If you haven't heard, the adaptation for Stephen King's magnum opus "The Dark Tower" is finally moving forward following several studio changes, budget/production issues and endless delays. Sony Pictures has put the film on track for a definitive 2017 release with Nikolaj Arcel (who helmed the well-received Swedish version of "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo") set to direct.
"The Dark Tower" series revolves around Roland Deschain, the last in an ancient line of gunslingers, and his epic quest across a vast wasteland. His story spans seven dense novels with several important characters, sub-plots, flashbacks, etc. thrown in. The behind-the-scenes talent gives us hope that King's iconic series will finally get the big screen treatment that it deserves, but the on-screen talent is just as important to the success of this ambitious undertaking.
So which actors and actresses are good enough to do such a sprawling story justice?
Roland Deschain - Viggo Mortensen
Matthew McConaughey is being courted by the studio for one of two important roles. As Roland, the lead role, it would be surprising so see the A-lister pass in favor of the smaller yet far more interesting part up for grabs. But we're really hoping he does.
Roland is a weathered old warrior whose ambition and single-mindedness constantly come into conflict with his morality. If Clint Eastwood was in his prime, there would be no other choice. But Mortensen can bring the necessary toughness and gravitas to the role as well.
We already know he can play a legendary hero ("The Lord of the Rings") and we've seen him expertly pull off raw, rugged and violent ("Eastern Promises"). But there's also a certain shivered humanity to Mortensen ("The Road") that would shine through as Roland. Some may argue that at 57, Mortensen is too old to headline a franchise. That's a fair point from a major studio's perspective. But Roland is thousands of years old in the books and having a more worn feel about him would be right in line with his original character.
Alternative Options: Michael Fassbender, Tom Hardy, Javier Bardem, Bradley Cooper
The Man in Black - Matthew McConaughey
Here's where we want to see the reigning Best Actor winner. King fans know the Man in Black well, as he also goes under the alias Randall Flagg, Walter o'Dim and other familiar names. He's a mainstay in the King universe.
And he's also one of the most damn compelling literary characters we've ever come across. This qausi-immortal wizard can be sinister and haunting, but he's also very playful. He's got a wink in his eye, as if he knows something you don't. McConaughey has the charisma to pull that off ("Dallas Buyers Club") while also possessing the necessary dark range ("True Detective") to solidify his villainous side.
McConaughey could be absolutely unhinged in this role and stretch it as far as he wants to go. We're not saying he'd equal Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker in "The Dark Knight," but it is a fair parallel.
Alternative Options: Daniel Day Lewis, Hugh Jackman, Johnny Depp, Ralph Fiennes
Eddie Dean - Oscar Isaac
Eddie is a recovering heroin addict who joins Roland on his quest to find The Dark Tower. While he's responsible for much of the comic relief in the series, his character possesses a well of deep emotions that are continuously explored throughout the books. If Roland is the steady protagonist of the series who keeps everything on track, than Eddie is the heart and soul that keeps you emotionally invested.
Isaac is perhaps the most talented borderline movie star in all of Hollywood who hasn't quite popped yet. His star credentials are clearly rising ("Star Wars: The Force Awakens," "X-Men: Apocalypse"), and his critical acclaim is well founded ("Inside Llewyn Davis," "Ex Machina"). But "The Dark Tower" could be the perfect marriage of mainstream blockbuster success and critical praise.
Alternative Options: Aaron Paul, Jared Leto, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Susannah - Lupita Nyong'o
Susannah is a tough nut to crack as she is first introduced with having two distinct and polar opposite split personalities. One is morally upright, intellectual and sophisticated while the other is violent, sexually crazed and racist. Seeing the juxtaposition play out on the page is a fascinating character study.
As if that wasn't enough of a challenge for an actress, Susannah's role in the story is multi-faceted. She has to carefully balance the differing responsibilities of friend, lover, mother, enemy, moral compass and more. The character must convey a diverse range of emotions that slot in all over the spectrum.
Though Nyong'o's only major film credit is "12 Years a Slave" (her character in "The Force Awakens" is motion-capture) her powerful performance was good enough to score her an Academy Away for Best Supporting Actress. She may be inexperienced, but she's talented. Surround her with other top-notch performers and she'll own the complex role.
Alternative Options: Zoe Saldana, Kerry Washington, Taraji P. Henson
Jake Chambers - Tye Sheridan
In the books, Jake is just 12. While his youth plays an important role to his character, there's no way a major Hollywood studio is going to allow a 12-year-old character to be involved with such, ahem, adult content. For story purposes, we won't fault them for upgrading to the 19-year-old Tye Sheridan who can play younger if need be.
Jake is one of the protagonists of the series who has a kind heart, sharp senses and a tough backbone. Yet for all of his attributes, he feels empty and lost throughout much of the story as he searches for his place in the world(s).
Sheridan has played that arc to perfection in the well-received "Mud" and "Joe." Despite his young age, he comes across very natural and real on-screen. Plus, he's brushing up on his action skills as Cyclops in "X-Men: Apocalypse" which will come in handy for "The Dark Tower."
Alternative Options: Logan Lerman, Thomas Mann
What do you think, King fans? Agree with our list? Think we're idiots? Let us know in the comments section below.
