Deadline is reporting tonight that Sony Pictures currently has their eye on Idris Elba for the role of gunslinger Roland Deschain in the long-gestating adaption of The Dark Tower. If the actor signs on, he’ll star opposite Matthew McConaughey, who’s eyeing the role of the villainous Man In Black. No deal has been made with either actor just yet, but it’s looking like both stars will sign on for what seems to be a high priority project for the studio.
After all, Sony has been trying to get this franchise off the ground for years now, with actors like Javier Bardem, Aaron Paul, Liam Neeson and many more all being linked to the project at some point over the course of its development. Now, however, it looks as if things are starting to come together, and we’re hopeful that the Nikolaj Arcel-directed film will come to fruition sooner rather than later.
Aside from the fact that Stephen King’s source material will no doubt provide an excellent backbone for the franchise, which would also include a complimentary TV series, there’s also the fact that The Dark Tower would finally give Elba a chance to shine.
The actor has slowly built a strong resume for himself, especially over the past few years, but he still hasn’t really had a star vehicle. This would be his chance to truly lead a franchise and show everyone that he’s a bankable leading man. As a big fan of his work, we’re certainly hoping that this deal goes through.
We’ll keep you posted once everything gets firmed up, but in the meantime, tell us, would you like to see Idris Elba lead The Dark Tower?