Almost confirmed: Lost co-creator J.J. Abrams will direct a big screen adaptation of Stephen King’s The Dark Tower series.
The recent rumors that Abrams would not be directing Star Trek XI seem to be true after all. Abrams will instead produce, while prepping The Dark Tower for the big screen. A few weeks back Entertainment Weekly ran an article on the meet-up of the Lost creators and the famous American novelist. In the article, Abrams and Damon Lindelof were gushing over King’s epic series of books. I’m sure these conversations must have sparked the fire.
“When book seven of Harry Potter comes out, I’ll be the same way I was at the end of The Dark Tower,” Lindelof told King. “I didn’t want it to end, and I started to read it much slower and started feeling a sense of depression as all roads sort of inevitably lead to the end.”
JJ asked King how much he knew of the storyline before he began The Dark Tower Journey.
“Not a whole lot,” admitted King.
The Dark Tower is a series of seven books written by King from 1982 to 2004. The story follows Roland Deschain’s quest for the “Dark Tower,” which is often described as a real structure, and also as a metaphor.
According to wikipedia: The series incorporates themes from multiple genres, including fantasy fiction, science fantasy, horror, and western elements. King has described the series as his magnum opus; beside the seven novels that comprise the series proper, many of his other books are related to the story, introducing concepts and characters that come into play as the series progresses.
1. The Little Sisters of Eluria (1998)
2. The Dark Tower I: The Gunslinger (1982)
3. The Dark Tower II: The Drawing of the Three (1987)
4. The Dark Tower III: The Waste Lands (1991)
5. The Dark Tower IV: Wizard and Glass (1997)
6. The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born (2007)
7. The Dark Tower V: Wolves of the Calla (2003)
8. The Dark Tower VI: Song of Susannah (2004)
9. The Dark Tower VII: The Dark Tower (2004)
The series is incredible but a hard read, so I wonder how a big screen adaptation would turn out. But with Abrams behind the camera, I’m very excited to find out.
Abrams’ production company Bad Robot had “no comment” when IGN contacted them about the report.
Check out the official Dark Tower website.
Update: The Hollywood Reporter is also reporting the rumor. But they seem unsure if the project will be for the big screen or small tube. The series would probably be better suited for a mini-series. Bad Robot has a first-look deal at Paramount for film projects and a deal with Warner Bros. Television for TV projects.
August 29th, 2007 at 8:10 am
If this idea does eventually come to fruition it should be awesome! The dark tower series is my favourite of all of kings books as really if you read his others they’re all linked in one way or another anyway. I think Hugh Jackman would make an excellent Roland Deschain of Gilead and why not have Clint Eastwood himself as Stephen Deschain.
October 22nd, 2007 at 7:49 pm
I can’t think of an actor that I can really see as Roland. The amount of mystique inherent in the character, and the iconic status of Roland as the paragon of all western heroes almost cries for a veteran of westerns, but those actors as a breed seem too old to take it on. How about Christian Bale as Eddie? Gina Torres as Sussanah?
October 22nd, 2007 at 7:51 pm
I can’t see Hugh Jackman pulling off Roland, but I would like him in the role of Flagg maybe. I think he would make an interesting villain.
October 26th, 2007 at 5:50 am
yeah, thinking about it i think you’re right, Flagg isn’t such a deep character as Roland and i think Jackman could work as him. I was thinking Edward Norton for Eddie, maybe Rosario Dawson or Eva Mendes as Susanna, Still wondering about Roland Though!
November 9th, 2007 at 12:58 pm
An actor to play Roland is a tough one, but what about Vigo Mortensen (Aragorn/Strider from Lord of the Ring)??
December 15th, 2007 at 9:26 am
viggo mortenson and hugh jackman are both good pics, however hugh jackman would probably do better as the role of flag/maerlyn/the man in black/marten/whoever you want to call him. Christian Bale was just in a western movie called 3:10 to Yuma in which he did a surprisingly good job. i just dont know if he’s rugged enough to play Roland.
