Move Along, Nothing to See Here

Jan 23, 2014   By: Michael | #Aaron Paul  #Liam Neeson  #MRC  #Netflix  #Ron Howard  #Rumors  

The interwebs has been a hive of activity over the last couple days as two new Dark Tower quotes surfaced. In all honesty, there’s really nothing here of any substance or anything that we don’t already know. Still, let’s take a look at what it’s all about.

A couple of days back at the Sundance Film Festival, Ain’t It Cool News met up with Aaron Paul and asked him about his interest with the Dark Tower;

I’ve had a ton of meetings on that. I just had a general sit down with Ron Howard, who is a huge fan of [Breaking Bad], which is such a crazy thing to even think that Ron Howard even knows who I am. They’re definitely planning on making it.

We know previously that

Aaron tweeted his interest in taking on the role of Eddie Dean and it’s great that Ron Howard has acknowledged that, and that they’ve met up to discuss the opportunity. This is certainly great news.

Along with Aaron’s interview the other piece of news that’s hitting the headlines is from The Phantom at Schmoes Know, who had this to say;

Ron Howard is going to make this with MRC and Imagine for around 60 million or so. And he’s likely doing this next. There’s going to be a TV series as well since it’s MRC and I’m thinking it may end up being at Netflix.

Well, gee, tell us something we don’t already know.

We’ve know for ages (4 years!) that Ron took over the Dark Tower helm, and wants to get it underway as soon as possible.
18 months ago, when Warner Bros. dropped their support for the project, we heard that MRC we’re wanting to take up the challenge.
As far as Netflix goes, well yeah, we knew about that last May!

One final thing The Phantom exuded was;

I hear Liam Neeson is interested.

So let’s see now. First it was Javier Bardem, then Russell Crowe, and now Liam Neeson, all tied in with the role of Roland Deschain. I imagine there’s a long line of actors wanting to take on the role of The Gunslinger, so is there really any substance in this rumor?

The bottom line is that nothing has changed and until we hear some official news, or have a photo of Ron filming the Gunslinger crossing that desert, I’m taking it all with a pinch of salt.

Head over to Ain’t It Cool News to read the original Aaron Paul interview and Schmoes Know for their insider scoop.

75 responses

I would like to know why hugh jackman has not been considered. for me, a person who has read the books twice, he would be perfect as the gunslinger.

graham phillips – January 26th, 2014
As little info as it might be, thanks for the update.

Aloenam – January 26th, 2014
I echo that sentiment. It’s good to keep tabs on this, for what it’s worth this early in the game.

LD & PN

Maestro208 – January 26th, 2014
Desperate for any straw to grasp as I need to see this on film!

reigndawgs – January 31st, 2014
Viggo Mortensen! How can he not be the immediate choice for Roland? Aaron Paul would make an excellent Eddie imo.

Josh – February 2nd, 2014
Daniel Day-Lewis as Roland. Perfect.

SM – February 2nd, 2014
Here we go again. The Roland-casting debate ensues once more. :) For the record, Daniel Day-Lewis is perfect, but a real long-shot.

LD & PN

Maestro208 – February 7th, 2014
Dennis Quaid as Roland . . . . .get him for cheap and he’d be perfect. I can picture him so clearly saying “that damned tower”.

rob – February 9th, 2014
I’m thinking Jet Li as Roland.

adam – February 12th, 2014
I STILL like Javier Bardem. Liam Neesen just….doesn’t quite feel right. His voice is too gentle.

Eddy – February 14th, 2014
I’ve liked Richard Armitage for Roland ever since I saw North and South…long before he took on the roll of Thorin.

Dawn – February 21st, 2014
I wish there were more comments not related to casting. So let me test a new subject and see where that goes. As funding for the project has proven tricky, is there an innovative money raising scheme where the fan base could help? I do not mean selling chocolate. What are your thoughts ?

Sylvain – February 27th, 2014
Selling roses? ;)

zentune – February 27th, 2014
Lets Kickstarter this thing to life!

