the whole thing up, cutting out 50% of the story or something equally horrible..

As said before: Ka is a wheel, this thing will come around eventually. It just seems that wer’e in for a little longer wait again.

LD&PN

Dida-chick? – August 21st, 2012
Well, to their credit, Warner Bros. did do some of the Harry Potter movies very well, etc., so they’ve proven they can do something similar to this type of fantasy-esque series. But, yeah, I agree about the potential this could still have with a known fan of the books behind the project. New Line was just a “whatever” company, and LOTR was simply awesome. You must have a visionary who believes in the story at the helm, and I’m willing to wait until the right person/team comes along for this. And I also hope that HBO is still willing to be involved, as well.

LD & PN

Maestro208 – August 21st, 2012
Hopefully someone will pick this up maybe weta studios Peter Jackson Would surely be able to manage this project but good on mrc also.

Cory – August 21st, 2012
I did not know that MRC did Babel, that definitely gives me hope. I truly hope that Ron Howard is booted from this project. I have never liked the idea of having Howard anywhere near this project.

Aimee – August 21st, 2012
Go then, there are other studios than these.

vuduchild – August 22nd, 2012
Russel Crowe is a fat incompetent pig anyway. His accent, facial features, and voice are all totally incapable of vindicating the role of Roland.

I see a cycle here that has been the case with King movies.

Large studios get the idea for the movie, they walk, a lower studio steps up, they walk as well. Finally, a low-budget studio steps up and makes a half-assed version of what should have been one of the best movies ever made.

This upsets me very much, I’d rather there be no Dark Tower movie than there be a bad one giving it a bad name.

Prim – August 23rd, 2012
I can really see HBO doing a good job on the Dark Tower books. Just look at how great Game of Thrones has been. For my money though, they’d have to convince either Javier Bardem or Tommy Lee Jones to be Roland! Russel Crowe? No thanks. DiCaprio as Eddie, easy choice for me.

David Mumford – August 23rd, 2012
@Prim, I couldn’t agree more. While I enjoy most of the King films, there always seems to be something lacking. I am by far more passionate about the Dark Tower films than the other films. If they are not going to be made right, and if they are not going to follow the books, then I would rather have the films never be made.

Aimee – August 23rd, 2012
Iv’e never thought of this before and I actually don’t know why. Because it seems like a pretty awesome option. There’s this swedish actor called Mikael Persbrandt. He is mostly known by his role as the “bad-ass” cop, Gunvald Larsson, in the swedish crime-movie series Beck. He’s got a deep voice, he’s really tall, and he can be both scary and sympathetic at the same time, and he most certainly has a pretty rugged look while not being “ugly”. And he’s also about to have his Hollywood debut this christmas, in a little movie called “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”, so I guess he could be open for other big roles after that. ;)

LD&PN

Dida-chick? – August 24th, 2012
I personally think Chris Nolan directing with Josh Brolin playing Roland would be awesome. Somebody needs to pick this movie up A.S.A.P

Brent – August 24th, 2012
The crimson king is working to try to keep this movie from being produced.

KA will find a way.

Eddy – August 24th, 2012
I have been listening to Dark Tower audio since February and on the last book. I have know hungar games potter etc and I absolutely through the entire book have felt this is the prime time for a series to same all others!!! I’m on board! Love ya SK!!!

Jeannie Love – August 24th, 2012
I agree with most of the comments here. I do need to add that they should not get Russel Crowe involved with this project. They need to find someone like Clint Eastwood but younger.

John – August 24th, 2012
Its sad to see WB drop this project, I think they could have done a really nice job. Hopefully this does not have a negative impact with it ending up on HBO or some other movie network.

I still cant believe that we all have pictured so many different actors in our heads to play Roland. Some are pretty far out there but many of them really aren’t so bad. As for myself Id prefer a no name guy come in and just blow us all away with his looks and acting skills, but as some have already pointed out, its difficult to see this project taking off and getting mainstream attention w/o a big star in the lead role. So whether Javier or Crowe or someone else does it lets just get this thing going already. I don’t wont to be on here 1,2 & 3 years from now still debating about who’s going to play who.

Long days and Pleasant nights folks.

Aloenam – August 25th, 2012
@Aloenam Like you I am surprised to see how many different actors people see in the role of Roland. I would also prefer a no name actor to come in and blow us away with his portrayal of Roland, but the studio is going to need someone famous to help it take off. I truly hope we are not on here in one year rehashing the same discussions. I guess Ka will tell. LD&PN

Aimee – August 26th, 2012
I’m all for the HBO-only idea. It may not be as visually awesome as a cinematic version would be, but it wouldn’t exactly be “low-budget” either. And the story would absolutely prosper in a long serial format. I’m talking 20 - 26 hourly episodes per year for 3 or 4 years (that’s significantly smaller than Lost was). There’s plenty of story to go around if scripted by the right hands, and that’s what’s ultimately going to decide whether we Constant Readers love the video adaptation like we do the books. Story > Casting + Budget

vuduchild – August 26th, 2012
@Vuduchild, I do understand the desire to see HBO turn this into a series. I think that by it being exclusively on HBO they will have more time to tell the full tale. I would still enjoy 7-9 full length films though. However, having it on HBO will widen the audience of viewers.

Aimee – August 26th, 2012
OK< WOW! I'm comment number 19! Sorry, that's badass to me! Peace, Love, Khef Ka & Katet!

neverwell19 – August 27th, 2012
Alright serious (but, cry pardon…almost epic length) post now:

@ Maestro208 WB did some of the Potter films very well BUT (this is my primary beef with that enire franchise) They took “Prizoner of Azkaban” (Book 3), which is my favorite book, & cut Sirius Black (My favorite character), played by Gary Oldman, (one of the BEST actors ever) and cut him out of the film (almost entirely), one film before he dies, thus negating the imact that his death has on Harry & the entire plot from then on… OK, non-HP fans can start reading here..lol…

@ Mumford: Tommy Lee Jones as Roland Deschain of Gilead that was? Do ya say so? Damnation of Debaria, I gota think on that one, so I do…. that does call to mind movies of the early/mid 90’s where Tommy Lee Jones was everywhere…. which makes me think if “The Dark Tower” had been bought, sold & processed in the mid 90’s (Post “Wizard” pre “Wolves”) that Roland would most certainly have been played by Kevin Costner! Can you imagine?! That could have been amazing like “A Perfect World” or “Dances With Wolves”…. pretty good like “Wyatt Earp” & “Field of Dreams”, passably entertaining like “Robin Hood” or utter tripe like a lot of his other movies…but I digress on my K.C. rant..Cry Pardon…

