Universal passes on 'The Dark Tower' mega project

Universal Pictures has passed on the ambitious project to turn Stephen King's "Dark Tower" series in a trio of films bridges by two television mini-series.

The 7th book was published in 2004.

Deadline is reporting that the studio would only commit to the first film after receiving scripts from Akiva Goldsman ("I Am Legend," "A Beautiful Mind") for the film and television series. This project's backers were not satisfied with the decision and refused to sign on.

Ron Howard ("A Beautiful Mind") was set to direct at least the first film with Brian Grazer, Goldsman and King producing. Additionally, Javier Bardem ("No Country for Old Men") was in talks to play Roland Deschain.

In May, production was pushed back on the adaptation until at least next year, one week after it was reported last week the studio was questioning the ambitious project's budget.

In September, Universal and NBC Universal Television announced the seven-novel series would be adapted into three movies, with a television miniseries in between each of the films.

"The Dark Tower" series began with the "The Gunslinger" in 1982. The seventh novel was published in 2004, with elements of the series permeating into King's other works and vice versa, such as "Hearts in Atlantis" and "Salem's Lot."

There's no denying this was an ambitious project, especially considering the potential for an R-rating due to the source material. According to Deadline's report, Howard and company may approach Warner Bros. with the project now that Universal has passed on it. With the "Harry Potter" franchise at an end, they may be willing to take a chance on a new franchise. After this past weekend box office grosses, they should have some extra money lying around.