Matthew McConaughey is set to portray the Man in Black in the film The Dark Tower, based on Stephen King’s novel series of the same name. The actor revealed he wanted to be in a new movie franchise as opposed to an existing one because it allows for more creative freedom.

For this reason, Matthew ultimately declined a role in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

The 47-year-old star, who insists this new opportunity allows him to be both “creator and author” of his character, explained to Playboy magazine: “I like ‘Guardians of the Galaxy‘, but what I saw was ‘It’s successful, and now we’ve got room to make a colourful part for another big-name actor.’

I’d feel like an amendment. ‘The Dark Tower‘ script was well written, I like the director (Nikolaj Arcel) and his take on it, and I can be the creator, the author of the Man in Black -a.k.a. the Devil – in my version of this Stephen King novel.”

And Matthew was also pleased to learn how “grounded” the movie is despite taking place in an alternative universe. He believes this will not only appeal to fellow actors in the film, but the general public as well.

“We’ve done the first one. It’s a fantastic thriller that takes place in another realm, an alternate universe, but it’s very much grounded. For instance, the Gunslinger’s weapon isn’t a lightsaber or something; it’s a pistol.

I enjoyed approaching my character as if I were the Devil having a good time, getting turned on by exposing human hypocrisies wherever he finds them.”

The Dark Tower is scheduled for release by summer 2017.