Dark Tower Movie is Not Dead

Jun 21, 2011   By: Michael | #Brian Grazer  #Cast  #Javier Bardem  #Ron Howard  #Universal  

A few days back we heard a rumor that Ron Howard may walk from the Dark Tower project but in a recent interview, he says nothing of the sort.

The interview is mostly about Ron Howard and Brian Grazer’s 25 year partnership as Imagine Entertainment, but about half-way in there’s a small conversation about the movies and where things stand. In short, production still looks to be going ahead (in March) and with Howard at the helm.

Ron Howard still retains his earlier enthusiasm for Stephen King’s DT universe and justifies his involvement saying, “if you’re not out there taking some risks, if you’re just coasting along with your wins, then you’re not really trying.”

But it’s these risks, and that Howard was trying a “bold attempt to fast track” the start date (due to weather concerns – whatever that means), that forced Universal to be cautious and want to tighten up on the budget. Howard wouldn’t provide any hard numbers on what cuts he was asked for but did say, “Without putting a number on it, the cuts aren’t that deep or that radical.”

The last question Deadline asked Ron Howard in regards to the Dark Tower was, “Is Javier Bardem set to play the main gunslinger Roland Deschain?”

“Nobody is pay or play but he has said he wants to do it. We’ve spent a lot of time together. He’s fascinated by the character and has great instincts for Roland. I’m hoping when we go, he’s available and will join us.”

Bardem was never fully signed for the role, it only got as far as his agent “putting the finishing touches on the deal”.

Timing is always critical on such projects and if Bardem gets offered another interesting part before the green light, then Howard will not get his man.

The full interview transcript is available over at Deadline.

177 responses

Ka is a wheel. If Ka wills it, it will happen.

Aimee – June 21st, 2011
Ron has forgotten the face of his father. He is an agent of dischordia, needs another director stat! Hopefully Javier will get another offer b/c he aint my Roland. At this rate Zoe Saldana or Halle Berry will be Susannah… It’s looking as if I am not supposed to see the film; instead I shall re-read the books and be satisfied. But if Ka wills… Long days and pleasant nights everyone

Dion – June 22nd, 2011
Hile Aimee & Dion, WOW!!! What a Charlie the choo-choo ride we have going on this project. My head is swimming by Gan. It’s almost time to sit back and see where the ride takes us. This has definitely been an up and down deal. But, as most of us DT freaks have been saying “If Ka wills it”. WWWWEEEEEEEEE!!!

And to hear this side note about Javier is very interesting. It’s going to be getting us all back into who is going to be who. I hope everyone has a decent day and Long days and pleasant nights.

Gunslinger9teen – June 22nd, 2011
Just a question. If Javier who I think is a wonderfully talented actor; but like Dion “he aint my Roland”. If he does happen to be Roland. Do they make contacts in Bombardier Blue? Thankee Sai in advance.

TowerJunkie – June 22nd, 2011
@Gunslinger9teen, hello Ka mate. Yes we will always argue about who should be Roland. You can’t make everyone happy all the time lol. How are things on your side of the beam?

Aimee – June 22nd, 2011
Hmm… the omniscient ocean that is Ka, keeps ebbing and flowing; shaping the landscape and mind states of all… in some ways its a relief that the project is not dead and buried (i do ache for a film adaptation before i have grandchildren); and if indeed - the budget cuts are not as extensive as first conjectured (more like grazes or bruises), then this is good news! One also wants to see a thorough adaptation - so pushing the filming back to March might not be so detrimental (and could be a blessing in disguise actually, as it gives RH more time to see that Tim Olyphant is better suited in the role of Roland). Not that i’m dead against Bardem - it could well indeed work, or it could be as convincing as Sean Connery as a 16thC Spaniard with a Scottish-drawl! I am also (rather nervously) wondering where Clint Howard will end-up in this franchise - perhaps as Walter O’Dim (heaven forbid!); or Calvin Tower, surely he cant be cast as Pere Callahan? In any case, Ka is a perilous precipice indeed! LD&PN

Unique Mahogahknee – June 22nd, 2011
@ Aimee Hile Ka mate. The beam is strong and the clouds are following the beam…just like they should. Say thankya big big. All this hoopla has been depressing and exciting at the same time. I don’t have a strong preference on who will actually make this happen. Like I’ve stated before, Make it accurate as possible, cast the right people and make it the best it possibly can be. We ALL love the quest and the story. We are the tet of DT freaks and we have expectations.

Whether those expectations will be met is up to Ka. The rest is out of our hands. I’ve wondered if RH or Sai King have been here to read our comments. I would like to think ( but probably not) that they have been and maybe find some interest in what we uber-fans have been writing.

Once again…Long days and pleasant nights to all the Ka-tet of DT freaks.

Gunslinger9teen – June 22nd, 2011
I don’t know if Javier is Roland

I expect Roland to appear wise, full of grace with aged and rugged good looks Javier is kind of awkwardly large boned, large-headed, and fat faced. Doesn’t look 100% caucasian either, as blue eyed roland must be. He’s also younger than I’ve imagined Roland, while travelling to the tower with his ka.

But you never know, a real actor (not will smith) has the ability to become a completely different person; completely unrecognizable. e.g. Gary Oldman from Lee Oswald, to Dracula, to Commissioner Gordon.

Personally, I don’t have the artistic imagination to create Roland. But your admiration for Roland is the main reason you keep up with the story. And I just don’t think Javier is likable. Whoever has Javier in mind has missed a lot of the story

JET – June 22nd, 2011
@Gunslinger9teen, Your welcome. I often wonder if either or both read the comments we post on here. If they were smart they would lol :) Long days and pleasant nights.

Aimee – June 22nd, 2011
Would’ve gone through twice as much to find the truth that Tom Hanks is the leader of the low men

bangoskank19 – June 23rd, 2011
And as much as ron Howard is not my favorite director look at the detail of the Vatican in Angels and Demons

bangoskank19 – June 23rd, 2011
It was built from scratch

bangoskank19 – June 23rd, 2011
@Unique I like that you’ve brought up Clint Howard. I think he would make a great Gasher.( Aye cully!). As far as Tom Hanks goes, maybe Ted Brautigan or NOT even associated with this project is my belief. I still think Timothy Olyphant would make a decent Walkin’ Dude. I am once again near the end of #7 and have quite a few images running thru my head of bit parts. When Roland goes to the Tet corporation. That part always chokes me up.

Long days and pleasant nights DT freaks.

Gunslinger9teen – June 23rd, 2011
Well, this whole thing has largely been created by our own excitement to see this thing on the big screen, etc., and it’s still in the talking stages on “their” end. All just talk and rumors at this point, and I hope to see it completed some day. Of particular interest to me: “[Javier’s] fascinated by the character and has great instincts for Roland.” I can see this, for sure, and that conflicts with the anti-Javier Bardem arguments, but I’m hoping for a successful transformation if it is, indeed, him in our beloved Roland’s role.

Maestro208 – June 23rd, 2011
@Maestro208: Not that anyone cares, but my life is pretty plain and repetitive, day in, day out kinda thing. So I am excited about this. It may be a way off, but it’s something to look forward too. This story is one of only a few that I have really been into.(besides the other DT related books and stories.)

I was going thru some of my collectable stuff last night and stumbled upon a Graphic novel type concordance book that gives definitions and drawings of the Can-toi, Low men, vampires. The locations and descriptions of Fedic, The Calla, and Thunderclap among others. I didn’t even know I had it. Say thankya BIG BIG. lol

Gunslinger9teen – June 23rd, 2011
@TowerJunkie: No they don’t make contacts in Bombardier Blue. LOL LD & PN

Dion – June 23rd, 2011
@Gunslinger9teen, that is so awesome :) I know how you feel about everyday being repetitive. My son has autism so we have to stay on a strict schedule every day. It is very repetitive. With 3 children the only time I ever really get to escape is when I am reading. That’s what really drew me to these books. What an amazing world to escape to.

Aimee – June 23rd, 2011
just a thought, but morgan freeman as the old black dude in the tet corporation? hes so cool!!!

Sam – June 23rd, 2011
People should watch this YouTube rant about Hollywood, it’s all about the dark tower and at the mountains of madness:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZ4R3e4yZGU

Donk – June 23rd, 2011
I don’t remember the character’s name, but I think if Clint Howard has to make an appearance, he should be the Child of Roderick guy in Algul Siento (the guy who gets all excited about the booger-filled tissue he plans to give to his sweetheart).

