Matthew McConaugheyalready made it clear thathe doesn’t want to play a villainforGuardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2, but does he have it in him to turn downThe Dark Tower? Sony’s long-(long-long)-in-developmentadaptationof theStephen Kingnovel is courting the Oscar winner to play the antagonist, though the actor reportedly has yet to make a decision.
According toVariety, the film would be an adaptation ofThe Gunslingerand McConaughey would take either the role of Padick, a demonic sorcerer who goes by many names in the series. The character first appeared inThe Standand went by Randall Flagg. Funny enough, McConaughey wasrumored for the Flagg rolein a new adaptation, though writerJosh Boonetook to Twitter to say he wanted him for the role of Stu Redman. In any case, the sorcerer is known as The Man in Black, who the main protagonist Roland Deschain is pursuing, inThe Gunslinger.
However,The Wrapreports that McConaughey has his pick of either Padick or Roland. The latter traverses the fantastical and horrific world of the Mohaine Desert, which is infested with demons and where he encounters all manner of obstacles. The trade reports that the actor is leaning more towards the dark side.
McConaughey is one of the few who can say no to the Marvel giant, and since his eye-grabbing turn onTrue Detectiveand inDallas Buyers Club, he’s not aching for work. FollowingInterstellar, he hasGus Van Sant’sThe Sea of TreesandStephen Gaghan’sGoldcoming down the pipeline. So the script (and/or paycheck) would have to be pretty enticing. While he makes his decision, the film isscheduled for releaseon July 15, 2025 with directorNikolaj Arcel(A Royal Affair).
Knowing the film’s tumultuous past, I don’t want to jinx it.Ron Howardwas supposed to directThe Dark Towerin 2010,Breaking Bad’sAaron Paulsaid he evenmet with him about a role, andJavier Bardemwas looking to star. At long last, it seems like this project is finally coming together, but things could arguably fall apart just as easily fas it did last time. Chalk it up to superstition, but fingers crossed!
