When Universal Studios decided to back out of making three feature films and two limited-run TV series based on Stephen King’s mammoth post-apocalyptic Western The Dark Tower back in July, many thought it was the end of the project. Luckily for fans of the series of books, the partners in the film all pledged they were going to find a way to get a movie made. Now, the films and television series may indeed become a reality thanks to Warner Bros.

According to reports, the company is very close to a deal that will give Ron Howard (Apollo 13, Frost/Nixon) the chance to direct at least the first feature. They are also in talks with Javier Bardem (No Country For Old Men) about starring as the gunslinger Roland Deschain.

In the story, Roland Deschain is the last living member of a knightly order known as gunslingers and the last of the line of “Arthur Eld”, his world’s analogue of King Arthur. Politically organized along the lines of a feudal society, it shares technological and social characteristics with the American old west but is also magical.

It what may come as sad news for fans of Stephen King’s The Dark Tower who were anxiously awaiting its translation from book series to feature films and TV series, it looks like Universal has decided to pull the plug. News came late yesterday that the studio decided to not move forward with the extremely ambitions adaptation of the series which would have started with a trilogy of films and two limited-run TV series.
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So now the filmmakers, which include star Javier Bardem, director Ron Howard, producer Brian Grazer, screenwriter Akiva Goldsman and Mark Verheiden, who was set to co-write the TV elements with Goldman, need to look for a new place to set up. It’s going to be a tall order finding a studio that’s willing to go on the hook for what would surely be a commitment of at least $500 Million (or more).

It’s not that hard to understand why Universal was reportedly more interested in doing one film to see what happens before moving forward with the rest. In this climate that’s a big bite for any studio to take and they were probably looking to minimize their risk. Makes sense.

In case you’re not familiar withThe Dark Tower series, it centers on the last living member of a knightly order of gunslingers named Roland Deschain who becomes humanity’s last hope to save civilization as he travels the land on a journey towards the Dark Tower. Along the way, he encounters all manner of characters, both good and bad, in a world that’s part Old West and part magical realm.

It’s quite an interesting series so let’s hope it finds a way to the big screen. In the meantime, Marvel is doing some excellent adaptations of the series which are plotted by Robin Furth and scripted by Peter David. Stephen King serves as Creative and Executive Director of the comics.

We all know that sci-fi and fantasy book adaptations are huge right now. Harry Potter just about broke the box office, Twilight is continuing the trend, and Hunger Games is in the process of bringing that even further with another huge screen adaptation. Well, that’s not all, as Ron Howard and super producer Bryian Grazer are getting some movement on their adaptation of Stephen King’s Dark Tower series.

It’s now being announced that No Country For Old Men star Javier Bardem is now being courted for the lead in the film, and potentially “films”. From Deadline.

I’m told that Bardem has officially been offered the lead role by director Ron Howard and Universal Pictures. While formal negotiations haven’t yet begun, there’s a high level of enthusiasm internally that they’ve got their cowboy. Akiva Goldsman has scripted the first movie, and will write the TV component as well. Imagine Entertainment’s Brian Grazer is producing with Goldsman and the author.

Just when you thought Stephen King was becoming slightly less relevant as of late, Universal announced today that it has acquired the rights to Stephen King’s The Dark Tower. They have an agreement for a film trilogy and an NBC series based on King’s critically acclaimed series.

Ron Howard (Apollo 13) has signed on to direct the first film, as well as the first season of the TV show. Also announced as head writer was Akiva Goldsman, best known for writing The Da Vinci Code.

The films and television series will have a wide range of material to pull from as King has written seven novels, short stories and comic books. The Dark Tower has sold more than 30 million copies and has been sold in over 40 countries. After the completion of the original series of seven books, a prequel series of comic books based on one of the characters was also published.

In the story,  Roland Deschain is the last living member of an order known as gunslingers and the last of the line of “Arthur Eld”, his world’s King Arthur. Politically organized along the lines of a feudal society, it shares technological and social characteristics with the American Old West, but is also a world of fantasy and magic. No word on how the story will progress and whether the films and television series will have intertwining linear story lines throughout.

If you’re a fan of Stephen King and his Dark Tower series and if you’ve been anxiously awaiting each issue of the comic based on that series to hit store shelves, then this announcement is for you. Marvel and Stephen King are teaming up once again for a new comic sries based on his novels: Dark Tower: The Gunslinger.

Check out all the info from Marvel’s official press release. And, as always, be sure to check out some larger art for this new comic after the jump.

Marvel, in collaboration with Stephen King, is proud to announce a new chapter in the Dark Tower graphic fiction adaptation—Dark Tower: The Gunslinger. Beginning in 2010, The New York Times Best-Selling creative team of Peter David, Robin Furth and Richard Isanove return for a new arc exploring the life of Roland Deschain, revealing how and why he began his pursuit of the man in black across Mid-World’s Mohaine Desert!

Beginning another epic tale, told over multiple limited series, Dark Tower: The Gunslinger marks another milestone for the graphic fiction sensation that’s captivated fans worldwide. The Dark Tower collaboration between Marvel and Stephen King has drawn accolades from all corners, revolutionizing the comic book industry with previously unprecedented mainstream media coverage and the first worldwide midnight openings for a graphic fiction series.

“We are extremely excited to continue our epic journey into the Dark Tower universe with The Gunslinger,” says Ruwan Jayatilleke, Senior Vice President, Strategic Development-Acquisitions & Licensing. “And we are equally ecstatic to continue our collaboration with Stephen King as well as keeping comic book fans on their toes!”

Following the climactic Battle of Jericho Hill, Roland Deschain now begins the most important journey of his young life in Dark Tower: The Gunslinger. Stay tuned to www.marvel.com and www.stephenking.com for more news on this momentous new Dark Tower series.