Stephen King, the renowned master of literary horror, is set to make his long-awaited return to the big screen with an adaptation of his lesser-known novel, The Long Walk. Originally published in 1979 under his pseudonym Richard Bachman, this dystopian tale marked King’s first venture into the genre, moving away from the typical themes of horror that characterize much of his work. Remarkably, despite King’s prolific output, The Long Walk has never been adapted for film until now.
The novel has faced a long and tumultuous journey in its path to development, often overshadowed by King’s more famous works. Although many of his stories have been remade multiple times, The Long Walk remained on the sidelines, primarily due to its unconventional premise, which didn’t align with King’s established horror brand. Now, after over 40 years, it is finally set to grace theaters—marking a significant moment for fans of King and dystopian fiction alike.
Latest Updates on The Long Walk
Release Date Announced for The Long Walk
As production continues on this highly anticipated adaptation, Lionsgate has officially revealed the release date for The Long Walk. During their presentation at CinemaCon in April 2025, it was announced that the film will be released on September 12, 2025. This date coincides with the launches of other major films, including Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale and Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.
Additionally, a teaser for The Long Walk was showcased at CinemaCon, although it is yet to be released to the public. Fortunately, ScreenRant provided an insightful description which captures the essence of the film. It highlights the dire premise of the story, setting the tone for the perilous competition at its heart.
Here’s a peek into the footage description:
Opens on a desolate road where several dozen participants introduce themselves. As they begin walking, armed military personnel surround them. One individual collapses, screaming, and is given three warnings; after the third, they are shot. “If you fall below the speed of 3 miles per hour, you get your ticket. Walk until there’s only one of you left,” says Hamill, revealing the brutal rules governing the harrowing race.
Release Date Details for The Long Walk
September Release for The Long Walk
With Francis Lawrence, known for his work on the The Hunger Games franchise, at the helm, the adaptation is poised to navigate King’s grim outlook on the future adeptly. After many near attempts since its inception, The Long Walk gained official momentum in 2023, culminating in its scheduled release date of September 12, 2025. This strategically timed release is ideal for a film entrenched in horror while facing minimal competition from other genres.
Previous Directors Attached to The Long Walk
From George Romero to Francis Lawrence
Despite Stephen King’s cinematic success since the late 1970s, his 1979 novel The Long Walk has managed to avoid adaptation by notable filmmakers. Emerging filmmaker George A. Romero initially pursued the project in 1988, but it never gained traction. In 2007, acclaimed director Frank Darabont, known for The Mist and The Shawshank Redemption, also attempted to adapt the novel but met the same fate.
More recently, horror talent André Øvredal was brought on board in early 2023, only to exit the project shortly thereafter. Now, with Francis Lawrence steering the adaptation, The Long Walk is on a promising course among various upcoming adaptations of King’s extensive bibliography.
Casting Updates for The Long Walk
An Impressive Cast Joins The Long Walk
After years of stalled development, the cast for The Long Walk is coming together, featuring a promising lineup of talent. The first actor announced was Cooper Hoffman from Licorice Pizza, soon followed by David Jonsson from Alien: Romulus. Both are set to portray pivotal roles as Raymond Garraty and Peter McVries, the primary participants in the harrowing contest.
The casting expanded rapidly, adding several young actors, including Garrett Wareing as Stebbins, Charlie Plummer as Gary Barkovitch, and Roman Griffin Davis as Arthur Baker. Other newcomers, such as Ben Wang, Jordan Gonzalez, Joshua Odjick, and Tut Nyuot, have also joined the ensemble in unspecified roles. Notably, Mark Hamill is attached to play the malevolent Major, while Judy Greer will portray Mrs. Garraty.
The confirmed cast for The Long Walk is as follows:
| Actor | Role in The Long Walk |
|---|---|
| Cooper Hoffman | Raymond Garraty |
| David Jonsson | Peter McVries |
| Mark Hamill | The Major |
| Judy Greer | Mrs. Garraty |
| Garrett Wareing | Stebbins |
| Tut Nyuot | Unknown |
| Charlie Plummer | Gary Barkovitch |
| Ben Wang | Henry Olson |
| Jordan Gonzalez | Unknown |
| Joshua Odjick | Unknown |
| Roman Griffin Davis | Arthur Baker |
Story Insights for The Long Walk
A Dystopian Narrative Awaits
While specific plot details remain under wraps, the film is expected to stay true to the original narrative of the novel. In a future America, individuals are forced to partake in a deadly contest for the viewing pleasure of the masses, walking along US Highway 1 at a pace of three miles per hour to avoid dire consequences.
The protagonist, a 16-year-old named Ray Garraty from Maine, grapples with his desire to join “The Walk”despite not being particularly athletic. The story’s themes resonate deeply with societal critiques reminiscent of the Vietnam War era, prompting speculation on how these themes will be reframed for modern audiences. Unlike typical young adult dystopian narratives, King’s unique blend of horror and gruesomeness promises to be a defining feature of The Long Walk.