@ Brent: I can’t even begin to imagine Nolan @ the helm of T.D.T. I thought that J.J. Abrams was a Godsend (Thank the Man Jesus) but he cried off & went west…. Let’s look at the facts: Nolan has a damn near impecible visual/narative style, he casts well, he loves his characters, allows no glaring plot holes (any plot holes imho, but that’s subject to debate), he can handle epic in the midst of personal & personal in the midst of epic, he uses BOLD special effects when needed but knows when to just shoot in camera, can adapt material “Memento” was his brother’s short story, “Insomnia” was a remake of a foreign film, he completely re-imagined Bat Man & breated a shocking & unexpected life into that hero’s film legacy, but can also create captivating stories “Inception” & “The Prestige”, Oh….and Nolan can handle the surreal, dreamlike & terrifying, can build tension like Hitchcock himself, and plays to the audience…. for instance… Memento was “R” language & violence appropriate for the audience, most other films have been PG-13 (and not for lack of intensity) because he doesnt have to use sex & F-bombs to sell tickets, neither, however, does he sugar coat or dumb down his films…. So, I said all of that just to say, Nolan would be perfect, but I can’t imaging that ever happening…. just because it’d be too good. Though, if he had an inkling of interest & Howard cried off as well, Nolan would have the clout to get this Bad Boy made.

Finally, on a personal note, I had my 9 year old daughter this weekend (who pointed out that a velcro dragon patch she bought was # 19 in a series of dozens of random patches! lol) was riding shotgun in my car today & asked me to play “The Wind Through The Keyhole” audiobook from the beginning….. I had let her listen to the middle story (about Tim Stoutheart’s first great adventure) and she wanted to hear the WHOLE audiobook…. Obviously King’s literature isn’t for children, but i considerred all important issues & obliged her…. I think we have a budding, hard core Dark Tower fan here….and that makes me PROUD, so it does, thank God & the Man Jesus!

Finally…. I, too, believe that The Crimson King, the breakers & even Bango Skank are trying to prevent this film from happening, but despite their best efforts, The White will prevail! There will be water if God wills it & this story is TOO INCREDIBLE to not be adapted to film!

neverwell19 – August 27th, 2012
Bah…I said “finally” twice…. Blast! I’m not retyping all of that! lol

neverwell19 – August 27th, 2012
What about Timothy Olyphant as Roland? He’s played some bad ass characters like in “A Perfect Getaway”…

habsblow – August 27th, 2012
My vote would be to do the DT on HBO. If they hustle they could start the series right after wrapping up Game of Thrones.

Off the wall director choice: David Lynch. Could definitely handle the surreal elements of the series. But he’s done “straight” stories, too, and he’s done a series.

travisbickle – August 27th, 2012
I’ve always thought Clint Eastwood was Roland, he’s 1000 years old at least, and lets face it… he IS Roland. But after watching Cowboys And Aliens again last night I reckon Daniel Craig could make it happen.

Steve V – August 27th, 2012
All these comments are awesome, and I thought I was the only tower junkie. How about the guy that plays jax teller on the sons of anarchy as Roland? He’s got a hard streak and a soft side, then again, I find who Roland is in my mind impossible to portray by any actor. I just hope this book makes it to film, I’ve read all of Mr King’s worries, and this of course is the most captivating.

billy rauschenbach – August 29th, 2012
Mr King’s work is what my predictive text kept me from saying. LD&PN fellow junkies.

billy rauschenbach – August 29th, 2012
@everyone who suggested Christian Bale and Joseph Gordon Levitt for Roland and Eddie. A thought occured to me, probably derived from this suggestion. I myself can’t picture Bale as Roland. I don’t think he fits in that role. Gordon Levitt on the other hand could be a pretty good Eddie. But that’s not what I came on here today to write about. While I was riding the buss to work this morning, I found my thougts were once again somewhere in the field of roses. And for some reason I was thinking about Blaine. Blaines voice is something that has to be spot on. It’s got to be a really talented voice actor, or actor whose voice is peculiar or awesome in some way. Which lead me to the conclusion that my current favourite actor to play Blaine, would be Tom Hardy reprising the voice of Bane. It’s dark and evil, yet uncomfortably fatherly and comforting. It made chills go up my spine through the whole movie.

LD&PN

Dida-chick? – August 30th, 2012
Have any of you seen AMC’s Hell On Wheels? Check it out. Anson Mount IS Roland!

The Sandman – August 30th, 2012
how about an animated series of dark tower movies? i’m not talking disney, i’m thinking one of the japanese anime/manga studios. final fantasy vii: advent children for example was visually amazing, and i think it would be a hell of a lot easier and cheaper to get voice actors versus live actors who don’t really fit how everyone envisions the characters from the books. you can do a lot more with modern animation without having to worry about sets or some weird cgi that makes the movie look really terrible. just a thought…

Sly-Dawg – August 30th, 2012
Wait until Taken 2 comes out next month… If you saw the first one, you probably already know why I want Liam Neeson as Roland. If not, I bet you will after the sequel. Physical characteristics aside (of which Neeson has them all), the character portrayed by him in the Taken series is a cold-blooded, not-to-be-fucked-with, bad-ass that mimics the demeanor of Roland Deschain of Gilead in many ways. Liam Neeson, Aaron Paul (Eddie) and YEARS worth of episodes on HBO… Let’s do this!!!

vuduchild – August 30th, 2012
@vuduchild, I love the idea of Liam Neeson. I am a huge fan of his films, and I think he definitely has what it takes to pull off Roland.

Aimee – August 31st, 2012
@Aimee, They say great minds think alike… ;)

vuduchild – August 31st, 2012
@Vuduchild, you say true Sai, I say thankya :)

Aimee – August 31st, 2012
I think Josh Brolin would make a good Roland, i also think that if Micheal Fassbender can pull off a new york accent he’d make a good eddy. i also checked out photos of Mikael Persbrandt as sufggested above and that guy screams man in black if i do say so myself. Everyone is really keen on Roland but the supporting cast is just as important. Jake and Susannah? What about Oi? If the Studios want these movie’s to success they need to give Stephen King more say in casting. Assuming of course he even wants it. I would hate to see a Clive Cussler Sahara issue. Casting on that film was terrible! Alas I digress…

Kspice – August 31st, 2012
@Sly-Dawg If the animation was right, that could be amazing. But it would have to be dark and gritty. When western studios try and do an anime style it’s usually to artistic for it’s own good, like they are trying to hard. I’d hate to see it go along the lines of the Kill Bill lucy liu sequence or teh linkin Park anime styles that was used (breaking the habit I think was the linkin park video)
A Cowboy Bebop feel could work though.
That’s a tough nut to crack. would certainly make casting easier though. Get the right voices and you are gold. It would also solve the inevitably bad looking Oi in a live action movie and solve the logistics of digitally removing susannah’s legs and filming forest and beach scenes with a wheelchair. Not to mention all the ludicrous creatures that populate the world…lobstrosities anyone?

