With the lead roles of Roland Deschain (Idris Elba) and Randall Flagg (Matthew McConaughey) already set, Sony’sThe Dark Towerhas cast another pivotal character.Varietyreports that the studio hascastyoung British actorTom Taylorfor the role of Jake Chambers. The studio held a worldwide casting search for this important role in the adaptation ofStephen King’s novel series.
The Dark Toweradaptation will bringStephen King’s series of seven novels to life, which followsRoland Deschain, a.k.a. The Gunslinger, who sets off on a journey to findThe Dark Tower, rumored to be a portal to other worlds. Roland will be chased by the Man in Black, a.k.a. Walter Padick, described as an “ageless deceiver and sorcerer,” who is also trying to findThe Dark Towerto rule over all of its kingdoms. Along his journey, Roland will seek help from a junkie named Eddie, an amputee named Susannah and a young boy named Jake, to be part of his team known as a “ka-tet.”
It was originally believed thatThe Dark Towerwill be adapted from the first book,The Gunslinger, but bothStephen KingandNikolaj Arcelwouldn’t confirm which books this first movie will be drawn from. There is speculation that the movie may be based on the third book in the series, 1993’sThe Waste Lands, where much ofThe Dark Towermythology was laid out. The plot follows the ka-tet’s efforts to reach out to Jake, who is from a different place, New York City, and time, which in the book was 1977 but it may be changed to modern-day.Abbey Leehas also been cast as Tirana, but the Eddie and Susannah roles have not been cast at this time.
Nikolaj Arcel(A Royal Affair) is directing from ascripthe is rewriting with Anders Thomas Jensen (Election Night).Akiva GoldsmanandJeff Pinknerworked on the initial draft.Ron Howard, who was initially set to direct when the project was set up at Universal, is producing alongside his Imagine Entertainment partnersBrian Grazerand Erica Huggins.Productionis scheduled to begin this spring, with MRC also developing a companion TV series.
Sony has already set a July 26, 2025 release date forThe Dark Tower, which will go up against 20th Century Fox’sThe Maze Runner: The Death Cureand Universal’sThe Great Wall. This role will be the largest in youngTom Taylor’s career, having previously appeared on the U.K. TV showsDoctor Fosterand The Last Kingdom, and most recently on TNT’s Legends. What do you think about the new Jake Chambers? Chime in with your thoughts, and say tuned for more onThe Dark Tower.
