A few weeks ago, we reported that Universal's sprawling, multi-platform adaptation of The Dark Tower is being delayed for a February 2012 production start. We also reported at the end of April that Javier Bardem had finally signed his deal to star as Roland Deschain, although it seems that is not the case. Director Ron Howard recently spoke about The Dark Tower's delay, and indicates that Javier Bardem is not officially Roland Deschain just yet. Here's what he had to say below.

"We had to pull back to our September start date due to budget delays and ongoing story development and logistical issues, but Dark Tower is moving forward. We're thinking of starting in early spring now. I can't really say who'll be in it yet, but Javier Bardem has shown a great deal of interest. We'll know by the end of the summer, when our flashing green light goes solid."

Ron Howard also talked about the decision to expand The Dark Tower to include a movie trilogy and a limited-run TV series which will air between the first and second movie.

"There are elements of The Dark Tower saga that are more personal and can be best dealt with on television. TV allows you to roll out details of the characters in a more methodical way."