Josh Holloway for Roland of Gilead - An Open Letter to Abrams and Lindelof
I’m convinced that Josh "Sawyer" Holloway would make the perfect Roland of Gilead in the upcoming film(s) from J.J. Abrams and Damon Lindelof. Since they have such ready access to the man, I figured I would launch a Josh Holloway for Roland of Gilead petition/campaign. So here is the open letter. You can sign by adding you name and or email address through the comments system. This is just the beginning. I do not intend to give up until J.J.Abrams or Damon Lindelof publicly declare that Josh will at least have the opportunity to read for the role.
Dear J.J. Abrams and Damon Lindelof,
I’m writing with the hopes that I can compell you to guarantee Josh Holloway the opportunity to read for the lead role of "The Dark Tower", Roland of Gilead.
I’m sure you might regard the idea that this casting choice should come from LOST as a bit of fan-boy myopia. In fact, it is not. Clearly there are several actors capable of playing Roland, I just happen to think that of all the actors in the world right now, no-one does noble and scruffy quite the way Josh Holloway does.
Ever since Sawyer grew his hair out and started slinging nicknames I’ve been convinced there were three roles he would be perfect for: first, Han Solo in the inevitable Star Wars remake. (Yes I know I deserve to be boiled in sardine oil for even suggesting that.), Lobo, and Roland of Gilead.
The Sawyer characterization does not look a bit like Roland of Gilead at first, but the visual end of the character makes for a quick sell. When you imagine Josh pulling back the sarcasm and trading it for a more acrid/dry approach… it just works! And why shouldn’t a civilization that has formed around the noble cowboy motif have a trace of a southern accent. It just works. Gentlemen, Josh Holloway was born to wear this duster…
Signed,
Doc Arzt and the following Tailsection visitors/Josh Holloway fans:
A+
Comment by chad13 — March 1, 2007 @ 1:29 pm
I completelyyyyyyy agree.
Comment by mrs.pace — March 1, 2007 @ 1:42 pm
I disagree. Josh Holloway is a great actor, but Roland is old and grizzled. He also doesn’t have the “bombardier” blue eyes.
I wouldn’t be upset if he were cast, but I’m not sure he’s ideal.
Comment by Airk — March 1, 2007 @ 1:53 pm
jonny13
Comment by jonny13 — March 1, 2007 @ 2:03 pm
I think Holloway makes a better Eddie than Roland. I like the suggestion I’ve heard of Hugh Laurie as Roland. Holloway is too pretty-boy for Roland, and maybe Eddie for that matter, but at least the personality matches a bit better.
Comment by JakeNRoland — March 1, 2007 @ 2:09 pm
I hate to sound like I’m vacillating, but Hugh Laurie would also make a terrific Roland…
Comment by docarzt — March 1, 2007 @ 2:18 pm
Clint Eastwood. Duh.
Comment by Charlie Lesoine — March 1, 2007 @ 2:19 pm
If we’re going to stick with actors from LOST, I think Clancy Brown (guy in the hatch before Desmond) as Roland or maybe even Flagg.
And while I’m on it, does anyone else get the impression that Clancy Brown was maybe meant to be the leader of The Others. He seems far more sinister and menacing and AWESOME. Hello, Brother Justin. I get the impression that was the original idea, and then they had Ben in an episode or two and his performance was well received and they made an impulse decision to make Ben the leader and kill off Clancy’s character. To which I say, MISTAKE!! But I digress.
Yeah. And that Other who was in the tent with Michael and Walt, but who has mysteriously disappeared would make a great Susannah. I love her. She was great in LOST ROOM and Magnolia (only things I can think of she’s been in).
Comment by JakeNRoland — March 1, 2007 @ 2:20 pm
agreed
Damon Capetz (theres my signature)
Comment by Damon — March 1, 2007 @ 2:23 pm
Oh, and the guy who plays Christian Shepard would make a great Father Callahan. LOL.
