After being dumped by Universal, the multi-platform adaptation of The Dark Tower has been looking for a new home. The project that will include a trilogy of movies and several TV shows looked like it could find a home at Warner Brothers.
At least until yesterday when Warner Brothers decided to pass on the project, despite a recent re-write of the script by Akiva Goldsman.
Things looked bleak for Roland’s quest for the Tower to make it to the silver screen. But there may be a glimmer of hope yet.
Deadline is reporting that Media Rights Capital (MRC) is in “serious talks” to step into The WB’s place and fund the proposed trilogy of films and limited-run TV series. MRC found success with this summer’s Ted and reportedly sees potential in the Ron Howard led project.
Howard would direct the first installment and Russell Crowe is attached to star as Roland.
I’m of two minds about this. On the one hand, I’d rather they not try at all. DT is second only to the Drizzt Do’Urden books as my favorite Fantasy series, and I’d hate to see them f**k it up. OTOH, the movies based on King’s work have been at their best when King himself was involved, so if there’s going to be an even halfway decent adaptation, it needs to be done while he’s still alive.
Also, even though I like Crowe, I was more excited when it was going to be Javier Bardem playing Roland.