Petition to stop Idris Elba from playing Roland

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AnnaMarie

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Feb 16, 2012
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I don't wish it failure. But I don't actually wish is success either.

I don't think it's in me to wish failure to anyone working hard. But, if it is not successful, maybe the next book they choose to adapt they'll try to follow the story a bit. Probably not....but maybe.

If it's a success, nobody will care about us Constant Readers next time either.

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Moderator

Ms. Mod
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Will Stephen King get royalties?
I don't know the specifics of the contract but yes, he would get paid according to how profitable the movie is as he sold the film rights for a minuscule amount and would be hoping to recoup his investment on the back end of the deal. I'd agree with AnnaMarie that I doubt many fans would take that into consideration about whether or not they would see the movie.
 

blunthead

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Aug 2, 2006
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I don't know the specifics of the contract but yes, he would get paid according to how profitable the movie is as he sold the film rights for a minuscule amount and would be hoping to recoup his investment on the back end of the deal. I'd agree with AnnaMarie that I doubt many fans would take that into consideration about whether or not they would see the movie.
Thanx, Mod. That's what I didn't know, if sK had a stake in the movie's success. I guess I wish fans might consider before deciding that the movie will and must fail waiting to discover what fans who see it have to say. America's great because we have the freedom to for personal reasons badmouth the movie this far in advance, but an actual effort at this particular site to effect a negative outcome seems in bad taste to me.
 

Robert Gray

Well-Known Member
Thanx, Mod. That's what I didn't know, if sK had a stake in the movie's success. I guess I wish fans might consider before deciding that the movie will and must fail waiting to discover what fans who see it have to say. America's great because we have the freedom to for personal reasons badmouth the movie this far in advance, but an actual effort at this particular site to effect a negative outcome seems in bad taste to me.

I don't think anyone is making an effort for it to fail. I never root for any project to fail (whether I'm thrilled about the process or not). I just think most of us have been burned so badly on movies now that that we are understandably worried when books we love are about to get the treatment. If the film gets good reviews (here and in general) I will go see it. If it doesn't, I won't. Knowing what I do already, I won't be there on opening night. That is the price this production is paying by straying too far from the source material. In the grand scheme of things, I don't think the film is being made for fans of the books so they probably don't care whether or not I'll be there on opening night. :D

*And for the record, I'm not a film snob. I loved Maximum Overdrive.
 

blunthead

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Aug 2, 2006
80,755
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I don't think anyone is making an effort for it to fail. I never root for any project to fail (whether I'm thrilled about the process or not). I just think most of us have been burned so badly on movies now that that we are understandably worried when books we love are about to get the treatment. If the film gets good reviews (here and in general) I will go see it. If it doesn't, I won't. Knowing what I do already, I won't be there on opening night. That is the price this production is paying by straying too far from the source material. In the grand scheme of things, I don't think the film is being made for fans of the books so they probably don't care whether or not I'll be there on opening night. :D

*And for the record, I'm not a film snob. I loved Maximum Overdrive.
Well, one of the earlier posts in this thread said that the movie must fail, and I think there was another or two which said they hoped it will.
 

Robert Gray

Well-Known Member
Well, one of the earlier posts in this thread said that the movie must fail, and I think there was another or two which said they hoped it will.

I'm kind of torn. I look forward to seeing a longer, and more faithful adaptation of the books to the screen. I'm pragmatic enough to know that isn't going to happen in my lifetime if this film is a success (by Hollywood standards). So I would be lying if I didn't admit at least part of me hopes nature takes it course. The aspiring writer and artist in me never wants any project to fail. Like Mr. King himself, I want to see the books on the big screen. It isn't about money. It is about seeing something you love take another step towards being immortalized. I think getting the real story on film has been so like pulling teeth that compromises start getting made. Like the Breakers, we know something isn't going to be true, but doing something (what you are born to do) feels good even so. Part of me remains hopeful that when the theater darkens and that magic portal of light begins, that I will be stunned, surprised, and entertained. It may not be what it should be, but it can still be good.

