Stephen King‘s works have been adapted into countless movies and TV shows, and whenever he shares his support, it tends to be a very good sign that his fans will be pleased. As the author of over 70 novels, novellas, and various stories, King stands as one of the most renowned and prolific writers of all time.
He’s also, as a result, at least partially responsible for some amazing movies and shows. Some of his best-known works — and adaptations — include It, The Shawshank Redemption, and The Shining, though he famously dislikes the last one. Often one to share his thoughts on whatever he’s watching and reading, King has never been shy about the adaptations he disapproves of.
Just this year, King’s works have produced a gory horror hit — Osgood Perkins’ The Monkey — and a well-reviewed, feel-good story about what it means to be alive — Mike Flanagan’s The Life of Chuck. Now, one of his most iconic novels is headed to the big screen after years of starts and stops, and it could be a huge hit for the author.
Stephen King’s Involvement And Approval Makes The Long Walk Even More Exciting
The Long Walk Will Be The Adaptation He Wants It To Be – And That’s A Good Thing
The next King adaptation, set for release on September 12, is Francis Lawrence’s The Long Walk. The dystopian story follows a group of fifty boys who sign up to participate in a compeтιтion wherein they must walk… and walk… and walk. They must maintain a pace of 3 miles per hour, and if they fall behind at all, they’re taken out for good.
The Long Walk, which was published under King’s pseudonym Richard Bachman, has endured a lengthy journey of its own on the way to the big screen. There’s been talk of a potential adaptation since 1988, but it’s only now coming together, and it promises to be an absolute must-see for King fans.
The movie made an appearance at San Diego Comic-Con this weekend, where ScreenRant was on hand to see the cast, crew, and some exclusive footage. During the panel, screenwriter JT Mollner and producer Roy Lee discussed King’s involvement with the movie, which included giving his approval on the script and casting decisions. Mollner explained:
Sometimes the idea of writing for someone else can be nightmarish. This time, it was a dream. He wanted to go all the way. King wanted us to go all the way. I knew we could be honest and faithful. If this got into the hands of the wrong studio or filmmaker, it could have lost it… it has teeth.
Perhaps most enticing is the reveal that King especially approved of Mark Hamill’s casting as the primary villain, the Major. The character oversees the Long Walk and keeps the boys in line through intimidation. It’s a stark contrast from Hamill’s recent role in The Life of Chuck, or even his most famous character, Star Wars‘ Luke Skywalker.
Hamill played Albie, the тιтular Chuck’s grandfather who is gruff, but quite loving. Of course, Hamill has also played a number of villainous roles throughout his career, like the Joker and Avatar: The Last Airbender‘s Fire Lord Ozai, but those are frequently in animation.
Hamill’s casting getting King’s stamp of approval bodes well for The Long Walk, which promises not to skimp on the brutality and intensity of the source material. If this movie is to be adapted properly, it can’t shy away from the horrors King created.
The last King adaptation to hit theaters was The Life of Chuck, and while it disappointed at the box office, it was also the author’s highest-rated adaptation in years. Much like with The Long Walk, King shared his support for the movie and approved of how Flanagan chose to adapt his story.
Now that The Long Walk is proving to have that same response from King, it seems this just might be the adaptation fans have been waiting for. At the very least, it will be a faithful depiction of a grueling novel, one that emphasizes brotherhood while keeping the intensity high.
