It’s been quite some time since word broke that Warner Bros. Pictures would not be moving forward with plans for a massive adaptation of Stephen King’s The Dark Tower series. WB was the second studio to ultimately pass on the project after it was initially developed at Universal. Today, however, there’s some very good news for Dark Tower fans as Deadline has just revealed that Sony Pictures and MRC are teaming to make a live-action version of the epic tale a reality. Sony and MRC will co-finance the franchise with Sony developing the first feature film and MRC beginning work on a tie-in television series.
King’s books weave the saga of Roland Deschain, the Gunslinger, a sobriquet that also happens to be the title of the first book in the series. According to the outlet, The Gunslinger will be the primary basis for the first film. The current draft of the screenplay hails from Academy Award winner Akiva Goldsman (A Beautiful Mind) and Jeff Pinker (The Amazing Spider-Man 2).
“I’m excited that ‘The Dark Tower’ is finally going to appear on the screen,” says King. “Those who have traveled with Roland and his friends in their search for the Dark Tower are going to have their long-held hopes fully realized. This is a brilliant and creative approach to my books.”
“There are few projects out there that compare with the scope, vision, complex characters and fully drawn world that Stephen King has created with The Dark Tower,” adds Sony chairman Tom Rothman. “I am a giant fan. And, as Stephen himself does, we love the direction that Akiva and Jeff have taken. This is a great opportunity for a director to put his or her stamp on a cool global franchise.”
Ron Howard was initially planning to direct the first film in the series, although no director is said to be attached at this time. Howard does remain heavily involved, however, producing through his Imagine Entertainment alongside Brian Grazer and Erica Huggins. Goldsman is also producing through Weed Road with Pinker set to serve as executive producer.
Although some top level acting talent has eyed The Dark Tower in the past, no one is currently attached. Check back for updates, however, as soon as they become available.
