Director Ron Howard is close to signing Javier Bardem to play Roland Deschain in The Dark Tower. We reported in March that the Oscar-winning actor is "psychologically locked" for the lead role, and it seems that he will be officially locked very soon.

Javier Bardem was first offered the role back in late January.

The Dark Tower is the first in a seven-novel series by Stephen King which follows the nomadic Roland Deschain, who seeks out The Dark Tower in a last-chance effort to save the world.

Ron Howard will direct The Dark Tower from an adapted screenplay by Akiva Goldsman. Ron Howard and Akiva Goldsman will also direct and write the first installment of the NBC TV series that will form a bridge between The Dark Tower and the movie sequel.

Production will start on The Dark Tower in September.