Josh – March 3rd, 2014
This is a story that has to be told. Ron keep on keeping on, a lot of us are waiting! Keep us updated, we are becoming impatient! Movie Town execs., What’s the hold up? You have a hugh audience already waiting to buy a ticket!!

Clara – March 11th, 2014
I always find it amusing that no matter what the news, all the comments always go back to casting Roland. I guess that is the first thing on everyone’s mind. We all have a different way that we see Roland. Personally I think Josh Brolin would be a wonderful choice. Well moving on, I agree with Sylvain. There should be a fundraising event for financing this project. There are millions of DT fans, and I feel it would be a great idea. I love the idea of selling roses. Just my two cents. LD&PN

Aimee – March 13th, 2014
Andrew Lincoln would be perfect fit for the part of Roland. With Aaron Paul as eddie and maybe Danai guriria as suzanne? Nothing but a dreamer. Amc super crossover baby

Indi – March 30th, 2014
Danai as Suz is a good choice, but holy S*** if Andrew Lincoln gets casted for Roland my head would implode. Could you imagine all of Roland’s lines with Rick’s drawly voice?

“I love you Loooorie” haha

Josh – April 2nd, 2014
I’d throw Timothy Olyphant in there. Just change his name from Raylan to Roland and you’re good to go.

Trip – April 2nd, 2014
@Josh: Andrew Lincoln is actually British, and he sports a natural British accent in real life. The Walking Dead demonstrates his attempt at an American-South accent; arguably not the best, but I don’t think it would be a problem finding the right timbre and tone for Roland. ;)

LD & PN

Maestro208 – April 3rd, 2014
I was actually thinking Andrew Lincoln the other day myself…he has a nice somber quality and a brooding/contemplative look about him.

zentune – April 3rd, 2014
isnt there anybody else out there who thinks hugh jackman would be the best choice for roland? or am i all by myself with this one?

graham phillips – April 12th, 2014
@graham: I can see Hugh Jackman taking the role, but the common issue with huge, known actors like him are the associations that the majority of the casual viewing audience (and even many of us) make with the iconic characters for which they’re most identified and known (e.g., he is Wolverine, Viggo Mortensen is Aragorn, etc.).

The coolest benefit of a relative unknown actor playing a role such as Roland Deshain in the Dark Tower saga is that it, like Aragorn from Lord of the Rings, will truly redefine his career, or make his career, a la all the actors on LOST, etc. I still see Daniel Day-Lewis as the best choice among the known actors, but that’s a longshot because he is such a great, versatile, and talented actor with a penchant for being extremely picky and completely devoted to his roles once he is cast in them. He’s got the perfect pedigree along with the acting chops to really convince all audiences that this Roland guy is a real character with whom we can all find fascination. But a relative unknown could really explode on the scene with this type of role, and, because we would not have any prior associations with past huge characters played by him, it would be the best win-win scenario, in my opinion.

Thanks for tossing the idea into the mix!

LD & PN

Maestro208 – April 12th, 2014
Hugh Jackman as Roland. Michael Madson as Eddie. Danai as Suz.

Jeff – April 17th, 2014
In my opinion Timothy Olyphant as Roland; Aaron Paul as Eddie; Danai Gurira as Suzanne/Detta and Ian Patrick as Jake would be good

Kerry – April 20th, 2014
In my mind’s eye, I see Iain Glen (currently playing Ser Jorah Mormont on GoT) as my version Roland. Hugh Jackman has the grit but Roland wasn’t exactly that muscle bound. Glen has more of the old western look and great acting skills.

Lloyd – April 23rd, 2014
@Lloyd: Good idea. I can also see Iain Glen in the role, as well! If his acting chops are there, then there’s another lesser-known actor who could make the role his own. Does he have a prominent role in Game of Thrones? (I haven’t watched it.)

