Last time we checked in on the long-brewing ambitious adaptation of “The Dark Tower,” Ron Howard had been courting streaming giant Netflix but word at the time was to wait until all the madness surrounding season four of “Arrested Development” died down before seriously considering anything. And here we are, six months later, with news that seems to point to actual progress on the iconic Stephen King saga.
Stumping for “Hellion”at the Sundance Film Festival—read our review here—Aaron Paul spoke with Ain’t It Cool News (via Hey U Guys) about a series of meetings regarding a character that’s a fan favorite. Apparently, like many King fans who tuned into “Breaking Bad,” Howard thought Paul would be a canny fit for the former-heroin-addict-turned-gunslinger Eddie Dean, or as Paul put it: “I’ve had a ton of meetings on that. I just had a general sit down with Ron Howard, who is a huge fan of the show (‘Breaking Bad,’ naturally), which is such a crazy thing to even think that Ron Howard even knows who I am. They’re definitely planning on making it. I’m excited.”
And that’s not the only actor Howard’s been keeping up with, at least if Schmoes Know (via JoBlo) is to believed. According to the site’s source—meaning, taking this with a grain of salt—Liam Neeson “is interested” in taking on the project, presumably as the series’ lead Roland. The source also says that the “Rush” director “is going to make this with MRC and Imagine for around $60 million or so. And he’s likely doing this next. There’s going to be a TV series as well since it’s MRC and I’m thinking it may end up being at Netflix.” While we don’t doubt there is some actual movement happening on the project, we just can’t see how a potential franchise starter—Paul said “their goal is to do three films”—could make do with anything less than $60 million, even if Howard’s last film was independently financed for $38 million. Besides, as the past years have shown, everything is far from certain when it comes to “The Dark Tower.”
Thoughts? Do you want to see an Aaron Paul and Liam Neeson led “The Dark Tower”? Hit us up below.
Anson Mount is the only actor I could see owning this role.
Aaron Paul as Eddie Dean – absolutely! Liam Neeson as Roland – absolutely not!!
Don\’t get me wrong I like Bryan Cranston but he could NOT be Roland, Aaron Paul however would be amazing as Eddie
I\’m great with the idea of Aaron as Eddie Dean. I think he\’d fill the part perfectly. Liam as Roland I am NOT good with. I want an actor who doesn\’t have a stamp in Hollywood. I want someone new, surprising. As it seems to be stretching out and taking awhile to get underway, I\’d really like to see Lucas Bryant play Roland. I don\’t want someone whose iconic history in the business overshadows the iconic nature of the character. No stars!
I love Liam Neeson, but he\’s not Roland. Viggo I could totally see. The guy there were talking to a few years ago would have been great, butit looks like that ship has sailed. . .
Timothy Olyphant as Roland. He IS Clint Eastwood 30 years ago.
Paul would be fantastic for Eddie. I\’d like to see Guy Richie as Roland…
I would love to see Ahron Paul as Eddie and my choice for the part of the Gunslinger would be Sam Elliot
Aaron Paul is perfect casting, but Ive alwyas thought Tim Olyphant would make a great Roland. He was great in Deadwood.
Would be a decent Eddie…but I still say Hugh Jackman would make a great Roland…as he looks like Eastwood\’s young doppleganger and King envisioned Eastwood when he started writing Gunslinger all those decades ago.
Daniel Craig would be an awesome Roland.
Aaron Paul would be a perfect Eddie. I could totally get on board with Viggo as Roland, even someone like Daniel Craig… I like Liam, just not for Roland, please.
Anson Mount would be amazing. Liam is just too old for the part of Roland. Aaron Paul is perfect for Eddie. I would love too see (Michonne) play Detta and ODetta. I hope they don\’t use Liam for Roland.
I think Robert Patrick (Terminator 2) would be perfect as Roland. Liam Neeson is too old.
Thomas Gibson would make a great Roland. Aaron Paul is perfect for Eddie.
And considering I am a huge fan of stephen king and a 3ven bigger fan of the dark tower series I hope the makers of this productoin take the publics, and kings ideas into the film, hopefully it is still in productpin necuase this seriea could be a huge hit
I think anson mount would fit the role of roland perfectly, or someone who looks the exact same and has the same acting style as him. Gritty, can hold and show emotoin and is about the right age for roland
Aaron Paul for Eddie yes but not Liam Neesan for Roland…WTF. How about Anson Mount from Hell On Wheels.
delta214 thinks that Breaking Bad continued to the Dark Tower. How the hell do you think Bryan would be Roland?
How about Timothy Olyphant as Roland?
I love when Anson Mount's agent posts here.
Folks, Anson Mount is not playing the lead in any A-list movie. Not now, not ever.
Anson Mount would be perfect as Roland. Aaron and Anson will have great chemistry together.
I think Anson Mount from Hell on Wheels would play an excellent Roland. As I read through the series, the entire time Roland was Anson Mount in my mind. He has the acting chops, the look, and I think can play the role of Roland perfectly!!!
Funnily enough after watching Breaking Bad Aaron Paul was Eddie Dean in my mind as well. He was made for this role!!!
GIVE THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT. PLEASE HBO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please find a better Roland then this –> http://storage.canoe.ca/v1/dynamic_resize/sws_path/suns-prod-images/1344539877351_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80&size=650x
I know some might not think so. But after seeing g Daniel Craig in "Cowboys vs Aliens" I think he would be awesome!
Javier Bardem as Roland
No way does Liam Neeson fit the role of Roland. But I was beyond excited when I heard Aaron was the favorite to play Eddie; I can't imagine a more perfect fit after watching him in Breaking Bad. Viggo would be an interesting fit, and so would Owen, but it's going to be tough for any actor to fully portray just how deep and iconic of a character that is Roland Deschain. Regardless, I'm just excited they're making progress with the films/TV series.
Clive Owen for Roland! No way does Liam fit that character.
Liam Neeson would not have been my first pick but it could be worse. Viggo or Bale would be better. The best possible scenario ( with the help of a time machine ) being a nineteen eighties Clint Eastwood as Roland and a nineteen nineties Leonardo Decaprio as Eddie.
Anson Mount is the Actor this saga deserves.
I figured it be too similar to Jesse Pinkman so I never thought of Paul as a realistic contender. He'd be great in the role. I hope Viggo Mortensen or Christian Bale are considered for Roland
He would be a PERFECT Eddie Dean! I really hope this film gets made but please not Liam Neeson as Roland. Imagine Bryan Cranston as Roland…