The Dark Tower has a face. And damn, what a beautiful, sculpted face it is. According to Deadline, Oscar-winner Javier Bardem has officially been offered the role of gunslinger Roland Deschain in Ron Howard‘s epic cross-platform adaptation of Stephen King’s seven novel series.
Rumors have fluttered about Bardem’s involvement for awhile and although formal negotiations haven’t begun yet, Howard and Universal Pictures are very excited that they’ve potentially found their space cowboy. Other names rumored included both Aragorn and Batman themselves, Viggo Mortensen and Christian Bale. In the end, though, it appears that Howard wanted to go with someone who wasn’t already the face of a franchise. And we agree, that makes sense.
For those who hadn’t heard, Howard plans to present The Dark Tower’s universe in an innovative and ambitious way, through both films and a television. There will be a trilogy of movies along with a TV series of two seasons, using all formats to tell the expansive Dark Tower tale. Supposedly, the movie cast will be the same for the series’ first season (but not the second, which will be more of a prequel).
As for our reaction? We couldn’t be happier. Bardem is a straight-up bad-ass and anyone who disagrees needs to re-watch No Country for Old Men. Plus, he was just nominated for another Oscar this week for his role in Biutiful. So, bottom line? The dude can act.
Oh and yes, to women everywhere, there is a strong chance you’ll see Javier Bardem on network television. Swoon.
Source: Deadline
