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Almost Totally Excellent

Russell Crowe May Join Film Adaptation of Stephen King’s The Dark Tower

by Kellie Foxx-Gonzalez | 2:02 pm, August 3rd, 2012


We’ve hard quite the on-again off -again relationship with Ron Howard and Akiva Goldsman’s film and television adaptation of Stephen King’s The Dark Tower series. First, Javier Bardem signed on to play gunslinger Roland Deschain, then the project was canceled due to budget issues, then it was back on and coming to HBO. Soon after, it was postponed indefinitely. For a while, it didn’t seem like we’d be getting to see King’s magnum opus hit the big screen. But now, thanks to some interest on the part of Warner Bros, we might finally see Goldsman’s project hit the ground running, and with a new gunslinger to boot.

Although Bardem has been attached to the role since its inception, it appears that Howard is eyeing Russell Crowe as a replacement. Although the reasoning behind this casting change-up is unclear, we imagine it might have an impact on whether or not Warner Bros. decides to move forward with this long-beleaguered adaptation. Reportedly Goldsman is turning in a new script soon, which will probably have a smaller budget since that’s what got it scrapped in the first place.

Admittedly, The Dark Tower is a risky series. It’s a huge epic, spanning 7 novels and a just-released prequel, it’s written by an author that you either love or hate, and it’s just not as well-known and culturally influential as its progenitor. Universal likely couldn’t bear the thought of spending so much money on producing a high-fantasy epic that just might not pull in big audiences.

What do you think? Will a more notable actor and a smaller budget assure this potential film’s success? Do you see Russell Crowe as Roland Deschain? Will we ever get a final answer regarding the fate of this adaptation?

(via Blastr.)

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  • http://twitter.com/loerwyn Kathryn

    After Crowe’s performance in Robin Hood was largely rubbished, I would have thought he would be a less desirable actor.

    Hm.

    No, I still want Javier Bardem for Roland.

  • Anonymous

    He’s just not right for the part. Period. They really need Viggo Mortensen or someone like him.

  • http://www.facebook.com/paigevest Paige Vest

    No, I most definitely do NOT see Russell Crowe as Roland. Of course, Bardem didn’t fit Roland, either IMO so my heart won’t be broken if he’s been dropped or has chosen to abandon the role.

    How about they just nevereverever make any movies? Then the fandom won’t be disappointed by the inevitable disappointment. *nod*

  • Anonymous

    Here here. I won’t see it if Russell Crowe plays Roland; screw that.

  • Lucas Picador

    Russell Crowe… ugh. He was good in LA Confidential and The Insider, 15 and 13 years ago respectively. Since then, his films and performances have either been garbage or just forgettable. Who buys a movie ticket because of this guy? Seriously, who are his fans?

  • jetmilton

    Please no Russell Crowe.  Please yes, Viggo Mortensen.  

  • Shannon Gries

    I think Javier Bardem could work for the role.  Definitely not Russell Crowe.  Then again, I don’t think the “powers that be” cast the right person as Stephanie Plum (Katherine something) or the right person as Jack Reacher (really?  Tom Cruise is playing a 6’5″ 230lb bad ass?), so perhaps I’m not a good test of who should play characters from novels that I’ve read.

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