LD & PN

Maestro208 – April 24th, 2014
I’m currently listening to The Gunslinger on Audible. When I first began reading the series untold ages ago, Roland was always Clint Eastwood in my head. Time has turned Clint into Cort and I can’t help but see Andrew Lincoln as Roland. I’m glad others saw that too!

naturegirl155 – April 25th, 2014
If they choose some “baby face” as Roland like Andrew Lincoln etc. I´d rather not watch the movies! But @Lloyd imho you got it! Iain Glen is Roland. Yep;)

Althea – April 29th, 2014
Watch the trailer of ‘The Rover’. Minus the accent Guy Pearce has the long,tall,& ugly down good.

David – April 29th, 2014
How about a digitally recreated Charlton Heston as Roland? He would’ve been perfect for the part……30 years ago!!

Jim – May 7th, 2014
Graham, you really think jackman would make a good Roland? I like him as an actor but I don’t think this role would fit… I personally think that timothy olyphant would be able to play Roland… The reason being that even though Roland is the “Hero” he is also extremely unlikable at times. This kind of role would fit Olyphant very well, in my opinion. I also think Kerry Washington could play sussanah.

cam – May 8th, 2014
I did not think anyone could play Roland but I think Javier Bardem is the best fit your going to fine for that roll. When it comes to Eddie and Susannah, Aaron Paul and the girl who plays Michone on THe Walking Dead seems like a good fit. I personally think this series is GOLD for some studio but one lucky studio is going to have to figure that out.

William Holton – May 16th, 2014
I was reading an interview with Brian Cranston that said -“On his wish list now is to do an ‘extremely long’ film series where he could play the same character through different story lines”

Aaron Paul has already expressed interest in Eddie Dean, and these two have awesome chemistry together. Looks-wise, I would have never thought of Cranston, but looking through images of his films, he transforms into characters unbelievably well. He has the range to play Roland’s serious, intense, and fatherly roles.

He wouldn’t be my first choice, but I think it’s highly unlikely we’ll ever see this come to light with the caliber of stars that most people want to see.

Brandon – May 17th, 2014
Awesome idea, Brandon - but for Walter. :)

Seriously! Can you folks see that, as well? I think he’d be perfect.

LD & PN

Maestro208 – May 19th, 2014
Peter Stormare would be an awesome Roland.

phil – May 22nd, 2014
Other than casting Roland and possibly Eddie Dean, how about Johnny Depp as Walter. I am also curious how they will deal with Jake Chamber’s age if all the books are made into movies.

nineteenhand – May 27th, 2014
Clint eastwood as roland

Dano666 – May 30th, 2014
AAron Paul would be the perfect Eddie. I agree with Dano666: A person like Clint Eastwood, or the character Jose Wales. That is Roland to a tee.

Bill – June 5th, 2014
Yup. I also agree, but not Clint, himself (he’s far too old for the role now). Clint 25 years ago would possibly have worked. I think someone fresh and unfamiliar could really make a name for himself with a role like this. It will be interesting to see what happens, if anything. Hopefully, something exciting will come down the line soon with regard to production and getting the green light for this project.

LD & PN

Maestro208 – June 6th, 2014
Brilliant! I finished reading the books about three years ago and the first person I thought for Eddie Dean when I heard rumours of a film in the works was Aaron Paul. Even posted it on the Stephen King website forum. I can see him and Liam Neeson having great chemistry, and I think Neeson would make a great Roland, but I cant help but feel there’s probably a better ‘Roland’ out there.

David O Dwyer – June 10th, 2014
Oh, and Michael Massee as The Man In Black, if he’s still acting? I always saw Roland and Walter’s relationship as similar to Batman and the Joker’s. Walter’s technically the Hunted but he’s got Roland like a puppet on a string!

