Imagine Denies 'Dark Tower' Turnaround, Universal Remains Mum

Soon after words leaked that Universal, Imagine and NBC's ambitious project "The Dark Tower" is in trouble, Imagine president Michael Rosenberg came with denial. "Dark Tower is not in turnaround," he told THR, adding "there are issues and on-going budget discussions with almost every film in development." 

The movie based on Stephen King's novel of the same name was developed as a film trilogy with a TV component in between the movies. The latest report said that Universal and its new owners at Comcast are facing "serious" budget issues which stall the project. In addition, sources said that the final portion of the trilogy has been found "creatively lacking". 

Universal paid $5 million for the rights only. Having Ron Howard and Brian Grazer as well as writer-producer Akiva Goldsman on board won't be exactly cheap. Oscar winner Javier Bardem is also in talks to star in the first movie and the first TV component, with options for the other two movies. His salary in the movies may be reasonable but there's a chance that he would be paid more than average TV star. 

Universal is yet to comment on the turnaround rumor. If the studio indeed puts the project in such position, then it would have to pay a $10 million penalty. 

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