The Dark Tower is reportedly eyeing Idris Elba as The Gunslinger opposite Matthew McConaughey as The Man in Black
Last month, it was revealed that Matthew McConaughey was Sony Pictures and MRC’s top choice to play Randall Flag (The Man in Black) in their upcoming adaptation of Stephen King’s The Dark Tower series. Today, Deadline has an update, reporting that Idris Elba is the frontrunner to play Roland Deschain (The Gungslinger)!
Director Nikolaj Arcel, who co-wrote the Swedish version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and directed the Academy Award-nominated A Royal Affair, is set to helm the big screen adaptation, which also has a tie-in television series in development simultaneously. Academy Award winner Akiva Goldsman (A Beautiful Mind) and Jeff Pinkner (The Amazing Spider-Man 2) have written the screenplay, which is said to be based primarily on the first book in the seven-volume series.
Sony Pictures and MRC are teaming to make the live-action version of Stephen King’s epic tale, which focuses on the saga of the legendary Gunslinger.
“I’m excited that ‘The Dark Tower’ is finally going to appear on the screen,” King previously said. “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.”
Ron Howard was initially planning to direct the first film in the series. He is now involved in producing the series through his Imagine Entertainment alongside Brian Grazer and Erica Huggins. Goldsman is also producing through Weed Road with Pinkner set to serve as executive producer.
The Dark Tower is currently set for release on January 13, 2017.
What do you think of Idris Elba in the Gunslinger role? Do you think this is the version of the film that will finally get off the ground. Share your thoughts in the comments below?