Kspice – August 31st, 2012
Man these movies better get made. I can totally see Aaron Paul as Eddie. God this whole series is a freaking diamond mine….

Murph – September 2nd, 2012
@Murph I keep hearing people talk about Aaron Paul for Eddie. I have never seen Breaking Bad, but after all the talk I guess I am going to have to watch it. I completely agree. This series is a diamond mine. Every studio is worried about how much it is going to cost to make them, they are not focused on the millions they will make when the films are released.

Aimee – September 2nd, 2012
@Aimee: will they, though? Sure, WE will go, and most likely more than once per movie, but they are trying to determine whether it’s worth it in a business sense via cost/benefit analysis. So, what does the franchise need? A big draw… somehow. Aaron Paul is becoming a known supporting actor, and I proposed him for Eddie last year (I’m totally for it), but Roland - the big lead character that you love to hate to love - must also pull people in somehow. Christian Bale could pull that off, but is he the best Roland to us here? Russell Crowe? Tough call, as I ultimately prefer a no-name actor, but then all the weight falls on perfectly executed, persistent, and ingenious marketing in order to get people to say, “Hmmm… that looks really cool. I really want to go fork over $9 and watch that!”

You can’t bank on making X, Y, or Z amounts of money until you have a solid grasp of what, exactly, you have to sell. Like the Tower itself, the casting of Roland and the subsequent marketing splash together become the lynchpin to this whole thing.

LD & PN

Maestro208 – September 2nd, 2012
@Maetsro208 I completely see your point. There is no way of knowing how many DT Junkies are out there. They would probably make millions from the Junkies alone lol :) I agree though that they definitely need a way to pull in people who are unfamiliar with the series. Casting Roland is going to be one of the hardest aspects of making these films and series. I think the earlier they can get out a teaser trailer the better. They will need something to start grabbing people’s attention. I completely see where you are coming from. It will be hard to market to the people who have never heard of the series.

Aimee – September 2nd, 2012
Guy Pearce as Roland. I can’t see a better fit.

http://images.allmoviephoto.com/2006_The_Proposition/2006_the_proposition_006.jpg

Brian – September 3rd, 2012
@Brian, In some of the photos I have seen, he looks close to what I believe Roland looks like, although a little too young. The face shape is right and in some he looks very rugged. I could see him playing Roland, simply based on looks. I can not recall if I have ever seen him in any film, so I can not judge him based on his acting abilities.

Aimee – September 3rd, 2012
Christian Bale is tall, handsome yet rugged looking, and extremely dedicated performer…anyone remember “The Machinist”?? Dude lost a lot of weight so he could look like a living skeleton for that role. With a work ethic like that, imagine what he would do to “become” Roland Deschain! Anyway, just a thought:)) LDPN

zentune – September 3rd, 2012
Apparently Russell Crowe got lost on an island and needed rescuing. Did the lobstrosities get him? That would’ve been ironic. As for Clint Eastwood, after the Republican convention, he might start yelling at all the chairs on set. Like the throne that the Tik Tock man sat on. It would be a long day but unpleasant.

Slow Mutant – September 3rd, 2012
@Kspice: yeah, i’m right there with you on that. oi and all the other unique creatures would be horrible in cgi with live actors…it would just look cheesy. cowboy bepop is an ok choice, but i was thinking more of final fantasy: spirits within or advent children feel. ghost in the shell or appleseed animation could work well too. ghost in the shell has that dark grittiness to it. a wicked city/ninja scroll feel could work also.

Sly-Dawg – September 3rd, 2012
I have to agree with what many others have voiced here. The Dark Tower novels are not like some of SK’s other lighter fare (i.e. Rose Madder, say, or The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon). Don’t get me wrong, those two stories are wonderful….but if a movie was made out of them, and done poorly…yes, it would suck….but it wouldn’t be as much of an epic failure as a studio taking on the Dark Tower series and then totally screwing it up or doing a half-assed job on it. Stephen King’s Dark Tower series is the culmination of all other novels before it, it is, in his own words, his grand opus, the epic centerpiece upon which so many of his other novels have played a part in, to one degree or another. The worst thing ever would be for the Dark Tower movie script to be passed from one studio to another only to be finally made without the heart and the dedication it truly deserves. I, too, would much rather see the Dark Tower movie NOT made, then to see it made terribly. If WRC (or another studio, should it go that route once again) can take it on and give it the truly faithful adaptation it deserves…..then great!! I would LOVE to see this series brought to life!! But if not….then let’s not ruin the series with a terrible movie or miniseries that’s going to be a blemish on the novels.

Mike – September 3rd, 2012
i love russell crow, but he is not right for this role. i still think viggo mortensen is the dude to do roland.

heidi – September 3rd, 2012
@Mike Very well said I could not agree more. If a movie or miniseries was done poorly then it would definitely blemish the series, causing people who might have read it to disregard it because of the poorly made film. I would hate to not see the films be made, however if that prevents it from becoming a blemish, then so be it.

Aimee – September 3rd, 2012
Daniel Day Lewis as Roland with Chris Nolan directing. Please.

Bergo – September 5th, 2012
Christian Bale as the Man in Black. Leo Dicaprio as Eddie. Gordon Levitt could possibly play young Roland, but he is probably too old.

Bergo – September 5th, 2012
Well has been many moons since I checked in on the path of the beam…. and I at least take some solace from the fact that the movies are not dead in the water. However I am nervous that a smaller studio with less resources could put a damper on what we all know would need to be the most epic of all epic films created , maybe ever, in order to do the story and settings for the story their proper justice. IF MRC was able to truly put all the things needed, to make this a masterpeice, together without sacrificing in any way then I am all for any studio willing and able to pull it off with the heart and soul necessary to take the reigns.

As for the discussion about the casting, I agree 100% that its a tough balancing act between bringing in a “leading man” type that the producing studio has faith will draw in non DT junkies. That being said, I personally believe that even though I cant say he is the most purely talented actor, that Hugh Jackman, fits the character very well, and has the ability to pull it off, keeping in mind that his role as Wolverine and Van Helsing called for a bit of cheesyness based on the way the scripts were written, with that element not there I think he would pull it off well and draw alot of non DT fans….. and I too would love to see Nolan or even better Peter Jackson, on board, but I think both would need alot of convincing, and in Jacksons case, I am not sure he wants to take on a new epic movie series based on another fantasy-novel, and risk overshadowing his own masterpiece in the LOTR movies.