Comment by JakeNRoland — March 1, 2007 @ 2:31 pm
I agree and I think Josh Holloway is very talented and fun to watch. I hope he would get the part.
Comment by Shiloh — March 1, 2007 @ 2:36 pm
Doc, I think Josh is already playing the Han Solo role on LOST..The Han Solo from Ep 3, the mercenary, not exactly a do gooder, shoots Guido first…I’ll tell anybody who’ll listen my thoughts on how every character on LOST is a direct reflection of Star Wars…There’s still the distinct possibility that Jack is Luke and Kate is Leia and that kiss they had in the jungle was JUST WRONG!!….:)
I also heard Holloway was in talks to play Gambit in the next X Men..I think he needs to be careful not to get typecast…I’m not his agent, he can do anydamnthing he wants..just a fanboy talking out of my arse….
Comment by El Prez — March 1, 2007 @ 2:38 pm
John would make a great Roland, but I think Hugh Laurie would be a pretty good choice too. I’d just love to see Sawyer in something other than Lost.
Comment by Logan Scott — March 1, 2007 @ 2:45 pm
The pilot (current psychic cop on Heroes) could do a good job as Mort and/or The Pusher (were they the same character? It’s been too long since I’ve read the books).
I pray they don’t do a movie. No studio would commit to the five picture minimum it would take to MAYBE do the series justice. They need a two season, 12 episode commitment from HBO or maybe even Showtime. End season 1 where they ended book IV. Just free thinking here. PLEASE DAMON AND JJ FOLLOW THROUGH WITH THIS PLAN!!! PLEASE!!
Comment by JakeNRoland — March 1, 2007 @ 2:47 pm
I meant 12 episodes per season just to clarify.
Comment by JakeNRoland — March 1, 2007 @ 2:48 pm
only problem is that josh holloway is about 20 years younger than anyone i would ever cast as roland. ever.
Comment by Justin — March 1, 2007 @ 3:17 pm
El Prez… how many times have they said “I have a bad feeling about this?” lol…
Charlie and Hurley from season one… definitely C3po and R2d2…
Comment by docarzt — March 1, 2007 @ 3:17 pm
I love love love the Dark Tower books, and I love love love Josh Holloway, but Josh Holloway is not a Roland. I can see Hugh Laurie as Roland and Josh as Eddie, but not as Roland.
And yeah, I totally ran through my house all excited-like when I saw JJ Abrams, Damon Lindelof, and Dark Tower movie in the same sentence.
Comment by Argyle — March 1, 2007 @ 4:02 pm
Josh Holloways is perfect for one role and one role only when it comes to comic book roles and that is as Gambit in another X-men movie personally if they are going to do another fourth movie ill only see it if they show Gambit in it and only if Josh Holloway plays him i heard hes in talks and i pray they work out cos hes got the right sarcasm tht the character plays and the right looks and height if only he could do a good cajun southern/french accent? dont know bout that!
Comment by 24Luke — March 1, 2007 @ 4:37 pm
This brings up a serious question though. If Holloway were cast as Eddie (or Roland, boooo, lol) what nicknames would he come up with for everyone?
Comment by JakeNRoland — March 1, 2007 @ 4:58 pm
My three for Roland would be
Josh Holloway
Hugh Laurie
Brad Pitt????
Comment by Brian Holmes — March 1, 2007 @ 5:22 pm
I always pictured Scott Glenn as Roland while I was reading the books - but maybe Scott Glenn from the 90s. It would be great to see such a plum role for Josh Holloway, but his skin is in just too good a condition to be a credible wanderer - not weathered enough.
