The ambitious three-movies-bridged-by-two-TV-series adaption of Stephen King’s The Dark Tower series envisioned by producers Ron Howard, Akiva Goldsman and Brian Glazer may still have a chance to live.
Last summer, Universal passed on the project after postponing its proposed summer shoot for the initial cinematic installment siting budgetary concerns. The producers stated that they planned on shopping the project around to other studios, and after trimming a reported $45 million off the budget they are now close to a deal with Warner Brothers that may allow Howard to direct the first part of the project of the epic post-Apocalypse western.
Reportedly Javier Bardem, who was set to play the story’s hero gunslinger Roland Deschain is still attached to the project, though that could change based on the actor’s availability.
Deadline is reporting that currently the studio has bought Goldsman’s script and he is working on a polish. If the studio likes the result they could very well give the greenlight for a possible first quarter 2013 shooting start.
The fate of the television components of the overall project are still up in the air, though back in the fall Glazer stated HBO was possibility. If the cable channel is still in the mix, they would make a great partner in the venture considering their long long history with Warner Brothers.