All in all, it doesn't matter what you, I, or anyone else who is a fan of the books thinks (or wants). The failure or success of this film won't have anything to do with fan support. I know that sounds terrible, but let's face it. The movie business caters to volume, and we don't make up an important enough percentage of that volume for them to even factor us in. They like Stephen King's name because people who haven't read the books (and probably never will) do recognize his name and brand. They have been told he is the master of horror. They are told this is his opus. They are being offered it without having to read. That is whom the studio is aiming at. If not a single book fan showed up, it would not have any impact whatsoever. Sad, but true. This is why so few film adaptations remain true to the source material. Harry Potter is an exception that proves the rule because of the target audience who read the books was exactly whom they expected to show up in theaters. They had to stay true to the source.

In the end we have to remain pragmatic. We already know this isn't going to The Dark Tower series we loved. I don't think anyone being mad or negative about it is going to cause it to fail (as I pointed out already). I don't think any of us being positive or eager is going to help it succeed. This film is going to be something else entirely and going to rise and fall entirely on its own merits. My view is that we should treat it just like any other film, as if we have no expectations at all. Check out Rotten Tomatoes after some reviews start going up and make up your mind then about going.
 
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blunthead

Well-Known Member
Aug 2, 2006
80,755
195,461
Atlanta GA
I'm kind of torn. I look forward to seeing a longer, and more faithful adaptation of the books to the screen. I'm pragmatic enough to know that isn't going to happen in my lifetime if this film is a success (by Hollywood standards). So I would be lying if I didn't admit at least part of me hopes nature takes it course. The aspiring writer and artist in me never wants any project to fail. Like Mr. King himself, I want to see the books on the big screen. It isn't about money. It is about seeing something you love take another step towards being immortalized. I think getting the real story on film has been so like pulling teeth that compromises start getting made. Like the Breakers, we know something isn't going to be true, but doing something (what you are born to do) feels good even so. Part of me remains hopeful that when the theater darkens and that magic portal of light begins, that I will be stunned, surprised, and entertained. It may not be what it should be, but it can still be good.

All in all, it doesn't matter what you, I, or anyone else who is a fan of the books thinks (or wants). The failure or success of this film won't have anything to do with fan support. I know that sounds terrible, but let's face it. The movie business caters to volume, and we don't make up an important enough percentage of that volume for them to even factor in. They like Stephen King's name because people who haven't read the books (and probably never will) do recognize his name and brand. They have been told he is the master of horror. They are told this is his opus. They are being offered it without having to read. That is whom the studio is aiming at. If not a single book fan showed up, it would not have any impact whatsoever. Sad, but true. This is why so few film adaptations remain true to the source material. Harry Potter is an exception that proves the rule because of the target audience who read the books was exactly whom they expected to show up in theaters. They had to stay true to the source.

In the end we have to remain pragmatic. We already know this isn't going to The Dark Tower series we loved. I don't think anyone being mad or negative about it is going to cause it to fail (as I pointed out already). I don't think any of us being positive or eager is going to help it succeed. This film is going to be something else entirely and going to rise and fall entirely on its own merits. My view is that we should treat it just like any other film, as if we have not expectations at all. Check out Rotten Tomatoes after some reviews start going up and make up your mind then about going.
I think my primary objection has to do with something more fundamental even that what you are referring to. My concern is the objection that Idris Elba as wrong as Roland due to skin color. I think those who have a problem with that should not publicize it at this site, then try to covert up what their negative feelings about that with additional concerns per the screenplay not being faithful, the leaving out of certain favorite scenes, the plethora of fears about Hollywood's visions and versions. What you have stated, Mr Gray, among other things and in not so many words, is that there's no way in hell the movie can include everything in the books, no matter the genius of the screenwriter. What I'm saying, which you have also said, is that the story can conceivably be well enough stated to make a good, entertaining movie. Of course no one here can ultimately effect the outcome of the movie's success. My objection to the premature negativity is that I feel it unworthy at this particular site, especially if it is based on the problem of Roland's perceived skin color.

I had selected to Edit my latest post but ran out of time to repost the edited version. I'll state my belief here: We should try to support Stephen King projects which he himself has not yet condemned. We should stand with him in the hope that he will succeed, which in this case is a personal investment of his which obviously extends beyond the financial. We should hope that CRs are born out of the project.
 

Robert Gray

Well-Known Member
My concern is the objection that Idris Elba as wrong as Roland due to skin color. I think those who have a problem with that should not publicize it at this site, then try to covert up what their negative feelings about that with additional concerns per the screenplay not being faithful, the leaving out of certain favorite scenes, the plethora of fears about Hollywood's visions and versions.

