Stephen King's The Dark Tower Series to Be Adapted for Television
by Rich Keller
posted Sept 9th 2010


According to Deadline Hollywood, Universal Pictures and NBC Universal Television closed a deal earlier this week to transform King's multi-book series into both a movie and television franchise.

Under Universal's plan the movie would be released first, followed closely by the first TV season, and then the second movie in the trilogy.






Already connected to the project are writer Akiva Goldsman and director Ron Howard.

Goldsman -- writer of such films as Cinderella Man and the The Da Vinci Code as well as a writer and consulting producer on "Fringe" --will write the first movie and the first season of the TV series.

Howard will do the same on the directing side. It will all be produced by Imagine Entertainment and Howard's partner Brian Grazer.






The plan is to have the first season of the "Dark Tower" series serve as a bridge between the first and second movies. After the first movie finished filming, the cast would switch over to the television series.

After the show taped (or during production), they would prepare for the second film. Critics are comparing this project plan to Peter Jackson's back-to-back filming of The Lord of the Rings trilogy.









For the unaware, Stephen King's Dark Tower series focuses on Roland Deschain: the last member of a line of knighted gunslingers. Deschain's goal is to save civilization by reaching a nexus of all universes known as the Dark Tower.

Seven books were written in the series as well as a short story prequel and a Marvel Comics graphic novel series penned by comic book authors like Peter David and Jae Lee.





A few years ago, King granted the rights to the series to J.J. Abrams and "Lost" producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse. However, the trio never got it off the ground due to the series multi-layered plot and multiple characters.

Goldsman and Imagine Entertainment grabbed the rights once they became available again.






Universal has not released any casting information, release dates or network pickups for The Dark Tower series. Though, being Universal, there's a good chance it could land on SyFy sometime in the near future.

http://www.tvsquad.com/2010/09/09/stephen-kings-the-dark-tower-series-to-be-adapted-for-televis/

this could be VERY good if they do it right.

So What Does Stephen King Think About The Dark Tower Movie and Miniseries?
by Jean Bentley
posted Sept 10th 2010


Stephen King has been waiting patiently for several years to see his The Dark Tower series come to life, but he never expected it to take the unprecedented form that was announced yesterday -- Ron Howard and Akiva Goldsman will direct and write two movies and a TV series based on The Dark Tower.





King told Entertainment Weekly that, although he knew the story would take multiple installments to tell, he never expected the franchise plan that Howard and Goldsman came up with.

"I always thought it would take more than a single movie, but I didn't see this solution coming - i.e., several movies and TV series," he said.

"It was Ron and Akiva's idea. Once it was raised, I thought at once it was the solution."







One thing Howard and Goldsman won't have to work too hard on: the cast. King said he's already got the perfect actors picked out. "The 'Twilight' cast, of course!" he joked.

"Just kidding. I haven't got as far as casting in my thoughts, but when I write about Susannah Dean, I always kind of see Angela Bassett in my mind's eye. Mostly I just want good people in those parts. Ron Howard will find them, I'm sure."





Though the movies will allow Howard and Goldsman quite a bit of creative freedom, it might be difficult to show all of the series' blood on network television.

"I don't see that as a problem at all! We'll have just enough latitude to make a great series," he said. "I've worked in network TV before, and every time I was squeezed a little, it just made me look for creative solutions. Besides, I always like to play in the biggest auditorium available!"

http://www.tvsquad.com/2010/09/10/so-what-does-stephen-king-think-about-the-dark-tower-movie-and/

Howard Reveals Plans for "Dark Tower" TV Series
Source: AICN, Howard Stern
January 14, 2011


Howard Stern listeners and fans of Stephen King tuned in to Stern's program yesterday to hear Ron Howard talk about his latest film The Dilemma as well as his intentions for the sprawling adaptation of "The Dark Tower" series.

Some of the usual things that we've heard before were said, however, Howard shed some more light on the television series that would bridge the films in the big screen trilogy.





Howard revealed the TV project would likely be a six-hour mini-series, and because this whole adaptation endeavor is being spearheaded for Universal, you can expect to see it debut on NBC another one of Universal's affiliate channels.

He also reminded listeners that his frontrunners for the character of Roland are presently Viggo Mortensen and Javier Bardem.

http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/topnews.php?id=17766

Universal Loses on "Dark Tower" Quick Draw?
Thursday, May 5, 2011
By: MrDisgusting


Via Variety:

Ron Howard unveiled plans in September to adapt The Dark Tower for three films -- at least the first of which he plans to direct -- bridged by a pair of TV series.

