Katheryn Winnick plays mystery character in "Dark Tower" adaptation
Katheryn Winnick, who currently stars in the series "Vikings" on the History Channel, has been cast as a mystery character in the upcoming film from Sony and MRC, "The Dark Tower." There has been no indication of what role she will be playing in the movie, but a view has been taken on the possibility that it will be a new character.
The film, which will be directed by Nickolaj Arcel (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," Swedish version), is an adaptation of a series of novels with the same title written by Stephen King. The story follows the journey of a gunslinger knight, Roland Deschain, toward a physical as well as metaphorical tower in the hopes of saving his dying world. One of those accompanying him on his quest to find the nexus of universes is Jake Chambers, who has become a friend to him. The gunslinger meets enemies on his way, including The Man in Black.
Winnick may be playing a totally new character not found in the book series, Jill, who is non-human and works for The Man in Black. Jill's role is said to be an important one, and she even tries to kidnap Jake.
Other cast members include Idris Elba who is playing Deschain; Tom Taylor, Chambers; and Matthew McConaughey, The Man in Black. The most recent addition besides Winnick is Michael Barbieri ("Little Men"), who will play Timmy, a friend of Chambers. Also joining the film are Fran Kranz ("Cabin in the Woods"), who will take on the role of Pimli, The Man in Black's right hand. Abbey Lee takes the female lead role as Tirana. Jackie Earle Haley has also been included in the growing cast of characters to play Sayre on the fantasy horror production.
The film is produced by Ron Howard and Brian Grazer for Imagine Entertainment, as well as King and Erica Huggins. Through Weed Road, Akiva Goldsman also co-produces. Jeff Pinkner is executive producer for the project, which has already started filming. The screenplay, based on the first of the seven books of King's series, was written by Goldsman ("A Beautiful Mind") along with Pinkner ("The Amazing Spider-Man 2").
If Winnick's character is any indication, fans of the Dark Tower book series may need to prepare themselves for the possible departure of the movie's story from the original, despite the author having given its development a go signal.
The film release is slated to be on Feb. 17, 2017.