All this being said, I think we all agree, that these movies NEED to be made. I personally prefer a cinematic version than any HBO series, however Its ultimately more about the passion put into doing this right. The creators of the live action version of this tale must be as a ka-tet almost to the same exetent as the actual characters, or this will be nothing but a way to lessen what we all know to be the grandest story ever told!!

For now lets all thank Ka, that the chances of the DT series on film ever happening, have not walked into the clearing at the end of the path….
LD & PN

Oy420 – September 6th, 2012
@Oy420, I agree I would rather see films than a series, however if it would be better made by doing an HBO series, then so be it. Whichever road it takes, I want it to be done correctly, without a loss of the story.

Aimee – September 6th, 2012
Bergo I agree 100% Daniel day Lewis is perfect but all I want in the end is to c these movies made.

Cory – September 6th, 2012
@ Oy420: welcome back! I don’t know about Hugh Jackman (everybody sees “Wolverine”). I think he’s too thick and he’d have to commit to losing weight/muscle after all that work to get pretty ripped. I do think he could manage Roland’s less-than-savory qualities impressively, though, as well as his rare, but significant, human and emotional sides, though.

@ Cory: Daniel Day Lewis has been my favorite ever since the first rumors hit this forum over a year ago, and I agree that he’d be tremendous in the role of Roland Deschain, but I don’t think he’d commit to it. We’re talking probably a 5% chance, in my opinion. I wonder what it would take to convince him to go for it along with Aaron Paul as Eddie….

Also, with all due respect, writing that you want “to c these movies made” is borderline unintelligible to me.

@ Everyone: All right, I’ll take the hit on this one and some of you can call me a grammar nazi, or whatever else justifies your ego, but please utilize the English language the way you once knew how. This is not a text-messaging conversation; rather, it is a message forum (public, at that) consisting of many literary folks who appreciate written communication parlayed according to basic elements and universally accepted/expected rules. It’s lazy, and it looks like litter among the new equipment on a summer camp’s playground. Giving just that little bit of extra effort to avoid such shortcuts that force your readers to work to try to figure out what you mean is appreciated. Nothing personal, of course; just sayin’.

LD & PN

Maestro208 – September 6th, 2012
@Maestro208, in my defence; since my native language isn’t english, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me and all the others, who are in the same position that I am. This epic has been translated to other languages too you know. ;)

Though, I have to say I agree with you. This is a public forum, which means anyone is able to read what’s written here. That said it’s good to keep in mind that even the ones who will end up making this movie, may have been on here reading our discussions. For this production to get made we have to give a good impression of us Tower Junkies!

LD&PN

Dida-chick? – September 7th, 2012
@Dida-chick: No worries; as I said, it’s nothing personal. If it’s a language difference, that’s a completely different issue than simply resorting to lazy forms of “text” speak and such. To me, a place like this is no place for people to say things like “u r right”, etc. That’s what I was addressing; perhaps I should’ve been more clear there.

Great point regarding people who may be involved in these films/episodes possibly scanning the Web and finding this forum. Hey, it’s more information and fan opinions that they could - and should - at least consider when embarking upon an endeavor such as this. :)

LD & PN

Maestro208 – September 7th, 2012
@Maestro208, I truly hope they are reading these forums, this one in particular. The forums can be a very valuable source of information for the studios. I have read many forums about DT, however this one is my favorite. I enjoy seeing the same people post over the months. I also enjoy the discussions we have here. If anyone from the studio is reading this, I just want to say give the axe to Ron Howard. He is not the proper choice for these films.

Aimee – September 7th, 2012
@Maestro208 TY kind sir, and yes I tend to agree with you that as far as the muscle mass that Jackman carries for the wolverine films he is a bit wrong-looking but i’ve seen him up close, at a restaurant in Hollywood (I live in L.A.) and his actual normal body is far less muscular looking then anything I saw in the wolverine movies, and yes I also agree that alot of people will have the permanent image of him as wolverine being typecast ,but that is more a result of being involved in a major hit movie franchise then it is his lack of acting depth . I also think I am a bit biased against both Russel Crowe AND Christian Bale. I just feel they do not, in life, grasp the idea of KA , they both seem to be highly ego driven, and I personally ,just as a matter of taste in human personalities…. feel neither of the so-far-mentioned possibilities ( as far as real interest by studios to cast them) deserve the honor of playing the role of the Gunslinger…. This is just my humble opinion OY OY!!!

LD&PN

Oy420 – September 8th, 2012
I cannot see this series being made as movies. If they were, there would undoubtedly be a whole lot of story loss, unless they made around 12 films to cover it. I am a huge fan of Stephen Kings writings, but not of the movie adaptations to his books. They can hardly ever get it right. If they are going to do this, it has to be as a series. HBO would be best with Christopher Nolan as the director. I’m not even going to begin to speculate who should play Roland and his Ka’Tet. If this is made, they need to incorporate the graphic novels as well which would expand Wizard and Glass to even grander proportions. And possibly A Wind Through the Keyhole as well as a stand alone.

The man in black fled across the desert, and the Gunslinger followed.

Gasher – September 10th, 2012
amazing books make the worst movies… kings movies are proof of that (aside from a select few)

ben – September 10th, 2012
Viggo Mortensen I think would make a great Roland. He has the look and adapts well to different roles. As for the rest of the tet, who knows? There are so many possibilties that would make sense. In my opinion they should make the gunslinger as a stand alone movie. It’s short, easily adaptable for screen, and if it didn’t take off (hope to Gan it does) it would still make for a good single movie. As for directors I think Guiermo Del Toro, Darren Aronofsky or, David Fincer would be able to do some it justice, actually anyone but Ron Howard. I mean do we really want Opie and the controls? Really? No offense King but he sucks! I just really hope we see a movie soon, it least make it before our world or peoples intrest moves on. -And The Dark Tower draws closer! -A.Eld

arthur eld – September 11th, 2012
I’m sure that plenty of you would disagree at first but I believe that casting Brad Pitt as Roland, Zoe Saldana as Susannah, and Aaron Paul as Eddie would give this movie the appeal that a large studio would want while also providing a very believable ensemble. In my opinion the only thing missing with this cast would be Frank Miller as the director.

luis – September 12th, 2012
@Arthur Eld I love the idea of Guiermo Del Toro directing, I think he would be an excellent choice. I also agree that Howard should be nowhere near this project. I have hated that idea from the beginning.

@Luis Zoe Saldana as Susannah has been my choice my months. She doesn’t look exactly the way I pictured her, but something keeps telling me she would be a good choice. Not sure about Brad Pitt. However it would draw a lot of attention to the films. I have heard a lot of people mention Aaron Paul. I have not yet had the chance to watch Breaking Bad, but I hear he would be perfect for the role.