December 15th, 2007 at 2:55 pm
Roland is a tough choice indeed. Edward Norton as Eddie would be perfect though. Halle Barry as Suzannah perhaps. Clint Eastwood would be perfect for Roland if they could make him look a bit younger. That kid from the woodwick chronicles would suit Jake pretty well too. But its funny how we discuss this, and have no input on the movie itself . This is my only comment on the Dark Tower till I see it. I’m seeing it open-minded and mindful of the fact that books are better than movies.
December 23rd, 2007 at 5:50 am
Clive Owen= Roland
December 25th, 2007 at 10:32 am
Maybe I’m crazy, but I think Daniel Day Lewis would make an excellent Roland. Ed Norton is perfect for Eddie.
January 20th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Personally i think Alexis Denisof (Wesley from the Angel series) would make the perfect Roland, Clint Eastwood is far too old and nowhere near cool enough to play him.
January 22nd, 2008 at 5:07 am
I dont think clive owen would be a good Roland but i don’t really like him as an actor so i’m probably biased in saying that! Daniel Day Lewis on the other hand… I just hope the don’t mess this up, In my opinion Books are always better than movies, but i still hope they do a good job! Just look at The film version of i am legend, Awful compared to the book. Didn’t even contain the same end concept of such an amazing story. just hope they don’t do that with this series!!
January 23rd, 2008 at 6:35 am
I started reading The Dark Towers series in 1990. And 14 years later it finally came to an end. And boy what an amazing journey it was.When I started only the first two books were out, the third one followed the year after but boy was there a big gap between three and four. With such a cliffhanger ending to book three it was painful to wait. An equally long gap between four and five followed and many fans such as myself were worried that the old genius king might not live to complete his epic novel. And then the final two came out so suddenly it was a major shock. I was excited and scared to finally get to the end of Rolands journey but King did not dissapoint. What a fabulous ending it was. I absolutely loved it !!!
Sadly with the story being such a big part of my life for so many years the final completion was satisfying but also left a big gap in my stomach. I have been dreaming of a film adaptation for so long now and with the finishing of th series I was craving it so badly. Just when I was starting to believe it would never make it to film with it being such a big project and Mr king being not so young anymore (sorry mate, I know you got alot left in you) along came the release of The Gunslinger Born comic by Marvel. WOW there was hope after all. I mean its MARVEL doing The Dark Tower !!! What a tribute. Just to see it all in graphic form was surreal for me. I bought every comic of the first series the day it hit the shelf and I will continue to do so untill the end. I knew in my heart that this would be the first step towards the movie. And then BAM the rumour hits, “J.J. ABRAMS TO DIRECT MOVIE VERSION OF STEPHEN KING’S THE DARK TOWER” I swear to god my knees buckled from under me and I almost passed out. My heart was racing as I searched for confirmation that this rumour was true. J.J. Abrams just happens to also be the director of my favourite TV series Alias so boy was I excited. Now that it is clear the movie WILL happen I again am both overwhelmed and terrified. I trust that J.J. will do a great job but I worry that he already has so much on his plate. If he makes this movie it needs to be his top priority and it needs to be PERFECT from start to finish and PLEASE PLEASE whatever you do don’t muck with the ending. Oh Roland, Eddie, Sussanah, Jake, and Oy, I will finally see you on the big screen. I will satisfy my desires with the comics untill this fantasy of mine is fulfilled. I crave nothing more. Thankee sai Stephen and Thankee sai J.J. Make me proud.
P.S. Sorry this was so long, I am very passionate about this as you probably guessed, lol. Please reply followers of Roland. Long days and pleasant nights to you all.