Universal soon came on as a distributor, given Imagine's production deal with the studio; NBC (or an affiliated cable net) was expected carry the TV component.



Javier Bardem's deal to play the lead role of Roland Deschain is nearly closed, while Howard is still eyeing thesps for other roles.

Howard and Brian Grazer are producing through Imagine, while Akiva Goldsman is set to write the script.







With a project of this size and scope, it wouldn't be unusual for any studio to weigh its risk-sharing options -- or pulling out -- at this stage of development. And "Dark Tower" isn't the only major project that Universal has recently reconsidered.

"At the Mountains of Madness", which had Guillermo del Toro set to direct and Tom Cruise circling to star, was scrapped on the brink of lensing after U calculated that it would struggle to make money with its $150 million budget and R rating.

That project went into hibernation in March, not long after the newly minted NBCUniversal CEO Steve Burke was in Universal City for meetings with NBC and Universal Pictures brass.







King's Dark Tower epic has been long pursued for screen adaptation, but the series' length and scope -- rooted in a post-Apocalyptic realm resembling the Old West as well a parallel modern-day world -- has been a tough nut to crack for scripting and production planning.

Before Imagine announced its adaptation plans, J.J. Abrams and "Lost" co-creator exec producer Damon Lindelof had optioned rights from King for $19 (a key number in the Tower universe). But they weren't able to find a take on the material that satisfied their ambitions.

Nonetheless, the Imagine team and U felt confident they had a workable vision. In announcing their plans for Dark Tower, companies set a May 17, 2013 target date for release of the first film.

http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/24451

Dark Tower Safe - For Now
Friday, May 13, 2011
By: MrDisgusting


Dark Tower is staying at Universal. At least for now, writes THR.

The massive Universal-Imagine-NBC adaptation of Stephen King's mystical Western opus hit snags last week with some reports claiming that project was in turnaround. The project did hit budgetary snags and the fall start date was shelved. But Ron Howard, Brian Grazer and Akiva Goldsman have regrouped to try to bring the budget down.

Insiders say the end result is that Goldsman is now rewriting the script to reflect a lower price point. No start date has been given although it will certainly not be the fall.




Dark Tower is to be a film trilogy with a TV component in between the movies.

Howard has committed to direct the movie and the first episode of the show, with Goldsman writing all three movies.

http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/24574

Ron Howard Addresses "Dark Tower" Delay
Source: EW
May 25, 2011


Ron Howard spoke to Entertainment Weekly about the recent delay his forthcoming "Dark Tower" adaptation faced.

What the director offered was nothing we haven't really heard before, however, it does raise the question: Who will play Roland the gunslinger? It seemed that Javier Bardem was a lock, but that might not be the case after all.




"We had to pull back to our September start date due to budget delays and ongoing story development and logistical issues, but 'Dark Tower' is moving forward.

We're thinking of starting in early spring now. I can't really say who'll be in it yet, but Javier Bardem has shown a great deal of interest. We'll know by the end of the summer, when our flashing green light goes solid."





Howard intends to shoot three "Dark Tower" films and bridge them with a television series.

http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/topnews.php?id=19363

Ron Howard on "Dark Tower" Delays, Scope
Posted by Samuel Zimmerman
Jun 21, 2011


Ron Howard, director and champion of an ambitious adaptation of Stephen King's epic DARK TOWER series, has given an update regarding his expectations and just why it needs to be as huge as it's planned to be.

Speaking to Deadline about his career and partnership with Brian Grazer, talk led to the upcoming DARK TOWER films and television series and just what's happening with it all.






Hugely enthused, Howard discussed the risk of the project saying, "It’s impossible to live with ourselves if we don’t take the swing."

When asked why the stories need to cross platforms, Howard simply cited the enormity of the series' world and how it even may branch off into other media:

"The universe Steve King created is so dimensional and creative. It blends scope, sweep, and adventure with some very personal compelling stories. We could have tried to force all of it into one or two or three movies. It became clear to me that the medium of TV has become so bold and cool, we could use it to our advantage creatively and really fulfill the possibilities of this universe of characters King gave us to work with.

We can use the intimacy of television when that’s appropriate, and the scope and scale of the big screen with the bigger fantasy ideas. We discovered elements that would probably never have a home either on the big screen or on TV, but would make fantastic narrative gaming opportunities that won’t rehash the movies or TV, but have its own material borne out of the books and graphic novels.

We’ve got gaming designers and there is enthusiasm for that. It’s a way to use all the mediums at our disposal to try to fulfill what’s possible. Universal sees this as an asset that can benefit the company in a lot of different ways."






