AceShowbiz - Stephen King enthusiasts have long yearned for a faithful adaptation of "The Dark Tower". After a series of failed attempts, the rights to King's magnum opus now lie with Mike Flanagan, a filmmaker renowned for his exceptional King adaptations, including "Gerald's Game" and "Doctor Sleep".

Flanagan envisions a grand undertaking, with a TV series that will form the backbone of the story and feature films to explore specific elements. He believes that the main storyline is suited for a series format, while standalone films could delve into prequel events like "Wizard and Glass".

Despite his busy schedule, Flanagan confirms that "The Dark Tower" is a top priority. He explains that it has been stalled by his move to Amazon from Netflix, as well as industry strikes, but assures fans that progress is being made.

Flanagan's passion for King's work is evident in his desire to honor the source material. He sees the author as a master of the horror genre, whose stories are imbued with profound humanistic care.

The development process has included detailed outlining and a pilot script that Flanagan is enthusiastic about. He plans to collaborate with a select group of writers to bring the project to life.

Stephen King himself has been supportive of Flanagan's vision, providing feedback after reviewing a detailed outline. "The Dark Tower" is not part of Flanagan's existing deal with Amazon, but the studio has expressed interest in potentially backing the project.

Prime Video executive Vernon Sanders acknowledges that "The Dark Tower" remains in the early stages of development, with weekly discussions underway with Flanagan. Despite the secrecy surrounding casting, rumors have been circulating, with Carla Gugino and Henry Thomas expressing interest. Flanagan himself has hinted at the possibility of Rahul Kohli portraying Roland Deschain, the enigmatic gunslinger at the heart of the story.

Flanagan has emphasized that his adaptation will adhere closely to the source material, respecting the complex and sprawling universe created by Stephen King. Fans can anticipate a faithful and ambitious interpretation of this beloved fantasy horror epic, combining the strengths of both TV and film storytelling.