Rambling Reporter

Howard Off Dark Tower? Universal says Ron Howard's epic adaptation (three movies, plus TV) of Stephen King's novel The Dark Tower is "being rewritten." But sources close to Howard say the project has come to a serious standstill, and Howard's ready to jump ship. Word is, Howard wants to direct Scott Rudin's Somali pirate project slated for 2013 for Sony. Howard's best pal, Tom Hanks, has signed as Richard Phillips, the skipper of cargo ship Maersk Alabama, who was held hostage by Somali pirates, then rescued by Navy SEALs in 2009. It has been widely reported that Paul Greengrass is close to signing a deal to direct the pirate film, but insiders say Hanks wants Howard because they've worked together on five movies. A spokesperson for Universal denies Dark Tower is dead; spokespeople for Sony would not comment.