The Dark Tower is shaping up to be one of the most hotly anticipated Stephen King films ever made. With each bit of casting and production news that comes out, fans are becoming more and more excited to finally see King’s magnum opus on screen. The story of Roland, The Gunslinger is a massive sprawling epic that runs seven main novels and can take the average reader upwards of 150 hours to complete. It’s a huge tale that is both captivating and fantastic and has spawned a major following. How this will translate to the big screen is still yet to be determined, but here is what we know so far about the film version of Stephen King’s The Dark Tower.
Who is Roland Deschain?
Idris Elba (THOR, Pacific Rim) has been officially cast as The Gunslinger. In the first book of the series, the Gunslinger named Roland Deschain is introduced in hot pursuit of the Man in Black as he rides across a large desert. We come to find out that Roland has been pursuing the Man in Black for years in order to take revenge. The world they inhabit is a realm called Mid-World that resembles the American Old West in some areas, and a post-apocalyptic wasteland in others. Roland’s story is a big one and his search for the fabled Dark Tower turns his journey into a quest to save Mid-World from being overrun by evil forces.
The Man in Black is Matthew McConaughey
The Man in Black is a very complex character. Folks familiar with Stephen King’s vast body of work have seen this character play multiple roles to include the legendary Randall Flagg from the apocalyptic masterpiece The Stand. We know that Matthew McConaughey has the acting chops and infectious charisma to take on this role and make it great, but as of right now we have no idea how deep into the story this first film will be going. Depending on what winds up in the movie, the Man in Black will be a critical part of what sets Roland off to become a hero.
Young Newcomer Tom Taylor is Jake Chambers
When Roland sets off on his journey to hunt down the Man in Black, he comes across a young boy who plays a major role in The Dark Tower. Introduced when Roland finds a small building in the middle of the desert. Jake winds up accompanying him as they continue to follow in the path of the Man in Black. Jake Chambers over time builds a strong relationship with Roland, and over the course of the series, they almost form a type of father-son bond. Jake’s path is a dangerous one, and newcomer Tom Taylor will definitely have his work cut out for him.
Mad Max: Fury Road’s Abby Lee is Tirana
For anybody who has seen last year’s incredible Mad Max: Fury Road directed by George Miller, Abby Lee has proven that she can hold her own in the desert. Her role as The Dag was one of the most memorable standout performances in a film filled to the brim with amazing work. In The Dark Tower series, there is very little mention of the character known as Tirana. Abby Lee may be playing an important part in the story, but if her character is pulled from the novels, she may be one of the bad guys that answers to the evil ruler known as the Crimson King. Until we know more about who Tirana really is, her role is a mysterious one.
Aaron Paul Is a Wild Card
As of right now, we have no idea who Aaron Paul will be playing in The Dark Tower. Reportedly the actor has been approached for a role in the film, but no official statement has come out naming his character. Aaron Paul’s track record as being a sharp and intense presence on screen could mean that he is primed for any number of characters. In the first book The Gunslinger, Roland tells the story of a desert town called Tull that turns into a fierce bloodbath. Depending on what elements the film chooses to use from Steven King’s novel, Aaron Paul’s character could have a direct impact on Roland as he continues to hunt down the Man in Black.