Comment by hep — March 1, 2007 @ 5:26 pm
Doc-
LOST= Star Wars
Jack=Luke(The Hero)
Kate=Leia(The Heroine)
Sawyer=Han Solo(The Scoundrel)
Charlie and Hurley=C3PO and R2D2(the comic relief..good call)
Sayid=Obi Wan(The Protector)
Locke=Yoda(The all knowing)
Jin=Chewbacca(The Muscle who speaks a different language)
Michael=Lando Calrissean(The Traitor…will he show back up in time to save our gang?…I hate to pull Empire as a reference but it WAS the best one…)
Ben=Darth Vader(The Evil)
Alvar Hanso=The Emperor(The Evil Genius)
The Empire= The Hanso Foundation
The Rebels= The DHARMA Initiative???????
Just a thought…Lindelof is a rip off artist!!!!!!! HA!
Comment by El Prez — March 1, 2007 @ 8:10 pm
Is “sardine oil” supposed to be funny?
Comment by Turkey Sandwich — March 2, 2007 @ 12:56 am
‘Is “sardine oil” supposed to be funny?’
No… just very stinky!
Comment by docarzt — March 2, 2007 @ 12:58 am
Dear God, I hope they remake Star Wars. It’ll be fun.
Comment by Turkey Sandwich — March 2, 2007 @ 1:33 am
Nah, he’s too pretty…..
Comment by Gary — March 2, 2007 @ 4:13 am
Dark Tower purists - I do realize there is an age issue, however… this is an adaptation and therefore details can be changed. I’m sure a lot of them will unless they make this into a 2 year series ala Carnivale. (Yes, I know Carnivale was not finished yet… damn HBO…)
Comment by docarzt — March 2, 2007 @ 5:25 am
I think he’s too good looking. Roland is actually supposed to be kind of scary and creepy. I say William Fitchner (the creepy FBI guy on Prison Break) He would probably make a great Flagg too.
Comment by Abbath — March 2, 2007 @ 7:13 am
As a fan and reader of all the Dark Tower books, I think it’s an it’s and interesting and potentially powerful choice.
Comment by Joan — March 2, 2007 @ 12:34 pm
I think he could pull it off. I have been thinking that Josh Holloway could be the actor to bring the revival of the “western film” back to the glory of the John Wayne days. This would be awesome to see him work on this project.
Comment by G-Baswell — March 2, 2007 @ 5:47 pm
Ever read Wizard magazine? They used to do these sections called “Casting Calls” where they would cast comic book movies (like Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier, a no brainer). So this is my casting call for the Dark Tower.
Roland - Viggo Mortenson
Eddie - Josh Holloway
Susanna - Thandie Newton
Jake - an unknown
Darkman/Flagg - Jack Nicholson
Comment by Merlboroman — March 3, 2007 @ 8:38 am
The idea of a Dark Tower movie doesn’t really excite me, I’ve seen too many of my favorite things ruined by bad movie adaptations…a show on HBO would be cool…
…I was thinking, Sawyer I don’t think would do Roland much justice, but personally, I can’t think of a single person who would, so put contacts in his eyes and see how it works out, if it’s J.J. and Lindelof I trust them to know if it works or not.
The only character that for me if not played by someone specific would be a disgusting travesty in my eyes is Susannah. She’s gotta be played by Gina Torres. I had so much trouble picturing Susannah in my head reading these books…until one day I saw Gina Torres and I was like “Oh wow, that’s her.”
Comment by CourageTheOnHit — March 3, 2007 @ 9:37 am
Marlboro Man - I love your casting for the Dark Tower books, Though it’s been awhile since I read them (I think I need a refresher) Viggo is my choice for Roland, but I think Josh is too beefy for Eddie. I always pictured Eddie as kinda skinny and with that whole junkie appearance. brainstorm who has played good junkies, all nervous and strung out and then maybe we’d have our man.
Though Josh as a Han Solo for this generation? He definitely fills that bill on Lost week after week. I loved this week when Hurley fired back.. “Red…Neck Man..”
and Josh with that yummy grin just smiles in good humor “Touche”
plus I love that Hurley slapped Charlier and picked Josh up reminding them that while he’s a gentle giant - he can still be a giant-sized bunch of trouble if they aren’t careful. Hehhehe Sorry, I got off topic there.