The Walkin' Dude – June 23rd, 2011
@aimee- My cousin who turned me on to these books also has a son with autism and its kinda funny because sometimes she calls him Sheemie (very lovingly I might add). He’s a great kid and sometimes in some ways he seems to know more about the “hidden” world around us than most people I know. Don’t know why I felt like I should share this but it seemed like a neat coincidence or maybe ka speaking out of turn again. Just want to say God bless you and your family and long days and pleasant nights :-)

Pokes23 – June 23rd, 2011
Glad to hear everything is still moving along! While I can understand peoples still unpleasant feeling about Javier playing Roland, you should try watching him in Biutiful (Spanish language). Slow movie, but he really is a great actor, with some serious range.

But enough of that! I was talking to my mother about the movies, and told her what I hope they do (though it will never happen!) (Possible spoiler alert!). I thought it would be great if they made the movies as the last iteration of the Gunslingers story. Him having the horn. This would give them some freedom in how the story unfolds on screen while still staying within the DT universe. Things could be different (within limits), but that would be expected (and even welcome), but it would still feel like one “complete” story. I don’t know. Just a thought of what could be!

George – June 23rd, 2011
@The Walkin’ Dude: Killer call Sai. Wouldn’t need much sfx make-up. lol Hell, what am I saying…I’m an ugly bugger myself by Gan.

Here’s something I was not aware of. “Everythings Eventual” the actual story, is about Dinky Earnshaw. Funny, because I read “Little sisters of Eluria” just recently. I really love the “ka” thread that runs thru so many SK books. I keep reading his books and finding little clues and signs through out.

Gunslinger9teen – June 23rd, 2011
I agree with most, Bardem is an excellent actor, just not an excellent Roland. Josh Brolin would be a much better actor for the spot.

My biggest concern is that they don’t cut to much from the story already told to fit into what they feel is acceptable for movie time sake, ie the TV Mini series the Stand or better yet the Harry Potter movies. But if ka wills it so it will be

Bishop127 – June 23rd, 2011
@Pokes23, thankya big big for the warm wishes. I love that she calls him Sheemie. Most people would find that an insult. I find it to be a compliment. Maybe it is Ka speaking :) People like my son and her son often do seem to know more than the rest of us. @Gunslinger9teen, I have also noticed how so many things from the tower are also in other novels. In fact every Sai King book I have ever read contained some link to the tower. Either big or small.

Aimee – June 23rd, 2011
@aimee- yeah my cousin definitely has a “different” sense of humor but its all in good fun :-) So my buddy just had a good suggestion: How about Jack Nicholson for Walter/Marten/Flagg? The more I think about it the more I like it.

Pokes23 – June 23rd, 2011
Nicholson? Maybe 20 years ago, but he’s just too old now.

The Walkin' Dude – June 24th, 2011
@Pokes23, I love people who have a unique sense of humor :) I love Jack Nicholson. He is amazing. Don’t know if he really fits the part.

Aimee – June 24th, 2011
Come on people, Javier Bardem would (and probably will) make an awesome Roland. Hes got that Cherokee/Quaker look mentioned in the final book and his slightly Spanish accent would make a change from what everyone expects (a dude that sounds like someone from a western B movie). Also his eyes, if you notice his eyes in No Country for Old Men you’ll know what i mean. As for eye color, well there’s always contact lenses :). There is all this not to mention the fact that hes a sensational actor.

Dr Jones – June 24th, 2011
vitgo is the way to go for Roland and i think Sean William Scott or Paul Rudd for Eddie brandy for Susannah Hugh Laurie as Cort

joshb – June 25th, 2011
has anyone read full dark no stars? theres a major reference to both DT and it

joshb – June 25th, 2011
@Joshb, I have it, I just haven’t gotten to it yet.

Aimee – June 25th, 2011
I was talking to Aimee in Facebook, and came up with an idea…anyone want to post their favorite quotes and/or lines from The DT series? We could limit it to just spoken quotes, or let lines in that Sai King wrote…that is up to the room, do ya. If no one wants to pass the feather, let it be so. I will start with this one, from “Woves of the Calla”: from Deelie Estrada, after Susannah threw the plates…“But if that’d been a man, hear me, he’d be cutlets.”

WillDearborn – June 27th, 2011
@Will one of my favorites is, “There will be water if Ka wills it.” I am finding this to be extremely true in my life right now.

Aimee – June 27th, 2011
Excellent one, Aimee.

WillDearborn – June 27th, 2011
Ka is a wheel…like what we call “Karma”..what goes around comes around, never forget that, Sai

WillDearborn – June 27th, 2011
Don’t know if this is my favorite one but its a great overtone in the series, “Death, but not for you gunslinger.” - Walter. Ofcourse I like just about anything the Darkman says :-)

Pokes23 – June 27th, 2011
@joshb, Hugh Laurie as Cort? I know he is a very capable actor, but that is one of the worst casting ideas I’ve seen for any character yet. Cort is supposed to be short, muscular, and full of bad-assery. I don’t see any of those in House M.D. Heck, he’d make a better Roland (but he’s not right for that either). Pere Callahan maybe?

The Walkin' Dude – June 27th, 2011
Irene Tassenbaum: “Did that creature just say f**k?”

The Walkin' Dude – June 27th, 2011
“Go then there are other worlds than these”- Jake (sad) “I hate people, they F me up”- Jake (funny)

“It was the possibility of darkness that made the day seem so bright”- Susannah (inspiring)

Just a few of my faves…

Dion – June 27th, 2011
Still my fav-“The man in black fled across the desert and the gunslinger followed.” “God piises down the back of your neck everyday, he only drowns you once.”-Henry Dean, the eminent junkie.

And of course: I do not aim with my hand he who aims with his hand has forgotten the face of his father. I am with my eye.

I do not shoot with my hand, he who shoots with his hand has forgotten the face of his father. I shoot with my mind.

I do not kill with my gun, He who kills with his gun has forgotten the face of his father. I kill with my heart. Finally, “KILL THEM, KILL THEM ALL”

Gunslinger9teen – June 27th, 2011
Timothy Olyphant as Roland. Now there’s a great idea!

RipalDirge – June 27th, 2011
Those are all excellent quotes! @ the Walkin Dude..that quote came with perfect timing, in the middle of a tense situation, going out to try and save Stephen King…I like the one from Pokes too. Dion, those are classics, excellent lines! And Gunslinger9teen…your first quote is both the opening and closing line of the whole series (as you know). All I would add to your last one is the words “No Quarter!”

WillDearborn – June 28th, 2011
From “The Drawing of the Three”, when officers Delevan and O’Mearah were chasing Roland/Mort from Fat Johnny’s to Katz’s Drugstore: ‘What neither understood was that, when you were dealing with the gunslinger, it was usually better to leave bad enough alone”.

WillDearborn – June 28th, 2011
@WillDearborn: Yeah, forgot to add the “No Quarter” line but hit submit before I realized it. Cry Pardon Sai Dearborn. lol. The memory isn’t as sharp as it was…last week!

I believe I might have told Aimee this, but my next tattoo is the opening line tattoo’d as a continuous band on my arm. The wheel of Ka, if it please ya’.

Long days and pleasant nights. More palaver later. Say thank ya’ big big.

Hile to Aimee and all DT freaks. or if it please ya’…tower junkies.

Gunslinger9teen – June 28th, 2011
“First comes smiles, then comes lies. Last is gunfire.” “When the shooting starts, we kill what moves.”

I am reserving excitement about the possiblity of movies. I love the series to the point where I dont think movies will do the books any justice at all. I would like to see, however, how they would pull off 2 things: The house that Jake enters to get to Rolands world, love to see how they make the home crawl after him, and Blaine. The end of Wastelands and the beginning of Wizard and Glass is perhaps my favorite stretch of the books.

Well back to the Path Of The Beam with a popkin in hand.

jmichael – June 28th, 2011
“tower junkies” works for me…you say true, I say thankya

WillDearborn – June 29th, 2011
I wonder if how he (Ron Howard) will handle certain graphic or lewd aspects of the novel on TV? Or the theaters for that matter; to keep a wider audience and not lose some of the essence of the story?

Bird and Bear, and Hare, and Fish … Not just any ole pizza, but deep dish!

Littl'OleME – June 29th, 2011
From this day forward, we shall be referred to as “Tower Junkies”. Now I have to change my license plates.

