Is Dark Tower Going into Turnaround?

files/pictures/picture-35.jpgVariety [1] reports that Universal execs are mulling the option to put Ron Howard's film and TV adaptation of Stephen King's DARK TOWER series into turnaround. The move would be due to the growing budget on the ambitious project. If it goes into turnaround, Imagine Ent. would be able to pitch the project to other studios to either take over entirely or partner with Universal.

The epic adaptation of the seven novels and comic book prequels would be three feature films bridged by two seasons of a TV series. Javier Bardem has committed to star. NBC is likely to air the series.

Howard and Brian Grazer are producing with Howard committed to direct at least the first feature and first season of the TV series. Akiva Goldsman is writing the scripts.

Universal has set May 17, 2013 as the release date for the first film.