This approach could really work!

This is very well put. Nice post! I personally rather like the idea that Jake is proactively looking for Roland from the start of the story. His character changed from being mostly reactive in The Gunslinger to being very proactive in The Wastelands. Reactive characters, by and large, do not make for compelling films - or novels for that matter. So I think this small, yet significant character change makes a lot of sense. As long as they make a good movie, one that allows the actors room to breathe, and develop the characters properly I will be happy. The film needs to be true to the spirit of the story. From what little I've seen, we're in good shape so far.

A trailer would tell us a great deal about the film, I think. Can't wait!

"Long days and pleasant nights!"

Thanks for the kind reply :) I agree about making Jake a more proactive character, I had actually never really thought about it until you mentioned it. I suppose all 4 of our protagonists show a good amount of growth throughout the series.

I also think by making him more proactive initially can be seen as Jake evolving and learning on some more spiritual or you know deeper level, just as it appears Roland does by starting with the horn. Like on some level they are all just trying to find their own peace and nirvana and by this version are slightly farther along their "evolution".

My only fear of any, that they make this feel like a 2 hour introduction. If they are going to make this work, it needs to feel like a stand alone film that has some sense of closure, while also leaving open the massive World, or I suppose worlds that need to be traveled by his Ka-tet. If it feels satisfying on its own, then I think it will open up causal audiences and us super fans to more of this universe. If it feels like 2 hour commercial for the next one, people won't be as into it. That's why I think it's good that they can borrow elements from all the books to better inform the casual audience that while this is a cool story it is part of something epic.

To quote Mr. Myagi, "If done right, no one can defend." Or something like that :)

This approach won't work. All this approach shows is the filmmakers have zero respect for the source material and are using one aspect to just massive changes and a poor casting.

And you are the typical kind of hypocrite when it comes to character race changes. Race is unimportant and it's the sprit of the character, until it comes to the very idea of changing a black character and suddenly race is the most important aspect.

I am going into this with a very open mind. I don't care about black Roland, starting in the middle of the tale, or any of the changes. I just want to see a good movie that will jump start this into a continuing project. Trying to adapt the books exactly is an almost impossible task, I appreciate that, and think that this mode actually embraces the spirit of the tale even more than a straight adaptation.

I'll be there opening night!

yea i agree, idris is a great choice....this might actually be one of kings best adaptations right there with shawshank redemption, mist and green mile....seems ike they got a good director and good actors, i really doubt it will be a complete flop at least not for us king fans

Bump.

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It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing .