Bardem Ready To Sling!

Javier Bardem is about to close his deal to play gunslinger Roland Deschain Ron Howard's "film trilogy and two TV season" adaptation of Stephen King's "The Dark Tower" reports Deadline.

Bardem has  been the frontrunner since January after rival candidate Viggo Mortensen had  just signed on to star in "Snow White And The Huntsman" Viggo has since left that film as well

Bardem's deal  is just about done and Howard is now casting other roles. The deal  requires the actor to star in the feature film and the TV series, and includes options for the two sequels

The story is set in alternate world that resembles the Old West but with magical elements, and focuses on the last member of an ancient order of "gunslingers" and his quest toward a tower that's a nexus to various universes.

Howard, screenwriter Akiva Goldsman and producer Brian Grazer are teaming up for this massive undertaking

Production on the first film hopes to start in September--Finally!!!