LD&PN

Aimee – September 12th, 2012
I honestly cannot wait for this (set of) movie(s) to be made!! I’ve read the books twice and am thinking of starting over again!! If they don’t make the movie(s), at least a Walking Dead style TV series!! Come on Telly-boffins get your finger out!!

Dada-chum – September 12th, 2012
+1 on all comments with Peter Jackson et al. and del Toro, but he’s busy with Hobbit isn’t he? Christopher Nolan might be asking a lot.

What about Ridley Scott?

MS – September 12th, 2012
@MS, is Del Toro involved with The Hobbit? I think he would be a great choice for director.

Aimee – September 13th, 2012
There will be studio backing if God wills it.

HoHo Johannes – September 13th, 2012
How about we call Christopher Nolan to Direct, with Bale as Roland. Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Eddie and Zoe Saldana as Odetta Holmes/Detta Walker!!!!

Michael – September 14th, 2012
It’s just not going to happen. We’ll see Ender’s Game pan due to shitty and low marketing, and they’ll say “See, movies have to be remakes or sequels, or tween books,” and we’ll never get our generation’s star wars.

Anne – September 15th, 2012
Have faith, my fellow denizens of mid-world….The Rose shall NOT perish:)) LD&PN

zentune – September 15th, 2012
Too obvious for me personally. Shia Lebeouf is the Perfect Eddie. Attitude, look, age, and acting skills. Just perfect. Zoe is a lock for Susannah. And you top it off with a no-name for Roland who has the look and skills to pull it off. It would not hurt the film it would help it. See: Orlando Bloom and Viggo before LOTR. The entire Harry potter cast except maybe Rickman. The movie itself will generate buzz. And the best is Clint Eastwood as Pere Callahan. It’s a nice nod and a perfect role for him.

Russell – September 19th, 2012
I know i’m a bit behind the times on this most recent update. I have not checked the site for a while and only just discovered this terrible news.

Feel very let down again. What the absolute fork in the road is going on in movieville for fork sake? The amount of money wasted on the likes of tripe such as Battleship just proves to me there are not enough visionaries and too many money grabbers in the movie industry for a project this large to be picked up by someone that can afford to make it, and also do it justice.

LDPN folks. I give up on this.

DrawnGunslinger – September 20th, 2012
I vote Joaquin Phoenix for Roland. He can be as hard as anyone! Um… and those eyes?

Detta Dean – September 20th, 2012
@Russell, I love the idea of Saldana as Susannah. I think many underestimate Bloom’s acting abilities. He was great in Haven, and I recently watched The Good Doctor and was blown away by his acting. I think a no name for Roland may be a great idea. I have always thought Eastwood should play Pere. He has amazing acting skills, and it would be a wonderful extra for the fans, since most of us saw a vision of him as Roland in our minds when reading the books.

Aimee – September 21st, 2012
I’m going to do this in 2 parts. First off, I’m pleased that Zoe Saldana is a fan favorite candidate for Susannah, also J.G.L. is getting some love on this forum as well. I can’t see Nolan doing this, he has too much imagination to commit to such a huge project with a set & somewhat rigid plot. I do, however, think he would be incredible!

It’s a shame we couldn’t get (this is The Dark Tower after all) Ron Howard to produce, Eastwood to direct movie one, Nolan to direct movie 2 & Ridley Scott direct movie 3. Maybe a bit outlandish, but the Harry Potter films did well with Different Directors, as did the original Star Wars Trilogy. LOTR & The Dark Knight trilogy benefitted from a singular vision, but maybe, because the Tower saga is so vast (and this project a huge commitment for a single director) mixing it up would be beneficial.

I’m not anti Ron Howard, I think he’s talented & intelligent, but I see where many are skeptical. I do, however, feel that if he has the passion for these books to commit to this & can get some studio to pull it’s head out of it’s backside, that people may discover that perhaps, this was his KA, and could be the best work of a long and varried career (think Arrested Development, Willow & Backdraft) then compare those to A beautiful Mind, Frost Nixon & The andy Griffith Show. Howard’s not a one trick pony.

Though I’ll never forgive Abrams for crying off….

neverwell19 – September 23rd, 2012
But HERE is where we start!

An animated PG “Wind Through The Keyhole” (the story within a story, within a story..The Tim Stoutheart tale!

It would be simple, and easy to budget, an appetizer & way to garner intrest in the series. My daughter is 9 & is fascinated with it. I have the audio book & now every car trip of any length with my daughter she asks me to play that! I’m a proud proud papa! She also points out the number 19 any time it pops up, & loves the words “yar” & “jing jang”

Back to the point… Wind Through The Keyhole is a great, relatable, exciting and touching tale of a young boys coming of age/adventure story with magic, peril, faries, dragons and strong life themes. a 90 minute or 2 hour animated feature could be an amazing piece of cinema, a way for King to reach an audience that otherwise isn’t ready for most of his work, and generate buzz ana awareness of “The Dark Tower”

LD & PN

neverwell19 – September 23rd, 2012
Watched Rango the other day and an animated Clint Eastwood has a small part. Got me thinking, if the Dark Tower was made into an animation movie like Avitar then Clint could be Roland and Midworld would be brought to life. Just a thought

dave93200 – September 24th, 2012
hearing a lot of good ideas, i also hope hollywood is reading these, heres my two cents.

Shia Lebeouf is a horrible choice, i myself, a multi-decade, several re-read tower lover may even cryoff myself if that garbage was to blemish the beauty of mid-world. after reading this whole thing i have to agree with most however, viggo as roland. aaron paul as eddie zoe saldana as susannah(can zoe be racist enough to pull off Detta Walker?) and i absolutley LOVE the idea of eastwood as Calahan, Perfect nod. as for jake, jake should be a no name, not too young, not too old, the biggest problem for casting will be jack cause you gotta remember that time is thin in mid world, so our cute little 12 year old boy never ages, so they may have to use several jakes.

i also believe that it should be a movie and not a series, because, if really for no other reason, after all this is said and done and the wheel has turned, say thank ya, than to sit in the house on a day off and go “you know what? i wanna watch the tower today” and just sit there for the next 12-16 hours and enjoy a truely grand epic(come on you know you’ve done it with The Stand and LOTR) and thats simpley not possible with a series, too often i sit down for the long haul and decide to re-watch an entire series in nearly back to back procession, and i usually end up being so t.v.d out that i dont even finish it(usually week two our three). well thats my rant for the day. oh, wait. smoking, i dont smoke, but they better not P.C. up the f ilms and take that element out of it(face it there were many scenes dedicated to the topic not to mention it helped others along as well) now im rambling, i cry pardon, Gunslinger, long days and pleasant nights. may we meet again in the clearing, at the end of the path.

tommyknocker388 – September 25th, 2012
I am going to go the other way on one point. I disagree that it has to be on HBO, Showtime, or any premium cable channel. I think FX or AMC would be just as good, get a larger audience, and be able to work with an unconventional story like the Dark Tower. As to casting, there are many good actors that would work, though if I had my choice, it would Hugh Jackman, mostly because he looks so similar to Clint Eastwood that they could play old and young if needed.

