Javier Bardem (above) has been circling the lead role of “The Gunslinger” Roland Deschain in the impending THE DARK TOWER franchise for a while now. While nothing is conformed, producer Brian Grazer updated MTV on the status of the NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN actor:
“DARK TOWER, Javier Bardem, that’s what we’re hoping. We’re in the process of trying to put that together… He’s locked in psychologically. He really wants to do it, so we’re absolutely rooting for him to do it.”
So the offer is on the table and Deschain wants to do it. Let’s hope the contact is signed soon. When asked about other potential cast members, the producer responded, “We’re really just focused on Javier right now.” Other names that have been thrown around include Christian Bale, Jennifer Carpenter, Naomi Harris and Ghita Tazi (below).
Grazer also spoke bout the complexities of of working with multiple platforms for the project, which include film, television and video games: “It’s challenging to capture all of it, the density of it.” He added that he is excited to explore all of the metaphors involved.
The first story to be explored is that of The Gunslinger, first novel in Stephen King’s seven-book epic fantasy series. It was first published in 1982, with the final entry arriving in 2004. Hopefully the adaptation doesn’t take as long to complete.