Idris Elba is reportedly the top pick to co-star in The Dark Tower, the long-gestating adaptation of Stephen King’s novel series. Matthew McConaughey is already in talks to star as the villain.
Deadline reports that Elba is only a “frontrunner” for the role of gunslinger Roland Deschain. TheWrap reports that Elba is already in “early talks.” There isn’t a deal in place at the moment and those involved with the film didn’t comment.
The Dark Tower is a costly venture for Sony and Media Rights Capital, as they hope to turn it into a franchise that could also have a TV element. Having Elba and Matthew McConaughey onboard will help garner interest from audiences at home and abroad, especially as Elba is already a star on both sides of the Atlantic.
Elba is best known for the BBC’s Luther and is currently in the awards chase for Beasts of No Nation. He beat out Javier Bardem, who was previously attached to The Dark Tower years ago.
The first Dark Tower film will be directed by Nikolaj Arcel, who co-wrote the original Swedish film adaptation of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and helmed the Oscar-nominated A Royal Affair. The film will focus on The Gunslinger, the first book in King’s series. King is involved as a producer.
The Dark Tower is scheduled for release on Jan. 13, 2017.