Doc – September 25th, 2012
Marvel puts out the D.T. graphic novels.. Marvel has thier own studio.. (are you following me here?) imagine cutting overpaid actors out of the budget, and replacing them with the most amazing artists in the world! Bad acting can ruin a great story.Imagine Dark Tower animated! Im not talking about kid stuff here. Im talking about visuals and scenes that will not be limited by an actors range. Like Afro Samurai. Like what Heavy Metal would have been had it been made now!?!? Yes/no? Just a thought.

John turner – September 27th, 2012
Josh Turner, you took the words out of my mouth…. or fingers since im typing not talking… Why doesn’t Marvel Studios pick this up? Animated or live action. They have talent for both. Has anyone taken a look at the Marvel / King comic N.? And for live action look at the graphics for Thor or Iron Man. Or any part of The Avengers with The Hulk. Its time Marvel makes a more brutal/darker movie.

I still think an HBO series would be sweet but Doc does have a point saying AMC could do it.

Aaron Jones – September 27th, 2012
@ Tommyknocker: Agree, I hate Shia, sorry, I’ve tried hard to like him & just don’t, so I’m with ya!~ also, don’t apologize, you had several good points, especially about smoking. I hadn’t thought of that! I recently quit, but I can’t imagine Roland without his rolled smokes in his gunna!

The Marvel point is also very interresting! I’ve read the graphic novels since the first series. Grabbed all 6 at Comic-Con in Chicago a few years ago & think they’re insredible! Jae Lee nails Mid-World & I hope that if he’s not brought in to consult or design, then the design team needs to wallpaper their walls with his artwork for inspiration. (King clearly likes him! He was comissioned to do Wind Through The Keyhole, afterall!)

I mentioned an animated “Keyhole” feature, but really want to see Roland’s saga live-action, but before John’s post it had never crossed my mind that Marvel Studios (who just released one of the best & certainly highest grossing fantasy/action films of all time could get involved in this!)

neverwell19 – September 27th, 2012
Re: Marvel Studios, Disney bought them out, so they are now a subsidiary of a huge enterprise - one that’s steeped in children-themed tales, etc. I’m not saying that it’s not do-able, of course; Marvel just has its own treasure trove of material from which to work, and they seem to prefer that, as opposed to teaming up with an outside source of material, a la King’s brand.

Maestro208 – September 28th, 2012
I keep hearing people say they want the series to go the animation route. I just can’t get on board with that. To me it would take away from the humanity of the series. Maybe because I have never been big into animation, Watership Down being the only exception. I want to see this live action all the way. I still vote for 9-12 feature films. I know it would be a massive undertaking, but I think it would be worth it. Or they could do the whole series on HBO. I don’t think that this series would be done justice if it was on FX or AMC. I am referring to the more adult related content such as with Susannah in the speaking ring. Anyway, just my two cents.

Aimee – September 30th, 2012
Not a bad point, but Disney owned touchstone in the 80’s which released plenty of adult films. Marvel has always been, for the most part, all age appropriate, but there’s validity to and an audience for their adult themed comics.

Though at this point, we’ve heard noting at all for over a month, this project should be worthy of at least bi-monthly updates.

Despite the fact that we all have different ideas regarding casting & format, we’re all in agreement that if this is done well, it could be absolutely amazing, but done wrong could be dischordia incarnate.

I’ve been following this since JJ Abrams had it years ago… I’m getting a little worried & frankly a little disgusted. Somebody out there has the means & vision to do this. I’ve grown weary of exciting news, followed by dashed hopes & months of nothing. Sorry for that little rant, but I’m curious to see if anyone else out there feels the same?

neverwell – September 30th, 2012
I was waiting for someone to nominate Anson Mount, Sandman is right. He’s got the bombardier eyes, and proven role acting in Hell on Wheels.

Snowmelt – September 30th, 2012
Timothy Olyphant as Roland

Oye – September 30th, 2012
@Neverwell, Like you I have been following this for many years. I am also getting tired of getting my hopes up, only to have them dashed. I am really wanting more news updates. Has anyone heard anything new? This site does seem to be a bit slow putting out the latest updates.

Aimee – September 30th, 2012
Dark Tower as an anime? Has this ever been suggested?

Proto – October 1st, 2012
@Aimee, Thank God & The Man Jesus, someone out there feels me! lol! I was beginning to feel a bit like John “Jake, son of Elmer” Chambers, losing his mind on the streets of New York in some unknown where & when!

However, I don’t REALY fault this site as much as I fault a lack of anything in general going on. One can not report what isn’t happening or what they don’t know. small blaine voice…“but I do think a site (dud a chum dud a chee) dediacted to Dark Tower Movies could try a bit harder to find us scraps from the table without becomming the National Enquirer”

did you hear something????

@ Proto, Yeah, man, it’s been discussed. Aside for my mission to get people on board for an animated “Wind through The Keyhole” feature, many have stated quite well the many pros to having this movie done in an Anime fashion.

As for my 2 cents worth (as a fan of Anime) if this happens (with the right conceptual artists & voice actors) it could very well be an extremely effective medium for Tower lore, but REALLY want to see this live action. I personally won’t put either medium down, or praise one over the other for this project (can we have both?!?!)…but if I were to make any argument for one or the other (budget considerations aside), I’d go for live action….BECAUSE, the Marvel graphic Novels get The Tower as close to real as any non-live action medium could get it.

Cry pardon, I’ve gone on a mite here…. time is a face on the water…

LDPN

neverwell19 – October 2nd, 2012
@Neverwell, not lately, but there have been several times when I have read updates on other sites long before they were posted here. If I hear anything new, before this site posts, I will share, say true.

Aimee – October 2nd, 2012
Thankee, Sai.

LDPN

neverwell19 – October 2nd, 2012
Timothy Olyphant as Roland Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Eddie Zoe Saldana as Odetta /Detta Please not Marvel look at how they ruined Spider-man with those first three films. Not to mention Punisher and both Hulks. Does anyone remember the Fantastic Four. They can’t stay true to their own material!

Michael – October 5th, 2012
I love Zoe Saldana as Susannah :) I also do not want Marvel anywhere near these films. I like Levitt for Eddie. Can’t really find the right person for Jake. Any ideas?

