There are few things I am as passionate about getting made into movies as THE DARK TOWER. Stephen King‘s magnum opus is a sprawling science fiction/fantasy/western/horror/romance/drama/adventure that defies categorization and transcends almost everything the man has ever written. We have been teased for years at the potential for a big screen adaptation, most recently from director Ron Howard and writer Akiva Goldsman. At one point, both Russell Crowe and Javier Bardem were linked with the lead role of Roland Deschain, but since the film has entered development hell, we have only had the occassional reminder from Howard that it is still on his plate.
Rumors have been heard linking Aaron Paul to the role of Eddie Dean, Roland’s friend and member of his ka-tet that must travel to the titular Tower to save all worlds from the evil that is the Crimson King. Dean is a junkie who gets clean through the series and is a major role that would require acting chops that we all know Paul has. But, is it just a rumor?
Ain’t It Cool News interview Paul and asked him about the role of Eddie Dean in THE DARK TOWER and Paul did not deny it. In fact…
I’ve had a ton of meetings on that. I just had a general sit down with Ron Howard, who is a huge fan of the show, which is such a crazy thing to even think that Ron Howard even knows who I am. They’re definitely planning on making it. … I’m excited. Their goal is to do three films, but also have a television element to it, which will be very interesting. From what I hear, Eddie Dean is a pretty epic, iconic character.
My jaw is on the floor after hearing this news. Many may write off a junkie who gets clean as being far too similar to Paul’s BREAKING BAD role as Jessie Pinkman, but Eddie Dean is a completely different character and one that Paul could knock out of the park. This is a very exciting development.
It is also interesting to note that Aaron Paul mentions it is still planned to be a trilogy of films with television series to flesh out the other major segments of the narrative. This could mean that everything is lining up for THE DARK TOWER to be put together before the end of the decade. I have waited this long, what is a few more years?