Howard also addressed Universal's hesitation and the retooling of the script, saying:

"The first version represented a bold attempt to fast track, because of weather concerns. It was a little more dramatic to people on the outside than to us. We’d have liked to move forward on that fast track, but it was always Phase One. There was an understanding that if we couldn’t answer all the questions in a way that made sense to all the partners involved, then we would operate on a slightly more traditional timetable.

Even if we go in March, that’s still moving quickly for something of this scale. I’m producing it with Akiva Goldsman, who wrote it to be sensitive to cost and is rewriting it to be more so. Without putting a number on it, the cuts aren’t that deep or that radical."





As far as Javier Bardem's role in the proceedings, Howard says the actor is interested and hopes he'll be available when production gets underway.

http://www.fangoria.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4853:ron-howard-on-qdark-tower-delays-scope&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=167

Universal Nixes Stephen King's "Dark Tower" - No Ambitious Film Trilogy Or TV Series
By MIKE FLEMING
Monday July 18, 2011


The moment has come for Universal Pictures to fish or cut bait on "The Dark Tower", the ultra-ambitious adaptation of the Stephen King 7-novel series that was going to encompass a trilogy of feature films and two limited run TV series.

The studio has said, No Thanks.



Universal has passed on going forward with the project, dealing a huge blow in the plan for Ron Howard to direct Akiva Goldsman's script, with Brian Grazer, Goldsman and the author producing and Javier Bardem starring as gunslinger Roland Deschain.

Now, the filmmakers will have to find a new backer of what might well be the most ambitious movie project since Bob Shaye allowed Peter Jackson to shoot three installments of The Lord of the Rings back to back.









This stunning development comes after Universal in May pushed plans to start production this summer on the first film. The studio claimed to be on track for a February, postponing to reduce the budget. This temporarily dispelled rumors that Universal was putting the project in turnaround, rumors that cropped up when the studio put workers on hiatus.

But it was only a temporary respite. I'm told that this time, the studio reviewed Goldsman's script for the first film and the first leg of the TV series, and would only commit to the single film.



That wasn't good enough for the filmmakers, who had already hired comic book and "Heroes" and "Battlestar Galactica" writer/producer Mark Verheiden to co-write the TV component with Goldsman, which was to be made for NBC Universal Television (studio insiders deny that the studio was only willing to make the movie and not the series).

I know the filmmakers planned to make it all part of the first shoot while they had the cast in place and the sets erected. I'd heard back in May that Warner Bros--where Goldsman's Weed Road is based and which is fully financing two installments of Peter Jackson's The Hobbit--was a possible landing place for the adaptation of King's 7-novel epic that is that author's answer to Tolkien's LOTR novels.









Why did Universal chairman Adam Fogelson and co-chairman Donna Langley decide not to go forward? They weren't saying, at this point. Nor were the filmmakers.

Universal has put big chips on the table for several tent pole films and maybe that has something to do with it. The big bets include the Peter Berg-directed Battleship with Taylor Kitsch starring, as well as the Keanu Reeves-starrer 47 Ronin with Carl Rinsch directing.

If you listen to word on the street, both of these are $200 million realm with huge marketing budgets. Universal recently passed on green lighting At The Mountains of Madness, which Guillermo del Toro was to direct with Tom Cruise starring, based on HP Lovecraft horror tale.

That time, the studio balked at funding a $150 million film that gave del Toro the latitude to deliver his cut with an R-rating.




Insiders said that Universal brass loved the filmmakers and the project, but couldn't make it work with the current budget in its business model.

http://www.deadline.com/2011/07/universal-wont-scale-stephen-kings-the-dark-tower-studio-declines-to-make-ambitious-trilogy-and-tv-series/

Stephen King 'not really surprised' about "Dark Tower" roadblock -- EXCLUSIVE
by Kristen Baldwin
July 19, 2011


With the news that Universal has canceled its planned film-and-TV adaptation of Stephen King’s The Dark Tower book series, the author tells EW.com that he’s still optimistic that director Ron Howard will find a home for Roland the Gunslinger on the big (and/or small) screen.

“I’m sorry Universal passed, but not really surprised. As a rule, they’ve been about smaller and less risky pix; maybe they feel it would be better to stick with those fast and furious racing boys.

I bear them no ill will, and trust Ron Howard to get Roland and his friends before the camera somewhere else. He’s very committed to the project.”

http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/07/19/stephen-king-dark-tower-universal/

Producer: Dark Tower Isn't Dead Yet
Source: Page Six
August 17, 2011


Brian Grazer spoke to The New York Post's Page Six regarding The Dark Tower adaptation and said he is now working with Ron Howard "to get outside financing to make it, and distribute it through a major studio."