Comment by Karma — March 3, 2007 @ 9:28 pm
I love Lost but there is no way I would go to a movie having Josh Holloway as the lead or a Stars Wars movie with Lost cast.
Comment by Dan — March 4, 2007 @ 8:15 am
Bruce Campbell would be the perfect Roland.
Comment by don — March 4, 2007 @ 5:15 pm
Bruce Campbell would be the perfect Roland.
Comment by don — March 4, 2007 @ 5:15 pm
Josh Holloway is way to young to pull off Roland. My definite choice is Viggo Mortensen. If they can’t get Viggo get Sean Bean.
Comment by Joe B. — March 5, 2007 @ 2:15 pm
No no no — not Josh Holloway!
First, he is too young. Second, Roland is a deep and serious guy, not a wise ass like Cuthbert.
I agree with Joe above when he suggested Viggo Mortnesen.
Comment by Erin — March 5, 2007 @ 2:28 pm
Oh, hell yeah! Josh would be an excellent choice for the role of Roland. Make him less smarmy and he’d be perfect. You can always age an actor with the right make-up as well.
Or better yet, how about Josh for the role of Eddie Dean?
Comment by joe — March 5, 2007 @ 3:39 pm
You people are insane for even thinking that Josh would be good for Roland.. and while he would be an almost ok Eddie Dean based on his sarcasm shown on the show… he is too big, Eddie was a skinny junkie.. as for Roland he will be what the movie hinges on, and i think that Vigo is still too young as well.. Roland is ancient.. ageless… grizzled… while Clint Eastwood would be a good choice.. he’s too old and iconic for this type of role considering he was the one on whom the character was based, but based on his current work history there would be a slim chance that he could clear his schedule long enough to be able to commit to the picture or series (hopefully the latter on HBO or SHOWTIME to boot)
Now all three of these actors are very adept at playing the role, but neither of the three would be right for the part… Hugh Laurie is an interesting choice i will have to give further consideration.. but i am kinda liking the idea a little…
As for Damon and JJ, King seems to trust their decision and until i hear otherwise I will as well.
Comment by towerfan1919 — March 5, 2007 @ 8:17 pm
I completely 100% agree.
Comment by Duane Gerjets — March 6, 2007 @ 11:56 am
i can’t believe no one has realized that the perfect person to play roland is bruce campbell.
Comment by Joshua McNeese — March 6, 2007 @ 1:47 pm
i already said bruce campbell.
Comment by don — March 7, 2007 @ 8:40 am
valid reasons i disagree with this.
roland is thousands of years old.
“bombardier” blue eyes
i would rather someone i don’t already know as a character in a current tv show played the role, dare i say even an unknown.
if they screw it up the criticism will never end.
roland is almost completely without humour throughout the entire story.
last but not least
LONG TALL AND UGLY.
sawyer is far from all of these things, he doesn’t do serious that well either, im all for jj directing, thought i hope it ends up being a series on hbo or showtime.
Comment by blanket — March 7, 2007 @ 7:42 pm
First of all several people seem to confuse Josh for Sawyer.
Josh is an actor. Sawyer is a character.
Just because Josh plays Sawyer as a smart ass doesn’t mean he cannot play other types of characters.
That aside. Dont flog me - - but I never got into the Dark Tower series (ducks for cover)
I cannot say if I would agree for Josh to play Roland or not.
I do agree he reminds me of Han Solo when he is playing Sawyer.
I also give a HUGE shout out to Josh playing Lobo if the part were to ever come up.
I can totally picture him as Lobo LOL
Gambit would be great too, I can picture him in that role.
I hope he gets the chance to audition should the part come up again.
Josh is coming out soon in a movie called Whisper.
It should give people a different look at his acting besides what he has done on Lost.
If you goto IMDB.com you can see the other movies he has appeared in.
Comment by Kamaranoir — March 12, 2007 @ 4:29 pm
First of all several people seem to confuse Josh for Sawyer.
