Universal Topples The Dark Towers

Universal has decided to pass on Ron Howard's epic film and TV adaptation of Stephen King's THE DARK TOWERS, reports Deadline.com.

Universal has decided to pass on Ron Howard's epic film and TV adaptation of Stephen King's THE DARK TOWERS, reports Deadline.com. Now Imagine partners Howard and Brian Grazer have a chance to shop the project to other studios. But who will take on the most ambitious project in Hollywood history?

Akiva Goldsman had adapted the scripts for a trilogy of films, which would have been bridged by two limited run TV series. BATTLESTAR GALACTICA's Mark Verheiden was hired to co-write the TV series with Goldsman. Howard was set to direct the first film and season of the series. Javier Bardem had agreed to star. King would have produced with Howard, Grazer and Goldsman.

Apparently, Universal was willing to commit to only the first film, which didn't suit the filmmakers. The plan was to shoot the first film and TV season at the same time.

Warner Bros. could be the first place the filmmakers go, because Goldsman's Weed Road has a production deal there.

The Western fantasy film follows gunslinger Deschain as he seeks out the legendary Dark Towers, which could hold the key to humanity's survival.