@joshb: have not read that title yet. Still working my way thru Empathica. Also reading “Everything’s Eventual”, about Dinky Earnshaw.

Hile and may it do ya fine Tower Junkies…more palaver down the road. Long days and pleasant nights.

Gunslinger9teen – June 29th, 2011
Kris Kristofferson for Pere Callahan

Smtmz – June 29th, 2011
Or better yet, Clint Eastwood.

Smtmz – June 29th, 2011
I just want to say all you Tower Junkies make my day. <3 LD & PN

Dion – June 29th, 2011
Good news all around. I have no issue waiting. And I am content with Bardem. I think he will suprise most of you, who seem to be more “DT” nerds than “movie” nerds. Contacts and a dialect (similar to the process with LOTR) will correct many of your concerns.

It’s the combination of emotions, calulated coldness, and vunerlability that makes Bardem a great choice for this role.

Brian – June 30th, 2011
PS - Make a sub community within this website: “Tower Junkies” It will certainly grow.

Brian – June 30th, 2011
Well spoken Brian. I agree with it all. Ill wait if it means correct and more thorough. And I’m impatient. And I think he should go through with the horn in the movies

bangoskank19 – June 30th, 2011
@Smtz: Hile.I came up with the idea of Clint playing Pere awhile back. But I agree totally big big. I think he would fit the role to a “T”. I see Cort as a Big guy with handlebar mustache, 5 o’clock shadow. Old warrior garb, not the best smelling individual in Gilead. Maybe about 5’10-5’11. 200 to 250 pounds. Scars a plenty, and a busted up nose. NOW “Tower Junkies”, who pops into your skull for the role?

I personally like the end of the DT7. especially after the 10th time reading it. It actually gives me hope about the next time.

“junkies”-may your day be bright and enjoyable. say thank ya. Long days and pleasant nights. More palaver to come.

Gunslinger9teen – June 30th, 2011
Kurt Russel does an incredable and probably the best Clint. “Snake Plisken “ may as well have been Dirty Harry hes older now looks and sounds the part’“He has the Gunslinger stare. For FlaggwalterOdim im a bit suprised to see that “Ian Mcshane” hasnt been suggested he is smart scarey and likeable in the meaneast way Brian Mcavoy may make a good “Eddie Dean” oh i forgeot “Malkovitch” would be grade reading the Gunslingers fortune Flagg may need a few incarnations

Scott Stephens – June 30th, 2011
Hile Ka-Tet of the DT ;)

I feel compelled to weigh in, particularly due to my love of the series, but also because of my fear that this entire endeavor is likely to be compromised by Hollywood and its tendency to push profit over quality. I see the film/TV adaptation of this going sideways and throwing the wheels of Ka of their proper course. Snapping the last beam so to speak.

I would wager that what binds us to this tale, what ties us to Roland is the same fundamental aspects of the story. It’s the gritty, blunt, and visceral little nuances that make the story what it is and it’s also what made SK what he is. The problem arises when a studio cuts the fat and I would guess that they’ll do just that. With the DT saga each little snip here or there pulls too much out, makes the hard decisions mind boggling, pushes the violence towards baseless, and makes the seemingly nonchalant sacrifice into a simple case of I was using you as a means to an end while bypassing the depth of the wound it creates. We fell in love with Roland’s quest as we finally found the reason behind Roland. Everything up until the point demands explanation and I think the ‘budget cuts’ represent a loss of reason. As Ka-Tet we would recognize any lapses in the progression, but as Ka-Tet we must also suffer the pain of an adaptation that will be geared towards a broad audience. I’m fine with waiting, I’m fine with getting it right, but this series is a very strong R for me if done with the face of one’s father fresh in mind. I can see it going PG-13 in a heartbeat though simply for money.

As far as casting Roland, Bardem is an intriguing choice. Base his performance in No Country For Old Men as your only touchstone and I understand some apprehension, but sit down for The Sea Within (have to endure Spanish subtitles) or Biutiful and you start to see some fantastic potential and range. Olyphant I just can’t do, I can’t see it, he may have a look but his acting chops have always been less than impressive in terms of broad range, in Deadwood I thought perhaps the title was a jab at his lack of emotion, in Justified he’s just too much tough guy and not enough brooding confliction, and I just don’t know that I can handle a Roland that doesn’t have something more than dangerous behind his blue eyes.

Long days and pleasant nights all.

Vartis – June 30th, 2011
You know who I see playing Pimili Prentiss? The guy who played the Vegas cop who was Flagg’s security captain in “The Stand”. If you don’t know of Pimili Prentiss is, he runs the Security at Algul Siento in DT7. Thunderclap. Anyone know whom I am referring to?

@Scott Stephens: Malkovitch plays some pretty twisted characters. He would also play a great “Gasher” from Lud. Aye Cully? Not sure about Kurt Russell though. Long days and pleasant nights Tower Junkies. If it do ya’?

Gunslinger9teen – June 30th, 2011
Ian McShane has been mentioned several times for Walter/Flagg (but maybe not in this thread), and would certainly work nicely.

Flagg’s right hand man from The Stand (Lloyd Henreid) was played by Miguel Ferrer. It’s not really how I pictured Pimli, but it’s a fairly small part, so what the heck.

How about Joe Pantoliano for Enrico Balazar? He was Cypher in the first Matrix movie, and (for the rest of you older folken) Guido the Killer Pimp from Risky Business.

The Walkin' Dude – June 30th, 2011
Over and over the only one I see in my eye for. Flagg is Tom Waits…and if you watched the Killing the Guy who played Detective Holden (Joel Kinneman) might make a perfect Eddie. Aaron Paul from Breaking bad would be great but he’s not tall enough and he already Wrapped up in BB.

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/photopost/data/3026/Kill107JoelKinnaman.jpg

Is that Eddie or what…

bangoskank19 – July 1st, 2011
I say Viggo or no-go! Bardem can play Walter, that’d be cool.

Adam – July 1st, 2011
I must be the only one that would hate to see Viggo as Roland, and it has nothing to do with his role as Aragorn. He’s a good enough actor for it, but I just do not see him as Roland. And his voice is too nasally. I always imagine a more deep and commanding voice yelling “To me Gunslingers!”

The Walkin' Dude – July 1st, 2011
@The Walkin’ dude: Hile and say sorry for the confusion. Not Lloyd. He was the guy running the crew out at Nellis air force base and when Trash shows up in Vegas, he had the chicago/east coast accent. Wore a suit and tie. Not a big role at all. He was in maybe 3 scenes.

Gunslinger9teen – July 1st, 2011
Hmmm… I don’t remember what he looks like at all. BTW, has there ever been a more perfect casting than Matt Frewer as the Trashcan Man?

The Walkin' Dude – July 1st, 2011
here’s a more obscure line I’ve always enjoyed. “I guess this just ain’t Lord’s Prayer country” Brown in the Gunslinger. And I just want to say everytime I read what my fellow tower geeks have to say, it alway brightens my day. Long days and pleasant nights!!

The Lone Gunman – July 1st, 2011
@the Dude: I can think of no on else that could of played that role any better. I personally think the whole cast (except for Molly Ringwald) did a great job with their characters.

Gunslinger9teen – July 1st, 2011
I agree Walkin Viggo is just not right. He is a good actor just not as Roland, From my point of view. I cant tell why maybe its just he has to much emotion in his face to play Roland. We need some one with a mean stare. A haunted look to them. A face that looks like it has 1000 years of pain behind it . Thats what I imagine Roland looks like.

Tommy D – July 1st, 2011
Hile to all my fellow DT Junkies I say we are well met. Due to personal issues I have been away longer than I would have liked. I have been reading the comments I have missed out on. Too many to comment on. I love the openness of this forum, and the thoughts of others. Vartis made some very good points. I am afraid of seeing this as a PG 13 film, simply to attract more money. And I am afraid they will cut too much out so it appeals to a wider spectrum of people. I do not like the idea of Viggo being our beloved Roland. Long days and pleasant nights.

Aimee – July 1st, 2011
Yeah, there is no way the scene of Jake’s drawing in the Speaking Ring (where Susannah “takes one for the team”) makes it through a PG-13 rating.