Aimee – October 5th, 2012
Facebook post from The Dark Tower Series:

“In fact, when one quests for the Dark Tower, time is of no concern at all.”- SK

Interesting timing, given this discussion, no?

LD & PN

Maestro208 – October 6th, 2012
The dark tower rules. Movie should be 5 separate movies. Peter Jackson to Direct Liam Neeson as Roland Edward Norton as Eddie Jada Pinket Smith as Susannah Jake ??? Some brilliant 11 year old actor Oy voiced by Frank Oz Blaine voiced by Pierce Brosnan Rhea Pearlman as Rhea Many more to think about…..

Hard calibre – October 7th, 2012
Good point about The Fantastic Four, Spider Man trilogy & the first Hulk movie, but they seem to be learning from their mistakes, slowly but surely. At any rate, the powers that be keep spinning their wheels and I really don’t have any clue what’s left out there since Universal & WB both turned it down.

neverwell19 – October 7th, 2012
What about Clive Owen as Roland? Woody Harrelson as the Tick Tock man? Clint Eastwood as Pere Callahan? Robbie Coltrane (hagrid) as Cort?

Hard calibre – October 8th, 2012
In my mind’s eye when I picture Roland Deschain and hear his voice I picture Karl Urban. He has a naturally grim expression and has the gravelly voice (similar to Eastwood) that for Roland. Just my opinion.

Brandon – October 12th, 2012
Also, I thought that Joseph Gordon Levitt would make a good wise cracking Eddie Dean. Rutina Wesley from “True Blood” would make a perfect Susanna, especially when she flips to Detta Walker. James Cromwell I see as Pere Callahan. Michael Chiklis as Cort. Sean Bean as Stephen Deschain. Cillian Murphy as Walter O’dim (the man in black).

Brandon – October 12th, 2012
This isn’t new DT news, but I thought it was interesting.

http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Aaron-Paul-Wants-Play-Eddie-Dean-Stephen-King-Dark-Tower-33523.html

LD&PN

Aimee – October 13th, 2012
Am I the only one to see Tim Curry playing Gasher?

Aimee – October 13th, 2012
@Amiee That’s pretty awesome that he’s a fan and wants to play Eddie. Hopefully this creates the buzz that sparks the momentum this project needs to get rolling

Aloenam – October 14th, 2012
@Aloenam, that was my first thought when I read it. I hope this will draw attention to the films, and show the studios that this project is worth the time, energy and money :)

Aimee – October 14th, 2012
Finally! Thanks, Aimee. Way to spot that. I’m elated that Aaron Paul actually WANTS to play Eddie; now his selection is more than just an idealistic pipe dream for us. :)

As far as Roland goes, regarding the “known” actors, it will take a lot more than just a guy who’s played a badass wearing a cowboy hat in a film or two. The eternal question, unless a no-name actor comes around and knocks our socks off, which would be perfect, a la “LOST”.

LD & PN

Maestro208 – October 15th, 2012
Aimee, how do you mean it isn’t new DT news? I think it’s an absolutely amazing piece of new news! In fact, it’s the most interesting thing I’ve read on this page in a looong long time. I sort of lost hope for this. But if Aaron actually tweeted that, it could mean there still is hope! Thank you for posting that, it brightened my day!

This is probably overblown wishfull thinking, but what if; they actually are going through with this and, say MRC is the company pushing it forward. What if his tweet is just a brilliant marketing scheme for getting more publicity to this whole matter? And since Lindeloef was mentioned, what if they got him to rewrite it. He certainly has got a lot of attention lately due to Prometheus. In fact, didn’t he say something in an interview about probably not participating in the writing of the sequel to Prometheus? Maybe this could be why?

Im probably completely off track here, but I thought my thoughts could be worth mentioning.

LD&PN

Dida-chick? – October 16th, 2012
I’ve watched and read, keeping my comments to myself since I couldn’t agree with any choices to play ole’ dark, tall and ugly, especially since we need two actors who can look similar enough to be younger/older versions of the other. Then I saw this: http://www.wwtdd.com/enlargedimage/?back_to=/2012/10/jessica-biel-and-justin-timberlake-are-getting-married-this-week/attachment/144008057/&postid=1130372 and thought to myself, “hmmm, he looks like Gary Sinise in that picture……Gary Sinise…hmmm..Gary Sinise could pull off a middle aged and older Roland.” Thoughts?

Whiskey Dick – October 17th, 2012
Whooeee. Quite a list of cast suggestions. Some interesting. Some I found to be a little…askew, shall we say? I agree with those that have said you will need fairly big names to draw the crowd you will need to see this thing through. It’s all about the ensemble on this one. Everyone will have to be able to carry their own water. The only ones I saw that were listed that i believe might do it and could do it are Bale, Daniel Craig, and my choice Viggo. Eddie…Aaron Paul, Joseph Gordon Levitt are nice. Maybe James Franco is my favorite. That guy possesses the humor and sallow junky look but is so sympathetic. Everyone loves Zoe for susannah. I like Naomie Harris too. Randall Flagg. Willem Defoe, or Gary Oldman? This would be a tough movie to make succesfully…It’s a lot of material.

Cuthbert's All Good – October 18th, 2012
Not touched on so much and a bit off topic maybe, but I think the soundtrack that goes along with the movie is very critical to its success as well.

Maybe something like Joel Nielsen’s work on his website. More precisely his work on the track “Being Human” and the “Black Mesa OST.”

The guy has some very good skill on a broad spectrum and given the chance, he could do great things.

PW – October 25th, 2012
something i forgot to add last time, and i notice people have been thinking about it. Clancy Brown to play cort. how awesome would that be? we already know he’s a King fan.

Tommyknocker388 – October 26th, 2012
Would just like to point out that all those Marvel movies mentioned were not in any way created by Marvel. Marvel Studios has only been responsible for all movies connected to The Avengers. Marvel has been in a mad dash to reacquire the film rights to many of their babies since starting Marvel Studios, and have recently done just that with (don’t quote me on this) I believe Punisher and Fantastic Four. I think that would be a very interesting Studio to helm the project, however with it barely being the start of Phase 2 of the Avengers films (5 or 6 have been announced to be released over the next 3 years)I feel they would not be able to provide the required focus as of yet. Also, casting, being such a big topic to tackle, is definitely important. I would like to throw in the vote for the kid from Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close as Jake. I thought he showed some promise. Though he would likely be too old by the time any progress begins. And I believe this has been mentioned before in other threads, but we need to remember that casting Roland actually requires casting different ages. Technology and makeup can handle some of this, but there will need to be at least 2 actors chosen to play Roland throughout his life.

