Javier Bardem close to Dark Tower deal

Javier Bardem is finalising a deal to appear in 'The Dark Tower'.

The 'No Country For Old Men' actor is reportedly close to signing with Universal Pictures to portray Roland Deschain in the Stephen King adaptation, which is planned to span three movies and a limited-run TV series between each film, Deadline.com reports. The series follows the last living member of an order of gunslingers who becomes the last home to save civilisation as he sets out in search of the Dark Tower, encountering a variety of good and evil characters along the way.

Ron Howard will begin production on the first film in September, and he is also installed to take directorial duties on the first TV series.

Akiva Goldsman has penned the script for the first film and television segment.

Imagine Entertainment's Brian Grazer is producing the film with Akiva and the original author, while the scriptwriter will also produce the TV episodes through his Wood Road company.

Ron is now expected to start casting the other roles around Javier.

In addition to the mammoth project, Javier is also in line for a role as a villain in the forthcoming James Bond movie, which will be directed by Sam Mendes and feature Daniel Craig reprising his role as the iconic British spy.