January 23rd, 2008 at 6:42 am
Just a quick comment about possible casting. I strongly believe that the characters will probably all be played by unknowns but I have seen some really good suggestions. I like the idea of Viggo Mortensen playing Roland and Clint is much better suited to play his father Stephen rather than playing Roland himself. My fave actor in the world is Johnny Depp and i think he would make a great Eddie. I like Tim’s suggestion of Gina Torres for Sussanah (loved her in Alias) and have no idea who should play Jake just as long as it’s not Haley bloody Joel bloody Osmond. Anyway that’s my thoughts. Bye again. :)
March 8th, 2008 at 12:23 am
I have a suggestion for the part of Roland - Alex O’Loughlin (pronounced O’Locklin). He is currently starring in Moonlight, a story about vampires (he plays a “good” vampire as opposed to a “bad” vampire, like the one in “Salem’s Lot”). He is no stranger to weird twisted plots and he is an amazing actor. He could easily play the young Roland and age to the older Roland (he is 30 something).
Anyway, I have read this series of 7 books from start to finish twice and the earlier books more than that. I feel ‘at home’ when I’m reading about Roland. It’s almost like a cult feeling of belonging. But, then, I’m an avid Stephen King reader and have read everything he has written except “Gerald’s Game”, which I just couldn’t bring myself to finish. As for the role of Roland, I have struggled for at least 2 years trying to come up with someone who could play this part. If nothing else, Alex O’Loughlin should get an audition for the part.
I just hope that the movie is not one big movie. It would be a shame to turn this masterpiece into a one shot deal. It deserves 7 full length movies. I don’t like the idea of a mini-series because we would have to wait years before it became a reality. If the production could begin soon on full length cinema movies, it could be finished in 3 years. And if the cast is right, it would set records, winning more academy awards than any movie ever made.
I hope the powers-that-be will give Alex O’Loughlin a shot at this starring role. And, if anyone hasn’t seen Moonlight, you can download the first 12 episodes from Amazon. Four more will be released starting April 25th, on CBS. This series won the People’s Choice Award for Best New Drama, receiving over 10 million votes.
March 10th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
I have been reading the dark tower books since drawing of the three, it was a long haul but gan knows it was worth it. this is the best series of books i have read in my life. I cant wait for the film(s) to hit the big screen but i’m also apprehensive about this as well, as i dont think a film or films can do these amazing books justice. The thing about the dark tower books or any books for that matter is the best part of it is the things that happen in your head not whats written down. I feel a lot will be cut out to make it a better film adaptaton and feel that the whole point,story,emotion and feel of the entire series will be wasted on the big screen. nevertheless I WILL be going to see it as the dark tower has been a main part of my life for what feels like forever and just seeing roland jake eddie suzanne/mia calvin etc will be amazing.
April 9th, 2008 at 7:12 am
Roland: Vigo or Clive or Thomas Jane (hopefully an unknown though)
Walter O’Dim: I could see Hugh Jackman. Other than that I have no idea.
Eddy: Casey Affleck
Susannah: Sanaa Lathan
Jake: Rory Culkin
May 4th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
hear me,I beg.if they do make the film version of the dark tower it has to be 3 or more films,if not all 7. out of the actors to play roland.hugh jackman could pull it off.as for eddie,I think jonathan tucker(hostage,sleepers,) is best.or maybe casey affleck.to play susanahh I think jada pinket smith would be good.for jake,jason Earles(of the hannah montana show)is perfect.and as randall flagg I would definetly go with jamey Sheriden(the guy that played flagg in the stand)as for pere don callahan christopher Lloyd is the obvious choise.say thank ya,big big.long days and pleasant nights.
May 6th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
I think Jeff Fahey would be the perfect Roland! I hope they at least consider him!
May 12th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
unless im wrong arnt we going to need at least three ppl to play roland? given the age ranges that take place during the flash backs, forwards (and what sometimes seems like sideways). as far as flagg goes i agree with joe, jamey Sheriden did an amazing job in the stand and i have a hard time imagining anyone else as flagg, except maybe Michael Madsen.
