Stephen King overload? NBC bringing 'The Dark Tower' to both TV and movie screens

In an unconventional move, Stephen King's "The Dark Tower" -- comprising seven novels, short stories and comic books -- will be made into both three films and a television series.

The unique deal will have Ron Howard directing the first film in the trilogy and the first season of the TV series, Universal Pictures and NBC Universal Television Entertainment announced Wednesday afternoon.

"The Dark Tower" centers on the sole survivor in a line of knightly gunslingers, Roland Deschain, who has been charged with finding a Dark Tower in order to save humanity.

The first film will be quickly followed by the television series, which will lead to the second film. The TV series will then resume until the third film is released. No word yet on when production is slated to begin on the first film.

For more on the project, visit our sister blog 24 Frames.

--Amy Kaufman

Twitter.com/AmyKinLA

Photo: Ron Howard at the Academy Awards in 2009. Credit: Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times.

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Stephen King's 'The Dark Tower' set for movie, TV series

Comments

[Richard False Name]

Just don't cast Christian Bale as Roland. I don't want a woman beater and another kanye ego maniac taking on Roland's role. I won't watch it if he's in it.

[charlotte]

i would like to see Viggo Mortensen in Roland

and @Richard false name:follow the news:Bale's mum confirmed he never beat her(only he yelled her) and if you don't want to see egomaniacs ,stop to see movies,TV and listen songs!

[usmcflir]

All of SKs books that have been made into TV mini-series or movies have stunk. I hope that this endeavor does not end up going that way.

[tiger tim]

STILL MORE pointless, seen-it-already, routine retreading
from a Hollywood and media that's making BILLIONS catering
to the franchise slum denialo needs of history's --MOST--
awesomely genocidal regime --ACROSS the Pacific.

----ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

[Dakota]

Finally and at last. I have waited patiently for years to see this happen. Now please oh please do not mess up the casting.

[Dakota]

Viggo Mortensen was my first choice as well but after a bit of thought I'm thinking Hugh Laurey as Roland

[Bill]

I am totally excited about this project... I started reading this series when The Gunslinger came out I believe in 1977! It has been a full generation to get the series completed and now a movie and tv series is coming!!!! My son started reading them a few years ago and has completed the entire set a couple times. I am nervous as well since many of the SK stories have turned into lousy movies... I have high hopes though with Ron Howard at the helm! He makes great movies!
My first thought for the lead role or Roland was Clint Eastwood... He would have been amazing as a younger man... But Vigo Mortenson sure looks the part and can definitely play a dark character. He would be a great choice!

[jon]

liam nieson as Roland!

[jon]

Because the character of Roland is described as 'Long tall and ugly', and as being 'lanky', and as having a big nose, I think that Liam Neison would be the best fit (see Saraphim Falls), but they have to hurry up, because he is getting old quick. If that didn't work, and nobody can find a way to go back in time and borrow Clint Eastwood from 1977, then I suppose Viggo Mortensen could pull it off. Whatever you do (people who are casting the movie), don't involve Hugh Jackman just because he kinda looks like Clint from far away, just don't. I know it's tempting, since it worked out so well in the 'X-Men' franchise. Just don't.

[Business Bags]

No word yet on when production is slated to begin on the http://www.bagsabout.info/ first film.All of SKs books that have been made into TV mini-series or movies have stunk. I hope that this endeavor does not end up going that way.