Arriving in theaters in only a few days is the long-awaited adaptation The Dark Tower, based on a series of Stephen King novels. Many fans will rejoice at the opportunity to see some of their favorite characters finally come to life on the big screen, but based on recent reports from Variety, fans should temper their expectations, as the film’s production had apparently run into many problems that took many forms.
Variety claims multiple sources relayed to the outlet “the creative process — particularly in post-production — was plagued with problems and clashing visions. [Co-founder of Media Rights Capital Modi] Wiczyk and Sony Pictures chief Tom Rothman downplay any suggestion that the movie faced major hurdles.”
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The film was at one point optioned by J.J. Abrams, but adapting an epic journey that lasted over eight books is much more easily said than done. Eventually, the studio tapped Danish director Nikolaj Arcel to direct the film, which reportedly resulted in a disastrous early cut.
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Despite Wiczyk and Rothman’s denials, sources relayed to Variety that, upon seeing Arcel’s first cut, the two considered bringing in a more experienced director to recut the entire project. One insider claimed Rothman spent hours each day in the editing bay trying to make the necessary changes for the film.
Last October, screenings of the film began taking place, which “confirmed fears that the picture was a mess.” The screenings took place before the fantasy film’s effects were finished, but apparently audiences “couldn’t understand the mythology and rated the film poorly.”
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At its core, the film tells the tale of a battle between good and evil between Roland Deschain (Idris Elba) and the Man in Black (Matthew McConaughey).
Producer Ron Howard, who was originally interested in directing the project, reportedly helped guide Arcel in the editing process, in addition to a variety of other producers offering their guidance.
“On a film with two studios and powerful producers, obviously there is much passionate creative debate on how to work certain ideas or beats,” Arcel expressed of the process. “But I felt supported throughout, and they all looked to me for answers. If someone had jumped into my editing room and taken over — I would have left instantly.”
One insider claimed the problems with the film was a case of “too many cooks in the kitchen.” King reportedly also retained veto rights on various elements of the project for the studios to obtain the rights in the first place.
The film ultimately received multiple release dates and delays, with its scheduled release being back in February, and with critics screenings taking place only days before its premiere, the quality of the film is ultimately anyone’s guess.
The Dark Tower hits theaters August 4.