The Walkin' Dude – July 1st, 2011
We are well met, here in the House of the Rose, my fellow DT junkies! I don’t like Viggo as Roland either. Clint Eastwood or Charles Bronson would be great, but both may be too old. Henry Fonda would have fit the bill perfectly, but he is deceased, do ya. Gone to the clearing at the end of the path. And I have not kept up with enough modern movies to offer a better choice. Thinking about the suggestion of Kurt Russell, though…a possibility there. jmichael…“first come smiles…” excellent quote there. “And it was true, God help them. Arthur Eld’s last deadly children, moving toward Calla Bryn Sturgis along the path of the Beam. Ka like a wind” The scene I most clearly envision is killing the Wolves…I can see them popping out of that ditch, and opening fire with guns and ‘Rizas. I only hope they do this right in Hollywood. Long days and pleasant nights, my friends

WillDearborn – July 1st, 2011
@willdearborn- that wolves scene would be awesome man. I could see it now…the camera keeps switching between the looks on the gunslingers faces and the dust cloud getting closer until all of a sudden 60 lightsabers ignite in unison. Talk about a fanboys dream! Doom bots with sneetches and lightsabers would be enough to pack the theaters alone.

Pokes23 – July 2nd, 2011
That’s why hollywood needs to get on the ball with these movies. There’s something special for almost all fans of pop culture in the series. Hell although King never comes right out and says it I always assumed that black thirteen was the same crystal ball from the LOTR trilogy.

Pokes23 – July 2nd, 2011
@ pokes it completely is….lotr is a universe on the beam without a doubt

bangoskank19 – July 2nd, 2011
Hile Amiee…good to see you again… I’ve traveled the beam myself, been todash, and found doors, willingly and unwilling entered them, but never have I actually been to a universe where these books came alive on the screen…it seems there are too many ifs…IF its done right…IF Javier is available at the right time…IF the first film and TV series do well…IF there is enough money…NO WAY IS THIS ANYTHING BUT R RATED…Its starts with a massacre in Tull and ends with were-spiders eating its mother and the first breaking of the Ka-tet in Algo Siento is as violent as it comes…Sue and Eddie making love for the first time cannot be insinuated…it must be shown for these are the things that show the bond…I fear that all our debate over who should play who is null and void as our chances of seeing this with more than our imagination is fair at best…I will not see a half assed version, I will skip it and keep to the movie in my head rather than have it tainted by half assed movies

bangoskank19 – July 2nd, 2011
Anybody checked to see if Universal’s got links to North Central Positronics lately?

I don’t like the sound of “budget cuts”. That sounds like a movie studio saying “Screw your budget, we don’t care if you’ve got fans, we want a quick and dirty movie out as soon as possible so we can get you off our backs.”

Saintheart – July 3rd, 2011
I’m from spain, but I think that Javier Bardem will not be a good Roland. I think that would be better chose an unkown actor, with face and body similar to The “real” Roland (he must look like clint Eastwood, at least just a little. XD).

Sorry for my English :S

Jorge – July 3rd, 2011
@Saintheart I agree. Do it right or don’t do it at all!

Dion – July 3rd, 2011
I’ve watched Biutifl and like I said before I think Javier is a brillant actor but I still do not see him as Roland. If only Clint were younger. I do like Viggo but he’s not going to sign on for another trilogy/t.v. series after lotr. So I’ve excepted that. But I can also see Michael Fassbender as Roland.

TowerJunkie – July 3rd, 2011
To be honest I thought the same thing. When I saw Michael in The Devil’s Whore, he kind of reminded me of Viggo, and we know he’s got the acting chops from Hunger, Jane Eyre and Inglorious Basterds. But for the people who don’t like Viggo, they probably won’t like him either. Plus he’s only just now starting to get the recognition, and he doesn’t have enough “star” power. This casting is probably not like with lotr where that kind of thing didn’t matter. Can’t please everyone. We all have our idea of Roland in our heads. I could see Viggo, but I could also see Hugh J. or Fassbender either way I do see the agents of discordia at work here, who knows if the film will even be made, especially since The Wind Through the Keyhole will add even more info. into the mix.

LD & PN T.junkies

Dion – July 3rd, 2011
Is he magneto in x-men? I think he gave the second best performance in Inglorious Basterds. That scene in the bar was incredible. But I just watched Deja Vu last night and Jim Cavezel (Jesus in passion of the christ) is my Roland. He could have the look. He has the passion combined with the dispassion, in just a look. He may be my new favorite actor…just catch a movie with him in it…tall lanky bombardier stare expression without expression…watch Deja Vu and pay attention to the interrogation scene with him and Denzel. He lets a single tear drop as he without regret in his voice talks about killing in the name of patriotism…and I saw Roland…Yo Ron Howard if you’re reading these, Jim Cavezal as Roland, Tom Waits as Flagg, Joel Kinneman from the Killing as Eddie…but I swear to Gan, follow in Gollum’s footsteps with Oy…Hile Gunslingers

bangoskank19 – July 3rd, 2011
@bangoskank19 Yes he’s magneto. But if you haven’t seen him in Hunger you aint seen nothing. And I too thought of Jim a while back. He definitely has the look, i’ve seen Deja Vu and he totally has it. But obviously Ron Howard has something else in mind. I think Joseph-Gordin Levitt would make a good Eddie, just the way I pictured him. So now for Susannah? If she’s not right, her character is going to look like a caricature whenever she’s Detta. I mean even now when I read her parts as Detta, I crack up. So that’s another character that will definitely get discussion going.

But if ka wills

Dion – July 3rd, 2011
@Saintheart I hear ya very well. I would rather have an unknown do it well, than a famous actor screw it up.

Aimee – July 4th, 2011
has anyone looked on the inside of DT7 with the picture of roland holding the watch you cant tell me that doesnt look like vitgo also new idea christpher llyoid as pere callahan.

joshb – July 5th, 2011
@joshb: “Eddie, we have to get back to 1999”. Sorry josh, just the first image that popped in my head when you mentioned Christopher Lloyd.

@Jorge: Hile and welcome to our tet. We are well met.

Hoping more palaver later “Junkies”. Long days and pleasant nights.

Gunslinger9teen – July 5th, 2011
The part that still freaks me the F*#K out is when Flagg gets caught by Mordred and he proceeds to get, basically, eaten alive. Gnarly. I have read the series so many times and yet, It’s still such a vivid image in my head. Yeah, that wouldn’t make a good PG-13 scene. I’m all up for “R” rating. But you do that and the TV series would more than likely have to be toned down. I don’t want some teen version of our favorite quest. Like alot of you ‘junkies’ have been saying, it would do better on Starz or HBO.

Gunslinger9teen – July 5th, 2011
John trivolta as walter, kevin costner( circa 1988 ) as roland, after that everything else is triviel.

joe leo – July 5th, 2011
@Joe Leo, I do not want to see John Travolta anywhere near this project. As for Kevin Costner as Roland, I would rather poke my eyes out with rusty spoons then to see him ruin it.

Aimee – July 6th, 2011
@Gunslinger9teen, Hile ka-mate, I love that part as well. Definitely one of my favorites. For the films to be any good, it would have to be rated R. Anything less, and our journey would be ruined, say thankya. @Jorge, welcome we are very well met. Do not worry about your English, it is fine. I have always seen a younger Clint Eastwood as Roland. I haven’t really seen Bardem in any films. I have No County for Old Men, but haven’t watched it yet. I think he would be a good Roland. And again I say Tim Curry for Gasher. The man knows how to play creepy.

Aimee – July 6th, 2011
if you really read the books ( the gunslinger most of all) walter is portrayed very much as a wise ass who thinks that he is far cooler then he really is. snickering he titers and darkles. think of the charicter of flagg in the stand mini series. walter is the same charicter, if you read the stand at the end flagg wakes up in midworld on the beach. flagg/walter should be played by an acter that has these qualities. think of traviolta in pulp fiction. If you have nevr considered Costner. I ask you to go back and look at some of his early films like silverado, post man or dances with wolves, In that film he is roland. I understan that he is far to old to portray that charicter now but I feel that it should be someone that has those kinds of stoik qualities.

joe leo – July 6th, 2011
@Aimee: Hile Ka-mate, Little dark and twisted response there, but I like it. I do have to admit that Kevin Costner does make a great gunslinger(but not our Gunslinger). He was great in Open Range. The scene were he asks one of the “bad guys” “Are you the one who shot my friend?” the guy responds by saying “yes I did, and I’d do it again” and Kevin Costner responds by shooting him in the head, point blank. Say thank ya big big.

Of course, I have said a couple of times here that Timothy Olyphant would serve well as Randall/Walter. Palaver later. Long days and pleasant nights.

