Summary

  • Fans applaud the adaptation for changing the walking speed from 4 to 3 mph, making it more realistic.
  • The upcoming film version of Stephen King's The Long Walk will feature an all-star cast.
  • The film, directed by Francis Lawrence, is set for release in theaters on September 12, 2025.

Stephen King's horror/dystopia The Long Walk is coming to theaters later this year, but before that, Lionsgate has finally released a disturbing trailer that would chill the bones of even the most hardened King devotee. However, after taking in the movie's latest clip, fans of the book have pointed out one much-needed change in its previously "unrealistic" walking speed.

King fans have waited a long time for an adaptation of the beloved 1979 novel, and now, they couldn't be more excited to get their eyes on it. Written under King's Richard Bachman pseudonym, The Long Walk has been in the production pipeline for around 37 years since Night of the Living Dead's George A. Romero was reportedly set to direct it at the time. Director Frank Darabont, known for his film adaptations of Stephen King novellas and novels, such as The Shawshank Redemption (1994), The Green Mile (1999), and The Mist, was in procession of the rights to the film for many years, but that finally came to an end when Roy Lee bought the rights, Now with Constantine 2 director Francis Lawrence sitting in the directors chair, The Long Walk is finally getting the recognition it deserves and going by its latest trailer, the grueling narrative looks to be just as impactful as the book was over 40 years ago.

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Stephen King Fans Applaud The Long Walk Adaptation for Making the Walking Speed More Realistic

The Long Walk 2025 movie

In Stephen King's novel The Long Walk, the plot follows a group of 100 contestants who must take part in a horrifying televised annual walking contest without stopping, which is ruled by a totalitarian regime. Unless they want to face warnings or certain death, the young men must maintain a speed of 4 miles per hour. However, for years, readers of the book have condemned the walking speed as unbelievable for someone to undertake, and a speed of 3 miles per hour would have been more realistic. Now, after watching the trailer and finding out that the walking speed has finally been reduced to 3 miles per hour, King fans have high praise for the adaptation in listening to readers' complaints.

"I see they changed it from 4 mph to 3. Much more believable," said one fan of the novel over on Reddit. "Can't express how much I am looking forward to this movie. The trailer only hyped me up even more. Also, I'm happy they changed the walking speed to 3mph," said another happy King loyalist. Another commenter pointed out that even in the army at a 4mph speed, it's still exhausting work, which only a few soldiers can actually obtain. "It’s funny because in the Army Infantry, there’s an expert badge you can earn and the last task is a 12-mile ruck in 3 hours. That’s 4mph with a 35lbs ruck on your back. Only a few actually achieve it."

Along with Francis Lawrence in the director's chair and producer Roy Lee, The Long Walk will welcome stars like Cooper Hoffman (Licorice Pizza), David Jonsson (Alien: Romulus), Charlie Plummer (The Clovehitch Killer), Ben Wang (Karate Kid: Legends), Roman Griffin Davis (Jojo Rabbit), Jordan Gonzalez (Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin), Joshua Odjick (Welcome to Derry), Josh Hamilton (The Walking Dead), Judy Greer (Halloween), and the legendary Mark Hamill as the Mayor.

The Long Walk will be released in theaters on 12 September 2025.

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Release Date
September 12, 2025
Runtime
108 Minutes
Director
Francis Lawrence
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  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Cooper Hoffman
    Raymond Garraty / #47
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    David Jonsson
    Peter McVries / #23
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Garrett Wareing
    Stebbins / #38
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    Tut Nyuot
    Arthur Baker / #6
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Writers
JT Mollner, Stephen King
Producers
Roy Lee, Steven Schneider

Source: Reddit