Howard is moving on to direct Formula One while money is pulled together and, hopefully, 2012 will be the year The Dark Tower finally gets rolling. But don't hold your breath. Anything could happen.





Last month, Universal killed Howard/Grazer's proposed The Dark Tower endeavor, an epic adaptation of the Stephen King series that would be told across three films and a television series.

Grazer is still hopeful for the television show, says Page Six. Now, it could go to any network and is not restricted to NBC/Universal.

Page Six adds Javier Bardem remains on board as Roland the gunslinger.

http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/topnews.php?id=20534

Dark Tower Finds Its Home on Television?
Source: MTV
October 25, 2011


Producer Brian Grazer recently told MTV that part of Ron Howard's The Dark Tower will air on HBO.

If you recall, Howard and Grazer are setting out to bring Stephen King's property to film as a trilogy and to television.

"We're going to do 'The Dark Tower' with HBO. We'll do the TV with HBO, and we'll do the movie with...to be determined. We'll do it right."



With one part of this puzzle being locked into place, all The Dark Tower needs is to find a studio through which to create the films.

http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/topnews.php?id=21598

Warner Bros. Backing The Dark Tower?
by Ryan Turek
March 12, 2012


Warner Bros. may finally bring The Dark Tower to fruition.

That's according to a report from Deadline who says the studio is coming close to striking up a deal with Ron Howard.





If you recall, Howard, Akiva Goldsman and Brian Grazer were developing the long-mooted adaptation of King's epic series over at Universal before that studio passed over budget costs.

Deadline adds that Warner Bros. has already purchased Goldman's script - which is a rather big move - and he is currently doing a polish. If the deal-making goes well, Howard will come aboard to direct and production may begin as soon as the first quarter of 2013.

Javier Bardem may play Roland the gunslinger. The actor was circling the role when the project was in development elsewhere.

http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/166175-warner-bros-backing-the-stand-and-now-the-dark-tower-too

The Dark Tower Movie: Sony Pictures & MRC Team on First Installment of Stephen King’s Series
by Mike Fleming Jr
April 10, 2015


Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group chairman Tom Rothman has found a franchise to sink his teeth into. Sony Pictures has teamed with MRC to co-finance The Dark Tower, Stephen King’s novel series set in a world woven with magic and revolving around the gunslinger Roland Deschain.

Sony will distribute what is planned to be the first in a series of movies. A complementary TV series is also being developed by MRC.





The new script is primarily based on the first book in the series, The Gunslinger, and the relationship between Roland and Jake. The film is a blend of horror and fantasy.

The latest draft of the script is co-written by Akiva Goldsman and Jeff Pinkner. It was totally reconceived by Goldsman and Pinkner from the version that had been previously developed and which took root first at Universal and later at Warner Bros.

Goldsman is producing through his Weed Road with Imagine Entertainment’s Ron Howard, Brian Grazer and Erica Huggins, and I believe the author is also in a producing capacity. Pinkner will be exec producer.

Sony and MRC will go right out after filmmakers with this script, and put this on the fast track that hard-core fans of King’s book have long desired. Numerous stars including Javier Bardem and Russell Crowe have eyed the role of the gunslinger, but that role won’t be filled until after the director is set.





King, who options his works for $1 and likes to see progress, has been incredibly patient as this mammoth project — it’s his answer to Tolkien’s Middle Earth novels — has taken its time and its twists and turns. He’s sparked about where the project is now.

“I’m excited that The Dark Tower is finally going to appear on the screen,” he said in a statement. “Those who have traveled with Roland and his friends in their search for the Dark Tower are going to have their long-held hopes fully realized. This is a brilliant and creative approach to my books.”



Said Rothman: “There are few projects out there that compare with the scope, vision, complex characters and fully drawn world that Stephen King has created with The Dark Tower. I am a giant fan. And, as Stephen himself does, we love the direction that Akiva and Jeff have taken. This is a great opportunity for a director to put his or her stamp on a cool global franchise.”





When Rothman was set to rise from his perch running TriStar to replace Amy Pascal as chairman, his biggest challenge was to create franchises.

All around Hollywood, from Disney’s franchising of Marvel and Star Wars properties, Fox’s 3-sequel Avatar plans and Paramount hiring Goldsman to supervise Transformers sequels and spinoffs for his college pal Michael Bay, the studio business is all about the care and feeding of global franchises, and it is getting harder to find fresh intellectual properties.

Rothman has found one with a wide built-in fan base.

http://deadline.com/2015/04/dark-tower-movie-tv-series-stephen-king-sony-mrc-1201407880/