Gunslinger9teen – July 6th, 2011
@Saintheart: As a matter of fact I have a North Central Positronics just down the street from my work. lol. And yes, I do think Universal is a subsidiary of NCP.

Gunslinger9teen – July 6th, 2011
am i the only person who thinks that robert englund who played freddy kruger would be perfict for the gasher.

joe leo – July 6th, 2011
@Joe Leo, I love Travolta’s character in Pulp Fiction. However In my opinion he just doesn’t feel right for any role in this series. As for Kevin Costner, he has a few descent roles, but I have never been a fan. And I can see him ruining the whole series. Every time I see him in a film I wonder how he keeps getting work. That’s just my opinion though. I am sorry if I insulted you, I just really don’t think either would be good for the series. But opinions are like asses, everybody has one. As for Gasher, there is really only one person that I can think of that I would like to see in that role, and that is Tim Curry. He played a serial killer in 2 episodes of Criminal Minds, and he was awesome. I could totally see him playing Gasher. Really wondering if anyone in the world agrees with me. LD&PN

Aimee – July 6th, 2011
no wories I was not insulted, I just read the books over and over for a long time now. And I am always surprised at how varried everyones opinions are when it comes to an epic like this one. it will be very dificult to pleas most fans reguardless simply because everyone sees the story from their own personal perspective. p. s. one of my favorite scenes is when eddy cant unlock the door drawn in the dirt cause he hasnt had the courage to finish the key. meanwhile jake is in our world facing off against the house guardien. at the same time suze is doing her best to rape back a demon that exists only to sexually assualt. Roland slaps eddy, and comands him to remember his fathers face. totally freakin epic! I so totally love the dark tower!

joe leo – July 7th, 2011
@Joe leo: You say true, sai. Thank ya’ Now as far as Gasher is concerned( and this goes back to your comment about varied fans ideas of who should be who) I still think Ron Howard’s brother, Clint, would make an excellent Gasher. He has that F’d up look about him. Big Big.

To all “junkies”: I’m in the middle of reading the main short story, everything’s eventual (from the book of the same name). It’s the back story of Dinky Earnshaw ( breaker from Algul Siento). Very interesting story so far.

Hile to ka’mate Aimee. Long days and pleasant nights to you “junkies.

Gunslinger9teen – July 7th, 2011
@Joe Leo, that is also one of my favorite scenes. I have to say Susannah is one of my favorite characters. Hile to my ka-mate Gubslinger9teen. Howards brother does have a f-ed up look about him. I still cast my vote for Tim Curry though. And I agree there is no way to make all the junkies happy. I wish there was though.

Aimee – July 7th, 2011
The TV series will not do any justice unless it is on a premium channel like stars or showtime.(which sucks that it is less available) It is a lovely violent and vulgar series. NBC are you kidding me?? Try imagining a p.g version of Spartacus or Dexter- they would suck for sure.

Stephen – July 8th, 2011
I always hear costners dry voice when I read rolands lines. Costner always had such a dried up almost emotionless way of delivering his lines. while at the same time still delivering a belivable performance. Mcshane from dead wood as walter is a pretty inspiered idea. Howards bro as the gasher might have unexpected power as he is an actor with a wealth of experience in both comedy and drama. both qualities of our friend the gasher. I would also consider hugh jack man as Roland. The drawing on the inside cover of book seven lookes just like him. not to mention the painting on the cover, Jackman could have modeled for that shot. I actually pictured Kevin sorbo as tic tok when I first read waste land. Last time i pictured Dolf lungren. Plus I like Kevin spacy as the voice of blane. How cool would that be?
I am such a huge fan of kings wrighting that I actually wrote a 135.000 word six gun and scorcery epic of my own. I am curently seeking publication for it. It is about two lost little boy brothers borne into a depleated neverland where they must survive the perils there. the story has dire wolves, demon posessed six guns, a morbidly obese gingerbread witch. and two little boys who weild the demon sixguns and cast the shadows of arch devils from the capitol city of hell itself, pandamoniem. I just loved the tower so much I wanted to continue the genra. Sorry didn't mean to digress just wanted to share my extreme love for the incrediable idioligy behind what Mr King has created.
joe leo – July 8th, 2011
Hile junkies! Its been awhile since I’ve been on here so I just comments on your posts. Aimee I love your idea of Tim Curry but not as Gasher. He would be great as Dandelo because he would basically be reprising his role as Pennywise from It. Actually I like the suggestion of Robert Englund for Our ol’ pal Gasher. I could see Kevin Costner as Steven Deschain but not Roland. And please NO travolta anywhere near this project. Still stand by Aaron Paul as Eddie. And finally I would like to suggest my nephew Creo as baby Mordred, kid has two teeth and is already trying to bite everyone and everything :-) @gunslinger9teen- just picked up Everythings Eventual myself, gonna start it as soon as I finish Full Dark, No Stars ( one of Sai Kings darkest books in a long time). Looking forward to reading Dinkys story and Little sisters of Eluria. Long days and Pleasant nights to all!

Pokes23 – July 8th, 2011
@joe leo, I love Kevin Spacey he would make a great blaine. @Pokes23, you know I never thought of him as Dandelo,but he would be great for that role. Thank you for agreeing with me about Travolta. It is good to know that we can all express our opinions and (hopefully) no one gets offended. Right now I am reading The Dead Zone. Doesn’t really have any bearing to the dark tower, except when he is playing the wheel and the big pay off happens to be on the number 19. Am going to read Everything’s Eventual, just not sure when I will get to it, as I am doing a huge long list of home repairs lol :) Can’t wait to get to it.

Aimee – July 9th, 2011
I would rather kave Kevin Spacey be the voice of Andy the Messenger Robot. His voice would be awesome screaming expletives after he gets dumped into the outhouse (it was an outhouse wasn’t it? It’s been a while since my last reading). He could maybe even be the voice of both Blaine and Andy. They are both products of North Central Positronics after all.

The Walkin' Dude – July 9th, 2011
That’s funny that you say that cause i pictured him for both of those voices as well. But chose blaine over andy if I had to choose the man to play just one.

joe leo – July 9th, 2011
I think he would be great for both voices. Not sure if I would cast him for both though.

Aimee – July 9th, 2011
Im sure someones suggested it, but why isnt Frank Daribount involved, In my opinion he is the only person who has captured Skings. work on film everthing else”Misery” “The Body”.” The Shining” while theyve been good they arent accurite to the writing like the other’s Frank has done “The green mile”Shawshank redemption “even “ The mist “minus that abortion of a tack on shock ending., I know hes doing” the Walking Dead” now But that only makes him seem more qualified to me. Otherise i think this would be a good handdrawn animated hard R with an alstar voiceover”KathyBates as rhea” perhaps “Ed Harris ‘s voice for Roland?

Scott Stephens – July 10th, 2011
I would watch this thing in Black & White if it meant this series being made correctly. 3 movies and 2 TV series? Not my first choice but it’s a formula that can still work. However the 2 TV series are to be done on NBC of all networks? Hell why don’t they just sell the rights to Disney and let them do it? After all by the time it reaches TV it will be so watered down by NBC standard that no one will even know the difference in the writing except us low life fans who actually read and appreciate the story. And by all means if you attach Disney’s name to the project then it’s bound to make oodles of money! So yea, I agree with Stephen. There is absolutely no way the 2 series can be done right on TV if it is on anything but HBO, Starz or Showtime. Call me what you will but as a DT fan if your more excited about this than upset then you are no friend of The White.

Aloenam – July 10th, 2011
I see so many suggestions for a Roland. Everyone has their mental picture of him. I recently watched the movie “Preist” What about that Karl Urban guy? Anyone else think he would be perfect?

constant reader – July 10th, 2011
Not to pile-on but I agree with GS9Teen, Stephen and Aloenam in that the only on-screen treatment that would work for DT is premium cable. With feature films Howard and company would likely have to compromise if Universal studios is pushing for a PG-13 rating. Even if the movie is rated R you only have a 2 hour window, give or take, to tell your story. The best stuff… the introspective, phylosophical and bizarre elements will end up on the cutting room floor. With an NBC TV series you have the luxury of time to tell your story(assuming ratings hold up) but most likely the end result will be a product sanitized by FCC standards leaving you wishing for something resembling PG-13. An HBO series is the best of both worlds. You have a long format, one season per book consisting of 10-12 episodes is enough time to tell the full story. The grittyness, violence, sex and language wont be an issue for premium cable. HBO doesn’t have to sell commercials so as long as critics and the public likes the show box sets will sell in future years. After seeing the first season of “Game of Thrones” I feel that HBO’s approach is the only venue that will do the DT series justice. Anything else would be a travesty.

