“They are both artists, and so are some of the other people we’re thinking of. But this is the situation. They have to see, in this case, that we’re using both mediums to really tell a story and [commit for years]."

"Hey look, there is always a risk when you adapt something and books are challenges. But I think a movie idea is there. And if I have my way, and if everything goes according to plan, which is of course a big if — we’ll be doing movies, we’ll be doing television, and all of that isn’t just [to make money] but all of that is to be as comprehensive as possible. The idea of doing part of it on the big screen and part of it on television is to try to include absolutely as much of the books, and even the graphic novels, as possible.”

Earlier today Hawksblueyes posted a portion of a Howard Stern interview with Dark Tower director Ron Howard, which can be read HERE . Now, we have a bit more from that interview, which was transcribed by /Film. In it, Howard talks about the casting rumors that have surfaced regarding the lead role of Roland Deschain. As you probably know, Javier Bardem and Viggo Mortensen have been rumored to be testing for the coveted role. Here's what Ron Howard had to say about those speculations:The time commitment is going to be the biggest catch for whatever actor(s) sign on for the project, as Howard plans on doing both a film series as well as a televsion series, which he said is likely to air on NBC or one of it's affiliates (the USA Netowork is likely the route it will take according tot /Film). Howard mentions that the reason for both the films and the TV series is to include as much of Stephen King's original content as possible.The Dark Tower project is still very early in the production process, but a release date has been set for the project, which is May 17, 2013. Ron Howard is working with his production partner and writer Akiva Goldsman to get the project going. I t was also rumored that Naomi Harris was being considered for the female lead in the film (Read that article HERE ).