Josh is an actor. Sawyer is a character.
Just because Josh plays Sawyer as a smart ass doesn’t mean he cannot play other types of characters.
That aside. Dont flog me - - but I never got into the Dark Tower series (ducks for cover)
I cannot say if I would agree for Josh to play Roland or not.
I do agree he reminds me of Han Solo when he is playing Sawyer.
I also give a HUGE shout out to Josh playing Lobo if the part were to ever come up.
I can totally picture him as Lobo LOL
Gambit would be great too, I can picture him in that role.
I hope he gets the chance to audition should the part come up again.
Josh is coming out soon in a movie called Whisper.
It should give people a different look at his acting besides what he has done on Lost.
If you goto IMDB.com you can see the other movies he has appeared in.
Comment by Kamaranoir — March 12, 2007 @ 4:30 pm
unless they can put clint eastwood or john wayne in a time machine back 30 years, no one is right for Roland. The worlds last gunslinger. not frickin sawyer. Awful actor.
Comment by creepsho — March 12, 2007 @ 7:22 pm
Okay, I see this page hasn’t been hit up in a while, but I feel I need to contrbute here. Josh would make a good Roland, but I honestly think the best choice would be Thomas Haden Church…something about that picture in The Drawing of the Three reminds me of him. Very versatille actor, he’d be a great Gunslinger.
Josh is far too old to play Eddie. Let’s not forget he’s 23. I think the perfect choice for him is Emile Hirsch from “The Girl Next Door”. He could play that cocky swagger evident in DT:2, but will also be humbled.
Cameron Bright from “Thank you for Smoking” is the only child(E) that could pull of Jake Chambers.
My initial thought for Odetta/Detta/Susannah was Chandra Wilson from Grey’s Anatomy, simply because her character on Grey’s is like Detta…to me anyways. But she might be a little bit old, especially if she’s supposed to be hooking up with Eddie.
Comment by James — May 8, 2007 @ 2:26 pm
I’m convinced that Hugh Jackman is the perfect Roland of Gilead
Comment by Gina — September 18, 2007 @ 12:59 pm
You’re all thinking way to young.
Sam Elliot. That’s your guy.
Tall. Thin. Dark features. Sounds like a badass. Can pull off dry.
This is a no brainer.
Comment by nugget — October 22, 2007 @ 3:54 pm
I think Josh would be the perfect guy because he can easily adjust to any role and he’s gorgeous ,too.I really hope to see my favourite actor acting in the role of my favou
rite book character.kisses from Greece
Comment by gemini_16 — December 14, 2007 @ 8:19 am
Roland is more Steve McQueen, but his character was also very influenced by Clint Eastwood as well, but he is also his own entity or creation. Jeff Fahey has piercing “bombardier” blue eyes like Steve McQueen, and there is a weird mysteriousness about him, I think he may be able to play an other worldly mid-world to earth walk-in named Roland of Gilead.
Josh Hollaway is good as James Ford, but should not be in The Dark Tower.
Other Roland picks; Gary Oldman, Thomas Haden Church, Michael Beihn, Val Kilmer
Comment by Calvin Tower — June 3, 2008 @ 1:16 pm
I am sorry but Josh is far too young for the role. I personally feel Jeff Fahey would be pefect and J. Abrams and Damon Lindelof should have easy access to him as well!
Comment by Jess — June 15, 2008 @ 7:47 pm
Jeff Fahey would be way better than Josh. I still say Jack’s dad beats em’ all. You might have to “young him up” a little, but make-up works wonders. I thought Sam Elliot, but I figured he might be a little to hokey (even though he’s a badass actor).
Comment by Rock_Strongo — June 17, 2008 @ 8:29 pm
Yeah, I totally agree that Viggo Mortensen would be the perfect fit to play as Roland. Ever see Viggo as Aragorn in LOTR? He could pull it off…
Comment by Darth_Vohra — September 8, 2008 @ 7:19 pm