Key Takeaways:
* Mike Flanagan's production company, Intrepid Pictures, has a new exclusive deal with Amazon MGM Studios.
* One of their first projects is a serial adaptation of Stephen King's novel, The Dark Tower, for Prime Video.
* Despite directing the next Exorcist movie for Universal Pictures and Blumhouse Productions, this doesn't affect The Dark Tower's progress.
* Flanagan has plans for The Dark Tower to span five seasons and possibly continue into two feature films.
* He assures fans that the other work hasn't slowed down The Dark Tower's production.
* The Dark Tower project acquired their rights directly from Stephen King, after Flanagan presented a comprehensive and satisfying project outline.
There has been some exciting news from Mike Flanagan and Trevor Macy's production company, Intrepid Pictures. They've struck an exclusive multi-year overall series deal with Amazon MGM Studios. The exciting part? One of the projects they're set to debut on Prime Video is a series adaptation of Stephen King's renowned Dark Tower novels.
Fans of writer-director Flanagan might know him from horror hits like ‘The Haunting of Hill House' and ‘Doctor Sleep'. Recently, he's confirmed to be directing the upcoming Exorcist movie for Universal Pictures and Blumhouse Productions. This news caused a little concern among Stephen King and Dark Tower fans. They worried that Flanagan's focus might shift from making The Dark Tower series a reality. Yet, Flanagan has recently put these worries to rest.
During a chat on the Talking Scared podcast, Flanagan revealed, “The Exorcist is not in the way. They coexist very well.” Practically, translating the multifaceted world of The Dark Tower novels into a TV series is a Herculean task. It demands tremendous time and effort. Still, he assures that they are making progress, despite mundane legal obstacles. He reaffirmed that none of his other work in any way undermined The Dark Tower project.
When it comes to acquiring rights for King's Dark Tower, the secret weapon was a meticulous project outline presented to King himself. Flanagan's vision for the Dark Tower got King's enthusiastic approval, and that's how Intrepid acquired the rights.
Flanagan envisages The Dark Tower saga to unfold across five seasons, hoping to engage views with intense storytelling. If all goes well, he is open to extending the story through two feature films. However, he's keen to concentrate on setting the series in motion first.
For novices to Stephen King's universe, The Dark Tower series comprises ‘The Gunslinger', ‘The Drawing of the Three', ‘The Waste Lands', ‘Wizard and Glass', ‘The Wind Through the Keyhole', ‘Wolves of the Calla', ‘Song of Susannah', ‘The Dark Tower', and the short story ‘The Little Sisters of Eluria'. Interestingly, many of Stephen King's tales are in some way connected to The Dark Tower.
While we keenly await The Dark Tower series to hit production, we have some good news for Stephen King and Mike Flanagan fans. His next project, an adaptation of King's short story ‘The Life of Chuck', is ready to venture into the world. Also, his Exorcist movie is set to release in theaters on March 13, 2026.
So, are you thrilled to hear that The Dark Tower project isn't being overshadowed by Flanagan's other assignments? Trust me, as a fan, I can tell you, it's one heck of a relief! Stay tuned for more updates on this eagerly anticipated series.