Gregor – July 10th, 2011
We’re all a little sensitive about the actors/actresses to be chosen for the awesome characters in the DT series. I am especially concerned about the choice for Roland. I recently watched the movie “Preist”, and I almost sh@t myself when I saw Karl Urban all gunslingered up. That’s our guy. He’s a little full in the face maybe, but Hollywood can handle that. oh, and The Walkin’ Dude totally nailed it with Kevin Spacey for the voice of Andy the Messenger Robot. Bravo! Now, if we can just get anyone to listen.

Constant Reader – July 10th, 2011
Sorry Joe Leo, I failed to give you props on the Kevin Spacey nomination. He would be perfect for both those voices.

Constant Reader – July 10th, 2011
@Constant Reader, Karl Urban may look all menacing and steely-eyed, but that’s about the extent of his acting range. In a pure action movie like Priest, he’s fine, but he just is not a good enough actor to do Roland justice.

The Walkin' Dude – July 11th, 2011
@Aloenam I completely agree. Having NBC do the t.v. series is a horrible idea. It might not make a difference to people who have not read the series, but to us this is huge and the last thing I want to see is them ruin it. @Gregor I would love to see HBO pick up this project. This should be rated nothing less than R and NBC just can’t pull that off. I want it done correctly even if that means waiting 10 years. @Constant Reader, I have not seen Priest so I have no way to really weigh in. Will hopefully be seeing it this week.

Aimee – July 11th, 2011
Yeah, I was just really impressed that he looked the part. Damn Clint Eastwood and his dusty nuts! I’ve seen a little bit of range out of Karl Urban lately. I think I’m just disgusted with the whole Javier Bardem thing.

Constant Reader – July 11th, 2011
i never got the problem with javier anyway. hes a really good actor and thats all that matters. i personally would rather have a good actor who looked and sounded nothing like my idea of roland play the part right than have someone who looked perfect muck it up. wouldnt you? thats just my opinion…

Sam – July 11th, 2011
@Sam I’d rather have someone who looked the part and who acted the part. I can’t watch someone who looked nothing like Roland is supposed to look, it just wouldn’t be right for me. Just my opinion. LD & PN t.junkies

Dion – July 11th, 2011
@Sam, I would rather have a little variation on the looks with the amazing acting abilities than someone who looked perfect but just couldn’t pull it off. In a perfect world he would look and act just like Roland, but let’s face it, I can’t think of a single actor who would be completely perfect. There have been several mentioned here, however I don’t know all of them so I can not judge those.

Aimee – July 11th, 2011
I don’t understand why Hollywood has to recycle actors so much anyway. Maybe some new talent is in order. I want to be in complete awe of Roland when I see him on the big screen. I want a completely unbiased opinion.

Constant Reader – July 11th, 2011
HUGH JACKMAN. Google “Hugh Jackman as Clint Eastwood” It is a striking resemblance.

Constant Reader – July 11th, 2011
Hugh laurie as cort? not in your life. Ray Liotta, has the rugged attitude, and the look. And I am ok with Bardem, I do believe that there is better options, but there will always be better options, I would personally vote for Timothy Olyphant, especially after watching Justified. Eddie, I think should be Ryan Reynolds, and if she were smaller queen latifah for susannah. And jake, I dont know…..

TheGreatdalmooty – July 12th, 2011
I think Javier can play the rugged blunt demeanor of Roland but by all visual accounts it’s a stretch to imagine Javier in the roll. A lot of people like Tim Olephant and I do too, he’s great in Justified. The prob is his suave swagger and wiry build doesn’t strike me as the weathered Roland. I think Josh Broland is a good fit for Roland. Great actor, his age is a bit ambiguous and his rising buzz would attract attention to the project. I would love to see Jeff Goldblume play the MiB(Walter, Marten). The strange sense of humor, showman ship and twisted grin is perfect for Goldblume.

Gregor – July 12th, 2011
Bob hoskins for the part of cort, hugh jackman for roland, Ian mc shane for the man in black. zoe’ saldena as suze, eddi and jake are a bit harder to tag down for me. and I have noticed that no one has any ideas about jake? I am willing to except kevin costner as rolands father. even though I still think he would be great as old tall dark and ugly himself. but seriousely, I always pictured bob hoskins as cort when I read the books.

joe leo – July 12th, 2011
@joe leo i love the idea of ian mcshane as the man in black!!! just recently seen him in Sexy Beast and 44 Inch Chest (two great films by the way), not forgeting the new pirates of the caribean! i think he would be perfect for the part.

Sam – July 12th, 2011
The thought of queen latifah in these films is so disturbing. If she was in them I would never watch them. I like Jeff Goldblum but I just can not see him playing any role in these films. I do like the idea of Zoe Saldana for Susannah. Bob Hoskins would make a great Cort. That is so close to how I have always pictured him. I don’t think I have seen Ian Mcshane in anything so I can’t weigh in on that one.

Aimee – July 12th, 2011
Queen Latifah? Wow. I don’t think book six was called “How Susannah got her groove back”. Honestly after giving it thought I think finding some good unknown actors is probably the best way for these movies. When you think about the great trilogys and series in movie history (Star wars, LOTR, Harry Porter, etc.) nobody in those movies were particularly well known at the time they were released and there were definitely no household names. Theres no way they’ll be able to satisfy all us fans with big name talent because we all have different opinions of who should play who, so i’d rather see a bunch of people I’ve never seen in anything else. Not only that but no name talent is cheaper than headliners so that should satisfy the suits at whatever studio this ends up with. Long days and pleasant nights junkies :-)

Pokes23 – July 12th, 2011
Howard better not put ZOE SALDANA any where near these films or the television series!!! I just became physically ill at the suggestion of her! I don’t think some of us Junkies read the same books. But who knows he already cast Javier. To be honest with the way things are going I doubt the film/t.v. series get made any time soon. Also with the rating of the film and t.v. series if it’s not R it’s not right.

stand and be true, TJ

TowerJunkie – July 12th, 2011
@TowerJunkie I agree! I’d rather have my eyes scratched out of my head and then have my eyeless body tied down and waterboarder than to see Zoe screw up Detta! This suggestion is laughable. It had to be a joke, b/c i’m LMAO right now. But I guess if you like Javier you’ll like her too. I’m warming up to Javier b/c I have no choice, but Zoe S.??? No offense to the Junkies who suggested her I just can’t get with it.

LD&PN

Dion – July 12th, 2011
@ Constant Reader and Aimee: I’d love for nothing more than fresh blood with a new actor playing the lead role of Roland, and that lends itself to perfectly unbiased perspective (for instance, we won’t see Viggo up there and thinking about Aragorn, etc.). The problem - it would be akin to catching lightning in a bottle, plus you have to maintain audience interest throughout the whole series, movies, etc. Not that it CAN’T be done, but… it would likely be a long shot.

@ others: I do not support the idea of very popular, well-known power actors like Hugh Jackman, Viggo Mortensen, Christian Bale, etc. playing Roland. They are all firmly entrenched into their own respectively typecast “heroes” and everyone already has a paradigm built up for those characters. Do you really expect those paradigms to be broken down FIRST, so then everyone can open their arms and minds to this new, dark, complex Roland character? I’m all for a powerhouse regarding acting ability, but someone who flies relatively under the radar. Day Lewis is perfect, imo. One cannot easily say, “Well, he’s already ___!” because he isn’t. Anyway, there’s my $0.02 on the matter of Roland, and an unknown would be perfect… but only if he happens to be perfect for Roland in Stephen King’s eyes.

LD&PN

As far as known commodities who can do justice to Roland’s complex, intense nature with some legit acting chops, Bardem could, indeed, pull it off well (see “Biutiful” for lots of footage of powerful acting with heavy facial expression, notably from his eyes, and minimal lines needed in many scenes). He is not a perfect look, but I’ve become okay with him. That is, if he’s still onboard. However, I will throw this guy out there as my #1 choice of established heavy-hitters who could do justice to Roland, and actually BE Roland: Daniel Day Lewis. The only trick would be persuading him to sign on and stick with it because he’s known to be very selective and 100% completely committed and devoted to his characters when he takes on a role.

