Stephen King Called The Long Walk’s New Trailer ‘Awesome’ But It Needs To Get This Part Right To Avoid Total Failure

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Beware: This content unveils spoilers for Stephen King‘s “The Long Walk” novel. First published in 1979, this gripping tale was written by Stephen King under the pseudonym Richard Bachman. The storyline centers around teenagers participating in an unsettling and hard-to-fathom walking contest. The upcoming movie adaptation of “The Long Walk,” directed by Francis Lawrence, is slated for release on September 12th, 2025, in theaters worldwide. The film promises to be chilling and impactful, featuring Mark Hamill as the Major and Cooper Hoffman portraying the main character, Raymond Garraty.

A large number of fans would likely concur that Stephen King’s 2025 adaptations have all been exceptional, ranging from the enigmatic MGM+ series titled “The Institute” to the captivating “The Life of Chuck”. However, if the film adaptation of “The Long Walk” fails to nail one specific aspect, the entire movie might lose its appeal and potentially disappoint viewers.

Stephen King Loves The Long Walk Trailer, But The Movie Needs To Follow The Book’s Harsh And Heartbreaking Ending

Post by @stephenking
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In a post on Threads, Stephen King praised the second trailer for The Long Walk as “fantastic,” indicating that it seems to be a skillfully made adaptation. For the movie to thrive, it’s crucial for the filmmakers to adhere to the book’s conclusion. When the main character, Ray Garraty, emerges victorious in the competition, he encounters an enigmatic figure ahead of him, and then continues walking before ultimately deciding to flee.

There’s often speculation among fans whether a fresh King adaptation will stick to the original ending or veer off in a significant direction. Given that The Long Walk was inspired by King’s contemplation of the casualties of the Vietnam War, such deviations are to be expected. However, if the movie doesn’t mirror the book’s conclusion, it might diminish the story’s impact and significance. Both The Long Walk and Squid Game revolve around a grueling competition, so it’s crucial that viewers resonate with Garraty’s traumatic journey.

Reddit users have discussed their perspectives on the ending of “The Long Walk, raising questions about whether Garraty survives or perishes in the end. It’s intriguing to delve into how this competition has impacted Garraty and speculate about his potential future. Many concur that regardless of the outcome, Garraty’s life will be irreparably damaged, as he may never experience true happiness again following his ordeal. Redditor @hostaDisaster posited:

It reminds me of the story from ‘The Hunger Games’. If the victor survives, they’re probably more like an empty husk instead of their old self.

Redditor @sskoog shared:

The ending is purposely vague. Garraty is declared the victor, having completed the Walk longer than any other contestant. However, it’s unclear if he has lost his sanity or succumbed to exhaustion.

Readers are unsure whether the ending of “The Long Walk” has supernatural overtones or not, but either viewpoint is valid. Even in King’s more grounded novels like “Lisey’s Story,” there’s an exploration of fantasy and paranormal aspects, and many of his works blur reality. It would be a letdown if the film adaptation didn’t incorporate this potential supernatural entity, as it adds depth to the story’s resolution. By the book’s conclusion, readers feel they’ve embarked on a demanding and seemingly impossible journey with the characters, and viewers should have a similar experience when they exit the theater.

Mark Hamill’s The Long Walk Villain Looks Fascinating

Readers of The Long Walk are well aware that the tale is chilling, unsettling, and shrouded in darkness, and this foreboding atmosphere is set from the very beginning by the antagonist of the story: the Major, who oversees the walking competition. Despite having numerous options for actors renowned for their portrayals of villainous characters, director Francis Lawrence discerned that Mark Hamill, also a star in The Life of Chuck, was the ideal candidate for the role. Based on the two trailers, it’s clear that Hamill has masterfully crafted the severe persona of this character, who is resolute in making the competition as grueling and cruel as possible.

In a chat with IGN, Lawrence noted that Hamill’s ability to master various dialects and the unique quality of his voice was crucial for the character of the Major, indicating his exceptional control over vocal tones and timbres.

Lawrence explained:

I was seeking someone who possessed a deeper intricacy, not just fatigue, but also an air of importance or weightiness.

Lawrence further explained that Hamill’s childhood mobility, due to his family being in the military, aided him in understanding and portraying the character effectively. In simpler terms, he was saying that Hamill’s military background as a child played a crucial role in his ability to play the character well, according to the director.

He might have drawn upon a blend of diverse individuals he encountered during his childhood, creating his own interpretation of the Major.

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2025-07-28 19:42