Despite Universal’s production impasse, we learned last month that Ron Howard and Brian Grazer are indeed forging ahead with the multi-platform adaptation of Stephen King’s THE DARK TOWER. A February, 2012 production slate has been targeted, still with Oscar winner Javier Bardem attached to play the gun-slinging Roland Deschain.
Cut to the present. Grazer and Howard recently sat down with Deadline.com and touched on a number of DARK TOWER related topics. Peep it…
When quizzed about the risk to undertake such an epic project, Howard retorted with:
“If you’re not out there taking some risks, if you’re just coasting along with your wins, then you’re not really trying. But we never take risk for risk’s sake. The Dark Tower seemed like such a good idea to both of us that it became impossible not to try it. It’s impossible to live with ourselves if we don’t take the swing.”
When asked about why the story warrants three movies and two TV series, Howard continued with:
“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.”
About why it’s been so hard to get the first film into production, Opie came with:
“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.”
Finally, regarding Javier Bardem’s involvement:
“Nobody is pay or play but he has said he wants to do it. We’ve spent a lot of time together. He’s fascinated by the character and has great instincts for Roland. I’m hoping when we go, he’s available and will join us.”
To read the rest of the interview with Howard and Grazer, click HERE.
Jennifer Connelly, star of Howard’s last film, THE DILEMMA
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