Maestro208 – July 12th, 2011
EDIT: Somehow, the last paragraph got clipped to the bottom in my previous post. Supposed to be second, but you get the idea. :)

LD&PN

Maestro208 – July 12th, 2011
Kerry Washington as Susannah? Anyone else think so?

constant reader – July 12th, 2011
@constant reader. She would be a hell of a lot better than Zoe S. I like Naomi Harris too. I wouldn’t mind him going with an unknown either, just someone who can pull of the Detta personality well.

Dion – July 12th, 2011
Sorry it’s been so long, my ka-mates, since I posted…been busy doing Affiliation business, ye ken. I’ve read through all the posts since I was here last, and I am rapidly warming to the idea of a relative unknown playing Roland. If you think about it, Roland never shows much emotion, so it really would not be that hard a part to play. I’d rather the guy LOOK like Roland, if he can just do the part. I like the idea of Spacey’s voice for both Blaine and Andy, Messenger Robot. Again I find myself wishing this film had been made long ago…ah Discordia!…Jack Nicholson would be the perfect Marten…but he is too old now, even with good makeup. Robert Englund as Gasher? Perfect! Whoever plays Jake is most likely someone we haven’t seen yet. Christopher LLoyd would make a good Callahan, my problem is between “Taxi” and the “Back to the Future” movies, he is too typecast for me. As for the other characters, I am not sure. When I read novels, I tend to identify the people with folken I know in real life. I know the perfect Eddie Dean, but the guy is not an actor. Same with Cort. And, finally, I agree 100% that this would HAVE to have an R rating to fully tell the story, otherwise way to much could not be shown, do ya not see it?

Back when we were doing quotes, I left out one of my favorites, from Lady Oriza: “may your first day in Hell last 10,000 years, and may it be the shortest”…if you ever really need a curse, there it is!

Long days and pleasant nights to you all

WillDearborn – July 12th, 2011
I wondered what are you all thinking about Norman Reedus as Eddie? As he was almost taken for the role before the budget cuts. Can’t remember if that was discussed here before.

edzenis – July 13th, 2011
Norman reedus is the shit, but he is contracted to the Walking Dead for at least 3 more seasons

bangoskank19 – July 14th, 2011
Hile “Junkies” & Ka-mates, Apologies…Have been todash for what seems to be an eternity. Gan I hate those F’in chimes. Banging headache after that. I’m not sure if this is a good casting role for Susannah, but the mom from the new “Karate Kid” might be a good choice. I like the idea of Kevin Spacey doing any evil voice over for this project. Hopefully more palaver later. I say thank ya’ and LD & PN

Gunslinger9teen – July 14th, 2011
Off topic I know, but Does anyone else think that Aaron Paul (from Breaking Bad) would make an excellent Eddie Dean? Just my opinion. Long days and pleasent nights to you all.

Ryanp – July 14th, 2011
hey does anyone know if there is any more recent info on the films as this site hasnt been updated in a while?

Sam – July 14th, 2011
@Sam: Hile sai. Just spent about 20 minutes searching the inter-web and found nothing. Just received an e-mail from Simon and Schuster about “Wind thru the keyhole”. Release date is April of 2012. Very excited.

Gunslinger9teen – July 14th, 2011
@Gunslinger9teen i am so excited!!! i hope it adds a bit more about the tet corp or maybe rolands past as i never got into the graphic novels.

on a different note i have recently been collecting and watching stephen king films and have enjoyed them all. so far i have watched the Shawshank Redemption, the green mile, it and the shining. they have all been amazing although the green mile has got to be my favourite. can anyone sugest any other good sk films? i am trying to get my family into him

Sam – July 14th, 2011
@Sam: Hile. I definitely like the mini-series “The Stand”. I know alot of the “junkies” might not agree with me, but I actually enjoyed it. You know most of the SK movies have a tendency to not stick to the books, but this one I like. One that is off the beaten path ( and you’ll probably have to order on-line) is called “Golden Years”. it was also a mini-series. Long days and pleasant nights. Thanks for the palaver

Gunslinger9teen – July 14th, 2011
@Gunslinger9teen I never thought about Taraji p. Henson for Suze but come to think of it she can definitely act the part. I’m think i’m done playing the guessing game for now, it’s exhausting. lol p.s. when Wind Through The Keyhole comes out do you guys think Howard will try and incorporate that into the project or no?

LD & PN

Dion – July 14th, 2011
@Ryanp I think Aaron Paul is great in Breaking Bad(love that show!) but Eddie Dean is a Goombah from the streets of Brooklyn or the Bronx. Aaron looks like the Irish guys Balazar makes fun of. I picture Eddie looking kinda like Michael Imperioli (Sopranos, Life on Mars, Detroit 1-8-7), maybe not him but that type.

Gregor – July 14th, 2011
@Sam:

Check out “Thinner”, “Apt Pupil” (both based on short stories), “Hearts in Atlantis” (Sir Anthony Hopkins played a great Ted Brautigan in this), “Needful Things” (Max Von Sydow was perfectly scary/creepy), and “The Tommyknockers” (a joke of a movie, really, which screamed ‘made for t.v.’ throughout). Not the best movies, but there’s something interesting to be seen in each, and it’s a start for adding some titles, either way.

I agree re: The Green Mile and Shawshank, too. Stuck to the tale very well, and the actors and directors took them seriously. Shawshank is one of my favorite movies of all time, regardless of the SK connection. :)

LD&PN, folks!

Maestro208 – July 14th, 2011
this is kind of a novelty idea bruce willis or nicholas cage as roland not to be taken seriously though i still stand by my idea for sean william-scott or paul rudd as eddie but also like the idea of ryan reynolds dee bradly baker for the voice of oy christepher lloyd as callahan and the most important question who plays young sai King?

joshb – July 14th, 2011
thanks for the films ill check them out.

@joshb sylvester stallone as the man in black? Arnold Schwarzenegger as rolands dad? i think we have our movie! :)

Sam – July 15th, 2011
Hile Ka-mates and “Junkies”: Question of the day. Who should play Rhea (Dubativo) of the Coos?

More palaver shortly.

Gunslinger9teen – July 15th, 2011
@ Gegor I see your point. I guess I just always imagined him that way. Probly from watching breaking bad and reading dt in the same night. lol

ryanp – July 15th, 2011
@ Gunslinger9teen. My first instinct for Rhea of the coos would be Judi Dench… With longer than her normal hair style of course… thoughts?

ryanp – July 15th, 2011
hey i thought of the perfect theme song for the tv series fire on the mountain by rob thomas

joshb – July 15th, 2011
@Dion I’m almost certain the new book Wind Thru the Keyhole will not be incorporated into the mix. It’s already a massive project and there are more and more speed bumps appearing by the second. Also I don’t see Tim Olyphant as Roland either…

Later Junkies

TowerJunkie – July 18th, 2011
So, I’m curious here. What are others’ thoughts in here on Daniel Day Lewis as Roland? His character is the make-it-or-break-it one in this tale, much like a keystone in the Tower itself. I’d love to hear what other DT junkies think.

LD&PN

Maestro208 – July 18th, 2011
@Maestro208 I would very much love to see D.D. Lewis as Roland. Eddie occasionally referred to him as “Old long tall and ugly”.

Constant Reader – July 18th, 2011
Thanks, Constant Reader. :) As these characters are wont to say, “I hear you very well.” He’s also got the blue eyes, but I think that whomever produces this thing will be inclined to introduce special contact lenses/CGI either way to amp ‘em up.

Maestro208 – July 18th, 2011
Looks like the DT movie adaptation is dead for now:

“Universal Won’t Scale Stephen King’s ‘The Dark Tower;’ Studio Declines To Make Ambitious Trilogy And TV Series”

Check the link below for the full article on IMDB… http://www.imdb.com/news/ni12982307/

Bart – July 19th, 2011
@ ALL “Junkies” and Ka-mates: Just read the “new” bad news. Well I am absolutely tired of the effin’ Blaine ride with this production. Until something positive comes from this, I’m going todash and take my chances with the creatures in the dark. One thing I’ve learned on this plain of existence is that getting excited about ANYTHING that is good …ends in shit. Maybe more palaver when and IF things change. I have truly enjoyed talking with you all and I say thank ya BIG BIG. GUNSLINGER9TEEN is trail bound.

Gunslinger9teen – July 19th, 2011
Man, such drama queens.

Howard still has it, but Universal gave up the rights. All this means is that he is free to shop it, to a company like Warner Brothers, who is more ambitioius and looking for a new epic movie series.

