We've heard of a movie adaptation of the Dark Tower a few years ago. Many studios and directors have voiced an interest in adapting Stephen King's epic series of novels, Director J.J. Abrams was even involved at some point, unfortunately the project fell in limbo. But it's time to hope again, because now there's a plan for a multi-platform adaptation of The Dark Tower ahead us!
Universal Pictures and NBC Universal intend indeed to adapt the Dark Tower by interlacing a movie trilogy and a TV series. It's a quite surprising plan, and thanks to Deadline Hollywood we may get a better understanding:
"The plan is to start with the feature film, and then create a bridge to the second feature with a season of TV episodes. That means thefeature cast—and the big star who'll play Deschain—also has to appear in the TV series before returning to the second film. After that sequel is done, the TV series picks up again, this time focusing on Deschain as a young gunslinger. Those storylines will be informed by a prequel comic book series that King was heavily involved in plotting. The third film would pick up the mature Deshain as he completes his journey. They will benefit from being able to use the same sets cast and crew for the movie and TV, which could help contain costs on what will be a financially ambitious undertaking."
Deadline Hollywood
"The plan is to start with the feature film, and then create a bridge to the second feature with a season of TV episodes. That means thefeature cast—and the big star who'll play Deschain—also has to appear in the TV series before returning to the second film. After that sequel is done, the TV series picks up again, this time focusing on Deschain as a young gunslinger. Those storylines will be informed by a prequel comic book series that King was heavily involved in plotting. The third film would pick up the mature Deshain as he completes his journey. They will benefit from being able to use the same sets cast and crew for the movie and TV, which could help contain costs on what will be a financially ambitious undertaking."
Deadline Hollywood
Director Ron Howard is set to direct the first Dark Tower movie and Akiva Goldsman is in charge of the script. The cast hasn't been announced yet.
Plot:
"The Dark Tower revolves around Roland Deschain, the last living member of a knightly order of gunslingers, and humanity’s last hope to save a civilization that will crumble unless he finds the Dark Tower. Howard and Goldsman describe the world as an alternate Americana, one part post-apocalyptic, one part Sergio Leone."
The adaptation sounds like a really ambitious project. If well-done, it could definitely eclipse the Lord of the Rings trilogy!