David O Dwyer – June 10th, 2014
for me it’s timothy olyphant after playing seth bullock so well in deadwood and raylan givens in justified after reading the books its him the gunslinger had a lot of clint eastwood in him and tim is as close as it gets to that

chris faith – June 10th, 2014
I still think Javier Bardem is the perfect gunslinger. Russel Crowe would be alright- Hugh Jackman would be better than Russel. But Liam just doesn’t have the build I had anticipated the gunslinger to present. Aaron has an uncanny semblance to Dean. That picture of Aaron that is being used might as well have come from the future production of “The Drawing of The Three.”

Jordan – June 11th, 2014
Ok. We’ve talked a lot about who should play Roland, Eddie, Jake, and Susannah. How about directors? If Ron Howard did not do it–I propose Quentin Tarantino. Crazy I know, but that’s the point–think of the surreal quality he could bring to the film!

zentune – June 12th, 2014
Anson mount as Roland enough said.

Daniel – June 15th, 2014
The idea of using lesser knows is the only way to go. I mean, that’s gonna happen when casting jake most likely so why not do it for the rest too? Allow famous actors play what roles they want as Easter eggs, musicians too, like Paul McCartney???? Anyway, it can be done as long as whomever makes it does not forget the face of their father. I say thank-ya so i do.

RoontAaron – June 16th, 2014
Well said, RoontAaron. Well said, indeed.

LD & PN

Maestro208 – June 19th, 2014
If he were younger I would have loved to see Clint Eastwood play Roland. Don’t forget also that in the books Roland is supposed to look like Stephen King. Roland is an alternate version of Stephen King. So, it really depends on whether or not they want to go for that look or get someone else entirely.

Jon – June 23rd, 2014
Clint Eastwood - he could (can) communicate so much through just his eyes.

Another actor that does this well is Guy Pearce. I think his appearance suits though his voice may not be right for Roland…However his performance would be as good, if not better than anyone else cast as Roland.

red – June 25th, 2014
Concept art from the Ron Howard project–not sure i it means it’s moving forward:

http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/nailbiter111/news/?a=102569

n – June 26th, 2014
Thanks n, I’ve now post regarding the concept art; http://www.darktowermovies.com/20140626/concept-artwork-and-video/

Michael – June 27th, 2014
i know im getting back to casting here but has anyone thought of Iain Glen? (Ser Jorah) From Game of Thrones Fame? He’s pretty much how i always pictured Roland. Not sure how he’d stack up acting wise but…

Sam – July 3rd, 2014
Casting for Roland- Hugh Laurie Eddie- Aaron Paul would be good, Colin Farrell better Susannah- Rosario Dawson Jake- whatever snot-nosed kid is filming right now… honorable mentions for these and other roles: Christopher Walken, Sam Rockwell, Harry Dean Stanton, Jon Voight, Woody Harrelson, Zoe Saldana, Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg, Karl Urban, Peter Weller, Bruce Greenwood the list goes on and on… Fact is, this (these) movie(s) may very well never see the light of day. Keep hoping though!

Brian – July 8th, 2014
@naturegirl155, is George Guidall the reader? LOVE his voice!

Darryl – July 18th, 2014
I think Paul Blackthorne would make a good Roland.

Darryl – July 18th, 2014
Just throwing this out there, But has anyone thought of Jon Hamm as the awesome Gunslinger Roland??

Nancy – July 20th, 2014
Whoever has the notion that Tall, dark & ugly should be played by anyone other than Clive Owen didn’t read the books.

Vin – August 4th, 2014
p.s. whoever said Rosario Dawson as Susannah was right on.

Vin – August 4th, 2014
Clive Owen could be very intriguing, and convincing. And cheaper than Daniel Day Lewis.

LD & PN

Maestro208 – August 4th, 2014
I am amazed by the people you guys are suggesting play Roland. Have you guys read the book? He is very tall and lean, it describes him many times in the books. Also his blue “bombardiers” eyes. If they pick some big broad dude like Russell Crowe it just doesn’t feel right. Clint Eastwood is too old for the role so let’s get his son. Clint would be perfect, I mean the gunslinger practically is Clint Eastwood, if you’ve read the description the books gives not too many people come closer to Roland than Clint.

