This isn’t fresh news; it was announced earlier this fall, but here’s an update on the coming film/TV versions of Stephen King’s beloved Dark Tower series of books. Nikki Finke’s Deadline Hollywood website talked to director Ron Howard to get an update on the project which is on track to debut May 17, 2013 (for the first film). Oscar winner Howard and his production team are planning to turn the seven novel series into three feature films with television miniseries between each film. Howard is scheduled to direct the first film and first miniseries before handing the directorial reigns over to other directors.
While most fans of the books are pleased that the books are being adapted, many are disappointed that Lost writers/producers J. J. Abrams, Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof aren’t involved in the project. Cuse and Lindelof optioned the rights to the books from King for $19 (a significant number in the books) and were initially excited about the project, but the writers ultimately decided not to tackle another large sci-fi/fantasy project so similar in scope to Lost, immediately after the end of the six year run of that ground breaking series. Lindelof also expressed fears that they wouldn’t live up to fan’s expectations; he didn’t want to “screw up one of my favorite books”.
No casting has been announced or a start date for the filming but one of the most frequently hoped for names is Viggo Mortensen as Roland. Fan boys/girls apparently can’t get enough of the LOTR star in genre films. Can you blame them?
– Michael Strangeways