June 8th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
i’m liking the idea of masden as flagg i reckon he could pull it off. As for Roland it is so difficult to cast any of the main players and that is why i think it will have to be unknowns. I think maybe russel crowe could do it but no one is ever going to match up to Eastwood for the part. If only he was younger!! As for Eddie these may seem like wierd choices but think about it before you dismiss them James Macavoy, Ewan mcgreggor or Ryan Reynolds, Susannah is difficult to pick as unfortunatley there is not that many well known coloured actresses. Maybe Thandie newton. And Jake? It’s difficult to match somebody that can play preppy schoolboy and gun toting badass. Hayley Joel Osmond could do it but he’s prob about 30 by now, can’t think of any maybe darren from eastenders he’s supprisingly talented. IF THIS FILM HAPPENS IT HAS TO BE AT LEAST 3 FILMS LONG AND HAS TO STAY TRUE TO FORM (INCLUDING ENDING) OR WE WILL ALL GO MENTAL. PLEASE DON’T DO A DREAMCATCHER ON US.
June 16th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
My wife and I loved the Gunslinger / Dark Tower so much that we said that if we ever got another puppy (we have an 8 year old Dane) that we would name her Oy. Well 5 months ago we got are great dane puppy and named her Oy. We get alot of strange looks from people when we tell them her name others love it. I told my wife wait till they make the Dark Tower into a movie then see how many dogs will be named Oy
June 16th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
clive owen cannot be rowland deschain he’s too quick witted and roland is not.. and we have to remember that we still do not know what version it will be does it start with rowland being young i would love to see the chronicles kinda like that young indiana jones crap they used to have
June 16th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
we already have a randall flag from The Stand (Jamey Sheridan) using anyone else would just seem treacherous to the series
June 16th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
Thandie newton would be great as suzanna odetta holmes
June 16th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
I’m really hoping for a series
June 17th, 2008 at 12:03 am
any one ever see that roswell series that kid who played max evans (Jason Behr) would be a great rowland younger years …
June 17th, 2008 at 12:05 am
i have a lot of trouble thinking of rolands long lost love who would play her??… i cannot for the life of me think of any blondie that can make the cut!
June 17th, 2008 at 12:08 am
anyone think king could do roland he’s supposed to be in the books and he always makes an appearance in his movies… but….
June 17th, 2008 at 12:13 am
i don’t think norton can pull off eddie dean i was thinking more like luke wilson… yeah i said it ’cause he’s always cracking jokes that eddie dean ..
June 17th, 2008 at 10:50 am
I think Sam Elliot would be a perfect Roland!
June 17th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Alvin, don’t you know that Flagg wears many faces and treachery is his M.O.
June 17th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
This may very well be blasphemy, but with the expectations as high as they are, there is no way any actor or actors could meet them and if they could look at the suggestions on the site and try and imagine the salaries behind them. Now we know this is not likely to happen anytime soon, probably another 5 years before filming would begin. So just throwing this out there, with the advances in CGI…..???
For a movie or set of movies to come close to capturing this world perhaps something totally new is needed, and by totally new, I mean a complete CGI movie that really works, Bewoulf tried, I didn’t see it, but I saw the look and it would need to be better for me, but who knows, in five years or more, how much better will CGI be?
July 10th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
I think Ryan Reynolds and Sean williams scott would be would be good as eddie or cuthbert both have experience with action and comedy. As For Roland Vigo Mortensen i think just might be too soft of an actor. Roland does fight for the white but he does have some evil in him. Hugh Jackman i could see but he too is missing something to be roland. Clint eastwood i think might be a bit too old for steven but maybe see him as an Eldred Jonas…not sure about anyone else
August 7th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Bit late commenting, but to the guy below if Johnny Depp or his bum buddy Tim Burton came anywhere near the dark tower I would personally maim them. The crimson king can peel them off the walls when im done with them, for all i care :)