Amazon's Dark Tower Series Casts Michael Rooker

[Ulquiorra]

Michael Rooker has officially joined the cast of The Dark Tower. Rooker has had a long and varied career over the years. He's probably best known to modern audiences, however, for his scene-stealing turn as Yondu in the MCU's Guardians of the Galaxy films. He also starred in AMC's The Walking Dead as Merle Dixon, the ill-fated brother of Norman Reedus' Daryl. Both characters began seemingly as antagonists before revealing a softer side and meeting emotional ends.

The Dark Tower was first released as a series of books by Stephen King. Blending elements - and even characters - from King's wider universe and body of work, the series proved hugely popular. An adaptation of them was often reported as being in the works, be them a movie, a TV show, or an ambitious mixture of both. Ultimately, however, The Dark Tower eventually made it to the big screen, with Idris Elba playing The Gunslinger and Matthew McConaughey playing his nemesis The Man in Black. Directed by Nikolaj Arcel, the film proved unsuccessful with critics and fans alike. Following its failure, any plans for future installments were scrapped. Amazon then acquired the rights and announced they would reboot the saga as a series, with Glen Mazzara developing.

As revealed on Michael Rooker Online, the actor will once again team up with the former Walking Dead writer and producer. The website reveals that Rooker is already filming the pilot on location in Croatia. What role he's playing, though, remains firmly under wraps. Equally, it's unclear whether his part on the show will continue if the show is picked up beyond a pilot, or whether he's got a one-and-done guest star role.

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The announcement of Rooker's casting comes hot on the heels of the news that Game of Thrones' Jerome Flynn has also landed a role on the show. Details regarding Flynn's character are equally shrouded in secrecy, with it only noted by the actor that he'll be playing a cowboy. That's hardly a revelation for fans of the books however, with The Dark Tower saga set in a world where knights are known as Gunslingers. The veteran actors will join Sam Shrike, who's been confirmed to be playing the titular Gunslinger of the novels: Roland Deschain. The role of The Man in Black, however, who serves as Roland's lifelong nemesis, will be played by Jasper Pääkkönen.

Previously, The Man in Black would've been a good bet for whom Rooker could be playing. Since that part has already been filled, however, the question of which role Rooker will bring to life will no doubt be a source of much speculation. It's already been confirmed that Amazon's series will explore Roland's younger years - long before he's the grizzled, unstoppable warrior depicted in the books. As such, there are plenty of options that Rooker would be perfect for from that time. He would certainly be a good fit to play Roland's stern father Stephen. Then again, he would be equally perfect as Roland's even more gruff teacher Cort. Whatever the case, Rooker will definitely be a worthy addition to the world.

The Dark Tower is scheduled to be released on Amazon sometime in 2020.