Robin, son of Robert – October 29th, 2012
Soundtrack is another key aspect. I totally feel it should be scored and not flooded with awful unrelated songs. Albeit, there are some required tracks (i.e. Hey Jude and others) and I’d also like to mention an amazing band that really compliments DT. Murder by Death. If you’ve never heard of them I wouldn’t be shocked. Look them up on YouTube. Specifically the tracks Three Men Hanging and Until Morale Improves, The Beatings Will Continue. Listen, tell me what you think. I truly think their entire catalog screams DT thematically.

Robin, son of Robert – October 29th, 2012
I think Josh brolin would make a good roland

gemini – November 9th, 2012
Warmer Bros will kick themselves later. If these movies are made right like the books are written it will be one of the biggest series ever made. It’s easily one of the two best sci-fi fantasy series ever written. All of the books were best sellers and critically acclaimed.

Aaron – November 16th, 2012
Ok,time for me to weigh in: Just started re-reading the DT series, and out of curiosity a trail of digital breadcrumbs lead me to this discussion.

Unfortunately, the Machinations of Money and the Modern Media dictate what many of you seem to affirm, that such an ambitious project requires a Big Name Actor to draw the audience and gross needed to justify its budget and scale . Fears of Marvel, Disney, Ron Howard, or whoever are well justified, because “Hollywood” has a proven track record of RUINING movie adaptations time and time again. Not just Stephen King’s works, either, as your above examples have cited. And while LOTR was a very admirable exception to this sad reality (Great job, Peter Jackson!!), I fear the Hobbit is going to absolutely SUCK, based on what I’ve seen of the dwarves’ treatment. Both Spiderman and Batman franchises have been BUTCHERED beyond belief, leaving me to wonder how these powerful decision makers can even plan their daily lives when they seem to be so short sighted. Hell, even Lucas blew it. Yes I do hope the “powers that be” are reading this. I could continue with these examples, but back to the matter at hand: Roland, The Tower, and Stephen King’s masterfully written epic.

I vote for a No Name actor who I know is out there, who would surely rise to be “the right fit” for the role. Personally, seeing well known actors often cheapen the magic of a story by their commercial presence. And, when Star Wars came out, none of those actors were familiar to me, which I think enhanced the STRANGENESS and MAGIC of the film. Stephen King’s DT epic, and arguably most of his works, have a strangeness that deserves to be honored. I do agree if it can’t be done “right”, with passion for the story first, it shouldn’t be done at all.

Having said that, if a big name actor had to be cast, my First choice for Roland (among the options suggested by you all) would be Hugh Jackman. Seacond choice, VIGGO.

FORGET Liam Neeson, FORGET Russel Crow, DEFINITELY forget Christian Bale. Clint Eastwood woulda been great, but he is too old for the role. I liked the suggestion of him as a cameo, though!

As far as Ron Howard is concerned, I agree with neverwell19’s comment from sept. 23rd. His passion may be all he needs to pull it off. If Stephen King’s team invested their faith in him, that would be enough for me.

Funny how no one mentioned Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez. Those two each have a bizarre signature that I think is compatible with the strange and dark flavors of this story. Although, I admit its epic proportions are perhaps too much for those guys to handle. Still, I see some compatibilities.

Lastly, I do like the idea of it as an animated story, in whole or even in part. Imagine some of the stories as told from the characters’ points of view were done in this style ala Kill Bill, or Natural Born Killers. I gotta say though, I don’t care for the drawing style of most of the anime productions, or the voices. Too Cheap and formulaic.

jP

jPgunz – November 30th, 2012
I am on the verge of reading the whole DT series again. The only problem with TDT is trying to decide which is the greatest saga ever written, TDT or Asimov’s Foundation Series. For me, I think Foundation pips it by a half %.

Like many of you on here, while reading it the first time the only actor I ever saw playing Roland was Eastwood. But he is getting on a bit so Brolin would be my next choice.

And like many of you I am so frightened at the thought of a masterpiece of penmanship being butchered into an awful movie. How many of you read The Running Man and thought, “Who could possibly read that book and then make THAT movie?”

The same goes for The Langoliers, one of my all time favourite King books of all time, but it just looked cheap in movie form and didn’t capture any of the atmosphere of the story!

And for all of you have who haven’t read Foundation, if its the only story you ever read for the rest of your life then it will be well worth it.

Lucas definitely read it…..before he plaugarised half of it into Star Wars!!!

Damo – December 13th, 2012
I’m glad someone is looking into this right away. WB is probably missing out.

HBO…that would be almost perfect. A movie you get two hours, maybe three. But a series…much more time to add the details of the story. HBO did an amazing job with Game of Thrones, another favorite series of mine.

Guys…to play Roland we need Viggo Mortenen. He is perfect for the role, the looks, the acting ability.

Ragnar – January 18th, 2013
I really hope the series goes on film. I wish it would have been made 10-15 years ago so that Clint Eastwood could have played Roland. The most important thing is that they have enough episodes to depict the novels accurately. Anyways, as far as actors, here are my picks:

Hugh Jackman - Roland Aaron Paul - Eddie Chandler Riggs - Jake Zoe Saldana - Susannah

TheMovieIsKaLikeTheWind – March 2nd, 2013
Screw a movie, make it a big budget series like Game of Thrones.

Aidan Chavasse – March 21st, 2013
Ok Ka-tet, listen up. Some names for thought.

Eddie Dean- Sure, Dicaprio is a sound choice but he’s getting old, Joseph Gordon-Levitt fares well, but I kinda want to punch him in the face. I choose Jared Padalecki, from supernatural.

Susannah Dean- Perhaps the easiest to cast, you could even dye Beyonce’s hair black and… haha joking. I choose Halle Berry, cause she’s older than Eddie. Plus she’s hot, legs or no legs.

The boy Jake- Again, not to sweat over this one . I choose Joel Courtney from Super 8 (a dude suggested this on youtube and I agree).

And finally. Roland of Gilead- Not Russel Crow, not now, not ever. Not even if he funds the movie himself. Jackman, Neeson, and the batman guy are ok but more in the area of “meh…”. So I choose Jim Caviezel. Yes the “Jesus” Jim Caviezel. Other than Clint the God, his is the face I picture now that I’ve started re-reading DT.

Directed by Robert Rodrigez like jPgunz suggested above. And I’ll die a happy man.

Lymbe – April 2nd, 2013
It has to be a series. Way too much would be lost, no matter how many movies they made. I can’t wait….

Jennifer – June 18th, 2013
This should be an HBO series because there is so much in the books. I like the idea of Russle Crow as Roland. Hopefully they can follow with this.

Dusty – November 17th, 2013