I understand your reaction to this, although I don't think it is entirely fair to those who have voiced their upset at the choice of Elba. Do I think their real problem is that Elba is black? No. They just aren't as eloquent in stating their thoughts and making their arguments. The choice of Elba simply is something easy for them to point to and say, "look if they are changing this it has a ripple effect and changes nearly everything." My concern about it from the very start is that the change fundamentally alters the dynamics in the original story that I liked. It is also a canary in the coal mine, in a manner of speaking. I think the casting choice is just a banner which proclaims that everything is on the table and it is probably the least of the changes we are going to see. Do you follow?

I think the Director (as well as some others) calling people upset with the change racists was poorly thought out. I don't think racism is a factor at all. Moreover, I think telling people they shouldn't talk about how they think Elba is a poor choice because of race also implies racism, when it isn't about one race being better than another. This is just about the story we know versus the new story they are cooking up. The fact that I can express these thoughts more fully, or at least am willing to take the time, doesn't mean the other people who don't go to this length are racists (or wrong). Fans are what they are because they are fans. Mr. King knows this better than anyone. I'm sure he made a mental note of the storm of backlash in the back of his mind every time he attended a production meeting and looked at what they were planning. :D Fans are a double-edged sword. They love your work. They are passionate about you. Hell hath no fury like a fan scorned. My own reading of Mr. King's words about the project are "neutral" rather than negative or overtly positive. I don't blame him.
 

CrimsonKingAH

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Jun 8, 2015
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My objection is yes.. he is black and looks nothing like the image SK portrayed him to be in my mind. But on the other hand.. I LOVE Idris Elba.. he is a wonderful actor and very handsome. Yall can take it to the next level of the Tower... lol... I will watch this movie with no expectations of it being anything like the book so hopefully I will be pleasantly surprised. Who knows.
 

Kvalhion

Member
Jan 19, 2010
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San Diego
It's fairly common for fans of a book or series of books to be disappointed in film adaptions. It's mostly about expectations. I am not expecting the movie to be an exact account of what happened in the books. If I wanted that, I will read the series again.

For myself I am keeping an open mind and I am personally thrilled that there is going to be at least one movie based on The Dark Tower series. There is nothing the movie could do to change my experiences growing up with the Dark Tower series or what I already feel about it. So I'll see the movie with an open mind and hopefully enjoy whatever changes to the story or events that are put in. :) Likewise, I will make no preconceived judgments on the actors until I see the movie. I trust that those involved with the project love the series as much as I do and will do it good.

The only thing I can't decide if I should reread (or more accurately, re-listen) to the entire series shortly before the film release so it is fresh in my mind or wait until after the film and then listen to the series again.
 
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raggedyman79

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Sep 6, 2013
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Mods: Can we create an exclusive thread for the naysayers so that those of us who are taking a "wait and see" approach don't have to read all the negativity? I'm tired of it. I liked this board because most of the people are positive and kind. This project seems to be bringing out the whiners in a major way, and I'm not interested in that. Set aside a separate space for the negativity so the rest of us can enjoy the build-up to a movie we've been waiting for for 30 years.
 

Robert Gray

Well-Known Member
Mods: Can we create an exclusive thread for the naysayers so that those of us who are taking a "wait and see" approach don't have to read all the negativity? I'm tired of it. I liked this board because most of the people are positive and kind. This project seems to be bringing out the whiners in a major way, and I'm not interested in that. Set aside a separate space for the negativity so the rest of us can enjoy the build-up to a movie we've been waiting for for 30 years.

In fairness, why would they have to do that? This is a separate thread started by someone who posted their clear intent. It is you who chose to come read the thread which is clearly not in the vein you approve. Why not just skip any thread with a topic which indicates a negative outlook? :D
 

raggedyman79

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Sep 6, 2013
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Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States
In fairness, why would they have to do that? This is a separate thread started by someone who posted their clear intent. It is you who chose to come read the thread which is clearly not in the vein you approve. Why not just skip any thread with a topic which indicates a negative outlook? :D

True enough. I guess I was voicing my opposition without using language which would get my post flagged. Cheers! :livid: