Idris Elba, Matthew McConaughey to star in 'The Dark Tower'

In this image released by BBC America, Idris Elba appears in a scene from 'Luther.' (Sarah Dunn/BBC America via AP)

Production on the film version of Stephen King's "The Dark Tower" has begun, reports Entertainment Weekly.

The movie version of King's eight-novel series has been in the works for some years now.

Actors Idris Elba and Mathew McConaughey have been confirmed as having lead roles in the movie by writer Stephen King on his Twitter account.

Directed by Nikolaj Arcel, known for his work on the Danish film "A Royal Affair," the film's producers will be Akiva Goldman and his Weed Road company: Ron Howard, Brian Grazer and Erica Huggins of Imagine Entertainment.

Sony Pictures is expected to release the film in the U.S. on January 13, 2017.