Summary
The schedule for Mike Flanagan’sThe Dark Towershow is addressed by a Prime Video executive.The Dark Toweris a Stephen King book series whose first novel was released in 1982, withThe Dark Tower: The Gunslinger. The series was adapted into a 2017 film, which starred Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey. Since then, aTV series adaptation ofThe Dark Towerwas announced to be in production by horror visionary Flanagan back in 2022.
Speaking withThe Wrap, Prime Video executive Vernon Sanders discusses the status ofThe Dark Toweradaptation. The executive mentioned that he does not “have anything to share specifically on Dark Tower” but noted thatthe show is a part of “weekly conversations.“Sanders also teases more Flanagan projects coming down the pike, saying that there are “a few other pieces that [they’re leaning into].” He noted thatFlanagan is “incredibly passionate"about the project. Check out the full quote from Sanders below:
So Mike is incredibly passionate about this and we’re incredibly passionate about Intrepid. There are a few things in the hopper with Intrepid with us and we’re trying to figure out right now how to prioritize. So I don’t have anything to share specifically on “Dark Tower” other than we are in weekly conversations with him about this and a few other pieces that we’re leaning into.
Can Flanagan Save The Dark Tower?
Flanagan Has The Right Experience To Adapt The Book Series
Flanagan’s version ofThe Dark Towerhas significant pressures associated with it, as the previous adaptation of the series was a massive flop. The 2017 film version ofThe Dark Towerhad terrible reviews, garnering a mere15% on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences did not take toThe Dark Towerthat much better than critics, with an approval rating that stands at 44%. The film also underperformed at the box office, making $113.2 million worldwide against an estimated $60 million budget.
Flanagan comes the TV series with the experience of already successfully adapting King’s work. Flanagan directedThe Shiningsequel,Doctor Sleep, a movie which received mixed perceptions upon its release, but has come into the favor of audiences over time. King has always supportedDoctor Sleepand Flanagan’s vision, boding well for how the director will interpret other works by the author. He also helmedGerald’s Game, a book that seems nearly impossible to adapt, but garnered91% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Mike Flanagan is also directingThe Life of Chuck, another Stephen King adaptation, starring Tom Hiddleston.
Furthermore, Flanagan has been successful in the horror TV show subgenre. His past works includeThe Haunting of Hill HouseandThe Haunting of Bly Manor, both of which were met with overwhelmingly positive reception. BothFlanagan’s experience with King adaptationsand the TV form will help him create a successful show withThe Dark Toweradaptation. With that and other potential TV projects on the horizon, Flanagan’s career is looking to heat up swiftly in the coming years.
