"The Dark Tower" has met with its fair share of obstacles on its path to big screen (and small screen?) adaptation, especially when it comes to casting the lead role (see our casting wish list for the main characters here). Javier Bardem, Viggo Mortensen and Matthew McConaughey have all been rumored to be Roland "The Gunslinger" Deschain at one point or another. However, now comes word that Sony Pictures is eyeing an out-of-the-blue choice for the role. But the more we think about it, the more we realize he is actually very well suited for the part. Deadline Hollywood reports that Idris Elba has become the frontrunner to headline "The Dark Tower."
Elba may not look like your typical Roland for obvious reasons, but he is an incredibly talented actor who would bring the necessary gravitas and stoicism to the role. Even better, McConaughey is still reportedly interested in joining the project as the villainous and entertaining Man in Black, an eccentric role that screams Academy Award. If Deadline's report is true, "The Dark Tower" will serve as Elba's true movie star moment as it will be his first franchise-headlining role.
Based on Stephen King's seven (eight, technically, but we're not counting the last one) novel series, "The Dark Tower" adaptation is so rich and dense that a companion TV series has been rumored along with a slate of films. Elba, who has beefed up his leading man credentials with the recent "Beasts of No Nation" is no stranger to top-notch TV. His roles in "Luthor" and "The Wire" are what initially made the English actor a star.
Originally written as a white character, Roland's look (weathered features, blue eyes, etc.) was a strong point of focus in the books. However, quality acting trumps all, and Elba brings that in spades. Ultimately, doing the character justice is more important than casting a lookalike.
Nikolaj Arcel, known for directing "A Royal Affair" and writing the Swedish version of "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo," is set to direct with the film receiving a Jan. 17, 2017 release date. If the studio plans to stick with that timeframe then it better hurry up and make this casting official to get the ball rolling. "Dark Tower" fans have been waiting long enough.
