The Long Walk (2025 Film)
The film is set in a brutal, alternate version of the United States ruled by a totalitarian military regime.
Key Details
| Detail | Information |
| Release Date | September 12, 2025 (Theatrical) |
| Director / Producer | Francis Lawrence (Known for The Hunger Games franchise) |
| Screenplay | JT Mollner |
| Based On | The 1979 novel The Long Walk by Stephen King |
| Genre | Dystopian, Survival, Thriller, Drama |
| Budget | $20 million |
| Worldwide Gross (as of Nov 2025) | $62.6 million |
Plot Premise
The film follows fifty teenage boys who are chosen to participate in the “Long Walk,” an annual, nationally televised competitive walking marathon enforced by the military.
- The Rules: Each boy must maintain a minimum pace of three miles per hour (4.8 km/h) of nonstop walking.
- The Stakes: If a boy drops below the pace, he receives a warning. Receiving three warnings results in immediate, public execution by the accompanying armed soldiers.
- The Prize: The last boy standing wins a huge cash prize and the fulfillment of one wish of his choice for the rest of his life.
- Protagonist: The story centers on Raymond “Ray” Garraty (#47), the contestant from Maine, as he forges desperate friendships and faces the psychological and physical breakdown caused by the relentless, deadly march.
Main Cast
| Actor | Role | Notes |
| Cooper Hoffman | Raymond “Ray” Garraty (#47) | The main protagonist. |
| David Jonsson | Peter McVries (#23) | Ray’s close friend and confidante. |
| Mark Hamill | The Major | The mysterious official who oversees the regime and the Walk. |
| Charlie Plummer | Gary Barkovitch (#5) | An antagonistic walker. |
| Garrett Wareing | Stebbins (#38) | The enigmatic and reserved walker. |
Critical Reception
- Overall Verdict: The film was generally well-received. Critics praised its ability to maintain tension and emotional weight despite the simple, continuous action of walking. Director Francis Lawrence was noted for effectively translating the dystopian world and atmosphere, having previously directed several Hunger Games films.
- Highlights: The soulful performances by Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson were often cited as the strength of the film, creating believable camaraderie that makes the inevitable deaths more impactful. The film’s cinematography was also praised for its “stark, morose beauty.”
- Themes: The film’s success was attributed to its exploration of themes like totalitarian control, human endurance, friendship under duress, and the loss of innocence.