PS - Same thing happened with Lord of the Rings. Didn’t turn out too bad for them, eh?

Brian – July 19th, 2011
I knew this would happen with Universal. I’m not surprised and dare I say, I am somewhat relieved. I hope Howard leaves my DT series alone.

LD & PN all you hopefull Junkies.

TowerJunkie – July 19th, 2011
Oh discordia! I’m not surprised either, I’m sure they’ll try to shop it around to other studios, but it’ll probably take years…

It was a good run all of you DT Freaks and Junkies. More palaver later, stand and be true. Dion

Dion – July 19th, 2011
It may be dead at Universal but someone else is bound to give it a shot. As for me this is good news. As long as it stays on NBC or goes to ABC, CBS (or any other everyday TV outlet) then the Dark Tower will simply turn into another over-hyped book to TV/Movie failure by Stephen King. IF HBO, Starz or Showtime are not involved then leave DT alone and go find some other book/Series to screw up. Thus Gan wills.

Aloenam – July 19th, 2011
@Brian: That’s “Drama King” to you sai. lol

Gunslinger9teen – July 19th, 2011
If the Dark Tower doesnt happen in this incarnation ,its probably for the best.I think this is much harder to pulloff then the LOTR Trilogy.Some of the more adult sequences would be blunted.(Think “Misery”s Hobbling that replaced her cutting his foot off then blowtorching it)People rarely complain about Miserys change cause the film was so well received. “ The Sucubus scene would never make it.All of the storys/books in the series have so many strands of popculture/americana, It seems difficult to capture,Im guessing we all perceived them quite a bit different,and if you see how many suggestion for actors for the roles its apparent we all saw them very different. And thats the magic of his writing, Its never been about making a good book that makes a great film. Its beeen more about the relationship of Author to reader. Even if they made the Dark Tower near perfect and running on all cylinders. Theyed have to cut it up into many films . lets not forget that “The Wind through the keyhole” hasnt even been released. Id rather he just kept writing then waste his energy with a movie project. Thats almost sure to disapoint. LD and PN to you all

Scott Stephens – July 20th, 2011
So, weather or not this movie ever happens, I always thought, since Clint Eastwood is to old, that Viggo Mortenstine would be the logical choise. But he will probably always be thought of as Arragon, so next, I think maybe Sam Elliot. Tall, thin, awesome voice. hummmmmmm Roland is older, as is Sam. Just a thought

mrs.bates – July 22nd, 2011
Only just read this page and feel that i need to say in response to whoever said Tim Olyphant would be a perfect casting for Roland; he would be a terrible choice for Roland, but would be an excellent Eddie Dean.

If the space-time continuum were no constraint i would suggest a slightly younger Clint Eastwood as Roland, however thats very unlikely to be possible so would probably go for Javier Bardem. I always thought he was a fantastic choice.

DrawnGunslinger – July 31st, 2011
This needs to happen and I would prefer without NBC, we don’t need liberal bias in anything as it doesn’t support true natural cinema, just bad acting… I am against all I see on this sight including the choice for Roland, too bad Clint Eastwood is so damn old!

devosays – November 16th, 2011
Hile to all gunslingers, long days and pleasant nights. Just bee reading all the comments here and different views on who should play who. Here’s my thoughts… if Vitgo Morgensen is cast as roland it will destroy the film - he was crap as aragorn!!! Personally, if they can get the guy who played the young clint eastwood in space cowboys he’d be spot on. As for Cort? Why not Ron Perlman (Alien resurrection, Hellboy, Sons of Anarchy)? He’s ugly, plays the mean guy perfectly. If he was younger (and had darker hair) I’d suggest Rutger Hauer as Roland - just watch how cold he is as John Ryder in the orginal Hitcher.

Jason – November 28th, 2011
my problem with the casting of this movie is that everybody I see in my mind is now too old to play the part. I think we all know that a much younger Clint Eastwood was what King had in mind when he wrote Roland. I think Ian Mcshain would be suited to the role better than Javier. I also always thought of Sam Elliot as a good Roland but, he’s also too old. Maybe as Steven D. For Susanah I’ve thought of Angela Basset or Gina Torres from Firefly. Alan Rickman as Walter, Marten or Flagg. Christopher Lloyd as Callahan. Eddie poses a problem for me, as does Jake. Most Likely a good spot for some up and coming relatively unknowns. I also feel STRONGLY that Tom Waits should appear heavily in the soundtrack. Two songs come directly to mind.” Underground” for beneath Lud and “ The Earth died screaming” for just about anywhere . I just think that his sound especially in the 80’s and early 90’s is just perfect for Rolands world. Obviously “Hey Jude” by the Beatles and “ Velcro fly” by ZZ Top are also Must haves if they can afford them.

billybumbler – January 11th, 2012
When I picture Roland Deschain, I think of… Viggo Mortenson (Appaloosa, A History of Violence, The Lord of the Rings). He’s not too old and not too young to play the Gunslinger. When I think of The Man In Black, I picture Woody Harrelson (2012, No Country For Old Men) playing him, for some reason. He’s crazy enough to pull off Walter. When I think of Eddy Dean, I think of Garrett Hedlund (Tron: Legacy). If they do this, I’d like to see some cooperation between two of the giants to get this trilogy made. Maybe… Paramount and Universal…. with maybe Jerry Bruckheimer or Steven Spielberg producing… and MICHAEL BAY directing. No disrespect to Ron Howard, but if you’re going adapt this series, it’s got to be done correctly. Being done correctly, means expensive budget… and expensive budget means the right people making the movies.

Justin – January 20th, 2012
I like Vigo or Daniel Craig too, but have you seen Javier in No Country For Old Men? He can act, and he could be Roland. Vigo & Craig already are Roland. Just make the movie already!!!

Luke – April 14th, 2012
” THERE WILL BE WATER IF KA WILLS IT” more importanly then the characters, i feel the director ( or whom ever decides to direct the film) should focuse on Mid World first. Doing this will allow non SK DT readers to enjoy not only a book\film, but a world that has moved on, take the avg moviegoers along the path of the beam to the tower. would not mind peter jackson as well. ( taps throat 3 times)

Child of Gilead – May 7th, 2012
Timothy Olyphant or Anson Mount for Roland. Mount is the lead in Hell on Wheels on AMC if you dont know who he is. He has a lean, hungry look, capable of great mercy and great cruelty, depending what the situation calls for. Thats how i picture Roland.

KAH – May 21st, 2012
Ray Winstone is Cort & if this film doesn’t get made as a trilogy/ 5 ology (sextology? Dunno ?.. :) ..for big people, grown ups)…..in my lifetime,I’ll die incomplete

(its like Lord of the Rings…but bigger & better & more grown up ….. Javier would rock as Roland! , give him contacts & make him be unbelievably fast!,done deal

Ps i just started the Wolves of Calla yesterday…..3rd time round… Can’t get enough

Long days & pleasant nights :) x

Richard – July 7th, 2012
I love the God Drums song someone put on youtube. I think Ozzy Osbourne’s “Mister Tinkertrain” would be a good one to add to the soundtrack, playing when they’re riding in Blaine.

Jeff Feder – July 14th, 2012
I just hope they get it right…. I mean The Lord Of The Rings was right on the Big Screen. I Guess its all up to KA.

irene – July 29th, 2012
I am of the mind that Iain Glen would make an excellent Roland.

mike – August 8th, 2012
A person looking like Jack Palance would be perfect for the part, just my way of understanding the description in the books.

June Johnson – August 20th, 2012
Please - Someone needs to look at Anson Mount (Hero of the TV series “Hell on Wheels”) for the role of Roland.

Dawn Hansen – October 14th, 2012
It’s resently been anounced that Russel Crowe is being considered for the role of Roland… I recognize that would not be a bad choise. Well, apart from that, I’d love to see Sir Christopher Lee as the Crimson King, Jason Isaacs as Randal Flagg, Tim Curry giving the voice to Blaine the Mono, and please, forgive me for this, because I know you’ll hate me after this, Sacha Baron Cohen as Dandelo…

Agustin – February 22nd, 2013
Roland has to be played by Hugh Laurie.. He fits every physical attribute .. eyes, build, height and he is a musician.. which Roland occasionally shows a little of. He can obviously do anything within reason with his voice and he would bring a huge following with him.. and if any part could get him away from being known as HOUSE.. this would be it…

tooterfish – December 11th, 2013