Javier Bardem ‘Psychologically’ Attached to The Dark Tower
By Krystal Clark
Back in January, we learned that Javier Bardem was in the running to play the lead character in Ron Howard’s adaptation of The Dark Tower. Now producer Brian Grazer has come forward, on the record, to say that he wants Bardem in the role, they’re preparing a negotiation package for him, and he’s “psychologically” already attached. If that statement confuses you, here’s the full quote that he gave.
When speaking to MTV about casting the right actor for the part of Roland Deschain this past Sunday, Grazer was pretty blunt about his desire to have Bardem play the role.
Javier Bardem, that’s what we’re hoping. We’re in the process of trying to put that together. … He’s locked in psychologically. He really wants to do it, so we’re absolutely rooting for him to do it.
In other words, both parties want to work together, but they have to handle the business side of it first. When asked if they were looking at any other actors for the part of Roland, Grazer said, “We’re really just focused on Javier right now.” It sounds like they’re trying to send a message. They want Bardem and they want him bad!
The question is, do the fans want Bardem? We know there was a huge outcry for Viggo Mortensen to step into the role but he signed on for Snow White and the Huntsman and the dream went down the drain. What do you think of their decision?
Do you think Bardem is the right choice?
Wednesday, March 2, 2011 11:25AM
I am a HUGE fan of Stephen King's work and would not like to see Bardem as one of the greatest characters in his writing career. He is a great actor in his own right but as Roland, no. It would be better to cast a no-name or fresh actor since the Dark Tower Series is soo original and complex.
By the way, has anyone asked Mr. King who his pick would be? Also, who do you have in mind for Eddie, Susannah, and Jake?
Bardem would actually make a better Walter/Man in Black, since he has already established his dark side of acting.
PLEASE rethink casting Bardem as Roland…you find that a lot of us King/DT fans will not enjoy it.
Thanx~
Wednesday, March 2, 2011 11:36AM
I have read the Dark Tower books many, many times. Love them! Viggo Mortensen would have been a good fit, but so would Javier Bardem. You definitely have to have a dark side to play the character of Roland, as well as a rugged handsomeness. I wouldn't mind seeing Javier in this role.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011 11:38AM
From my previous post I wanted to add that they better give Javier some contacts because Roland had blue eyes. This is definitely something you want to keep if you want the true fans of the Dark Tower series to buy into him playing the role.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011 11:48AM
Wow not being mean, but I pictured something a little better looking. I get the rugged but not the ugly!! The Dark Tower Series is my favorite and all I read is Stephen King, maybe he should have a say!!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011 2:27PM
No, no, no. I love Javier Bardem, but I do not see him as Roland. I see Roland as a younger Paul Hogan. So, I'm not sure who I'd choose – he was always the image in my head when reading the books.
I've always seen Eddie as Dean Cain, though he's too old probably for the role now.
But after Kathy Bates as Delores Claiborne, when it SO should have been Cloris Leachman, I'm used to the characters not looking on the screen like they do in my imagination!
Saturday, March 12, 2011 4:15PM
NO! NO! NO! WTF!!! He's a great actor but he doesn't physically fit the part at all. Contacts will be needed for Rolands beautiful blue bombardier's eyes, and I pictured a younger Clint Eastwood so I was picturing someone HOT! And he is not. Very disappointed… Viggo i'm dying.