"The Dark Tower," long considered to be author Stephen King's magnum opus, has been through a tumultuous shelf life, as multiple studios have attempted to adapt the ambitious and sprawling series for the screen (both big and small). Both Universal and Warner Bros. acquired the rights to the project at one time or another. Ron Howard and J.J. Abrams were both set to direct with Russell Crowe and Javier Bardem, respectively, attached to star in the lead role. However, the logistics of adapting the other worldly series proved too difficult, and the project was ultimately dropped by both studios.
Now, Sony Pictures is stepping up to the plate with a Jan. 13, 2017 release date in mind. Is that realistic given the lack up updates on the project recently? King himself spoke about the long-gestating adaptation in a recent interview with Rolling Stone.
"It looks to me like it's more likely than not it'll happen at this point," King said. "Let's put it this way. I think that it's more likely than not that Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey will be in it. But I can't say with any certainty. I know that they're trying to make deals with these actors [and] with Sony, and that's the extent of my knowledge."
King is likely being extra careful with his comments regarding the project given the false starts he's witnessed with it in the past. But should Sony come to an agreement with Elba and McConaughey, two A-list stars, the rest will fall in place quickly. Right now, the best approach is to be cautiously optimistic that the project is inching forward to a conclusive green light.
"The Dark Tower" series follows the adventures of Roland Deschain, the last in a line of ancient gunslingers, as he embarks on a quest for the mysterious and powerful Dark Tower. Along the way, he is joined by a handful of important partners, and together they fight through a never ending stream of adversaries on their journey.
