Universal Studios' “Dark Tower” project, based on the Stephen King series of books, has run into budgetary complications, according to Variety.

Ambitious plans for the project include a movie trilogy bridged by two television series. However, Universal Studios executives are reportedly getting cold feet and will meet in the coming days to determine their involvement.

Sources say that Universal is not necessarily going to kill the project, but they may allow Imagine to shop it to another studio, either to partner with them or take it over entirely.

Much of the groundwork has been laid at this point. Ron Howard (“Angels and Demons”) spearheaded the project through his production company Imagine Entertainment and is slated to direct at least one of the movies. Javier Bardem (“No Country For Old Men”) has been cast to play the lead role of Roland Deschain. Akiva Goldsman (“I Am Legend”) will be writing the script.

A target date of May 2013 has even been announced for release of the first film.

NBC or one of its cable affiliates is set to carry the television series.

“Dark Tower” has long been on the wish list for a number of potential directors, including J.J. Abrams and Damon Lindelof (“Lost”), but the length and scope of the series has always been a potential hurdle.