Chris – August 7th, 2014
Michael fassbender would nail Roland or flag the walking dude

moog – August 14th, 2014
Iain Glen. Iain Glen. Iain Glen.

Anyone who said Iain Glen as Roland is absolutely right. He’s got the look, demeanor, acting chops… the whole package. It would be a hugely missed opportunity not to cast him as the lead if this were to ever get made.

Brett – August 22nd, 2014
Anson Mount as Roland or Clint Eastwood’s son has the right look. My money’s on Viggo Mortenson (have you seen The Road)? Whoever said Guy peirce should give their head a shake! WRONG It better not be Mark Walberg either lol We need a tall cool drink of water with a lil ruggedness thrown in for good measure.

Jane – September 8th, 2014
Liam Neeson as the gunslinger?!?! How awful! I know the world is somehow obsessed with him but I’m not interested in seeing Taken 3, 4 and 5 which I’m sure these movies would end up being. Liam Neeson in that one role he does or CAN do. Please oh please tell me I’m not the only one to think this way? I would gladly take Russell Crowe over liam even though I thought he was a terrible choice as well… I agree with several on this thread in that Lesser Known actors are the way to go. I love Aaron Paul as Eddie… but the gunslinger needs to be perfect… the fans of these books need better than Liam.

Servethebeam – September 10th, 2014
I don’t think the fans of this story care to see the latest blockbuster actors portray these characters. We all have a unique picture in our minds of them. If I could cast the players in this film, my choices that best match the movie that plays in my mind while reading would be the following artists: Roland - Sean Bean Eddie - Seann William Scott Susannah - Halle Berry Jake - Dakota Goyo

Shamus – September 12th, 2014
I like Ian Glenn also. How about Gary sunrise as Walter o’dim?

Blainethetrain – September 13th, 2014
Karl urban would be great as the gunslinger. As soon as I started readin the book I pictured his character blac hat from the movie priest.

Von – September 17th, 2014
i haven’t given it much thought who should be eddie (if only we could get a young ewan macgregor) but there is no way aaron paul is eddie dean he’s nothing more than a whiny child as for roland maybe someone like guy pearce a solid reliable actor who has the gravitas to carry being the gunslinger or as others have said clive owen

glasgowjohn – September 21st, 2014
oh as for it being directed by ron howard not for me he makes a good film you only want to watch once this has to be the LOTR for this/next decade and for me someone like joss whedon or aronofsky can pull it off

glasgowjohn – September 21st, 2014
Some of these names yall are coming up with is the part of the reason I would not want to see this movie come to light. I would love nothing more than to see my favorite story come to life, but that’s the beauty of the story is we all see each character differently. Roland is tall and thin with dark hair that ends up greying, with ice blue “bombardiers” eyes. He has a rough and scruffy look and voice… Liam Neeson does not even come close to fitting this mold so quit mentioning him. I still think if you can get Javier Bardem to lose to the weight he fits the profile to me. Clint Eastwood obviously who the character is based after but he is to old to play the part. Eddie Dean has dark hair with hazel eyes, with that Brooklyn accent and don’t give a shit attitude and speech… Brings a Tyler Hoechlin or Aaron Paul to mind.

Richard Cage – September 25th, 2014
Eastwood is the only one who could do Roland justice. I would rather see the movie be complete cgi than let one of these new hollywood clowns take the role. Plus if you make it cgi, Eastwood could still do the voiceover.

Lance – October 19th, 2014
Anson Mount would be my choice for Roland.

Ed Plattor – November 30th, 2014
Andrew Lincoln would be a good Roland

Matt – March 8th, 2015
I have the best Roland actor suggestion: If people need a “western” looking actor whom is young so the franchise can perpetuate, then the best choice would be Scott Eastwood, Clint’s son. He is not easily recognizable, and that would avoid any consideration for an already typecast actor and create a more believable Roland character. Someone please let Ron Howard know.

Stinky – April 10th, 2015