Matthew McConaughey Eyeing Adaptation Of Stephen King’s ‘Dark Tower’

According to The Wrap, McConaughey has actually been given the choice to play either the hero (Roland Deschain) or the villain (Walter O’Dim/The Man In Black), but is now leaning towards the latter. The discussion is in very early stages, and while McConaughey has reportedly been handed the script, he has yet to decide if he’ll take the role.

It’s possible that McConaughey has been offered either role – on the surface, his natural southern charms seem like a good fit for Roland, a western-style hero who crosses the vast wastelands in pursuit of a nefarious sorcerer. Interestingly enough, this isn’t the first time McConaughey was sought for this role, though it was in a different film all together and the character went by a different name.

The first book, “The Gunslinger”, has already been adapted by Akiva Goldsman and Jeff Pinkner.

Sony Pictures and MRC were teaming to make the live-action version of Stephen King’s epic tale which focuses on the saga of the legendary Gunslinger.

Sony now has a release date set for January 13, 2017 so this ambitious film will likely have to get going soon. Ron Howard, Brian Grazer and Erica Huggins are producing for the company along with Goldsman and his Weed Road banner. Pinkner is expected to executive produce with Modi Wiczyk of MRC, which is also developing a companion TV series that’s always been part of the adaptation plans.

McConaughey recently finished filming the Stephen Gaghan drama “Gold” and also has “Sea of Trees” set to bow later this year.