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 renownedand 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 — includeIt,The Shawshank Redemption, andThe 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 workshave 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’sThe Life of Chuck. Now,one of his most iconic novels is headed to the big screenafter 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
Thenext King adaptation, set for release on September 12, is Francis Lawrence’sThe Long Walk. The dystopian story follows. 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 atSan Diego Comic-Conthis weekend, whereScreenRantwas on hand to see the cast, crew, and some exclusive footage. During the panel, screenwriter JT Mollner and producer Roy Lee discussedKing’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 thatKing 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 fromHamill’s recent role inThe Life of Chuck, or even his most famous character,Star Wars' Luke Skywalker.
Hamill played Albie, the titular 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 andAvatar: The Last Airbender’s Fire Lord Ozai, but those are frequently in animation.
Hamill’s casting getting King’s stamp of approval bodes wellforThe Long Walk, whichpromises 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 wasThe Life of Chuck, and while it disappointed at the box office,it was also the author’s highest-rated adaptation in years. Much like withThe Long Walk, King shared his support for the movie and approved of how Flanagan chose to adapt his story.
Now thatThe Long Walkis 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 brotherhoodwhile keeping the intensity high.
