The Long Walk (2025): Stephen King’s Dystopian Classic Comes to the Big Screen

The Long Walk (2025) is a chilling dystopian thriller based on Stephen King’s novel. Directed by Francis Lawrence, the film stars Cooper Hoffman and Mark Hamill. Set for release on September 12, 2025, it blends survival, suspense, and emotional depth, making it one of the year’s most anticipated adaptations.

Since its first publication in 1979 under Stephen King’s Richard Bachman pen name, The Long Walk has remained a favourite among dystopian novels. Now, more than four decades later, it is finally making its way to cinemas in 2025. Moreover, the film is helmed by Francis Lawrence, the acclaimed director best known for bringing The Hunger Games series to life.

The Long Walk Release Date

The Long Walk is due for release in cinemas across the United States on September 12, 2025. Lionsgate is distributing the film, and you’ll be able to catch it at major chains like AMC Theatres and Harkins Theatres.

Where to Watch The Long Walk 2025

For now, The Long Walk will only be showing in cinemas. Details about streaming will be announced after its release, so if you want to watch it online later, keep an eye on sites like Just Watch and Movie Fone for updates.

The Long Walk Movie Trailer

The official trailer for The Long Walk gives you a first look at the story and the film’s tense atmosphere.

The Long Walk Plot and Storyline

In a bleak future, The Long Walk centers on a yearly event where 100 teenage boys must keep walking at a minimum pace of four miles per hour. If they slow down, they get warnings, and after three, they’re executed. The last boy left wins a big prize, but the journey is filled with both mental and physical struggles.

The Long Walk Movie Overview

Category	Details
Movie Title	The Long Walk (2025)
Release Date	September 12, 2025
Director	Francis Lawrence (The Hunger Games series)
Screenplay	JT Mollner
Distributor	Lionsgate
Runtime	108 minutes
Genre	Dystopian Horror Thriller
Based On	The Long Walk novel by Stephen King (as Richard Bachman)

Set in a near-future America under a totalitarian regime, The Long Walk follows 100 teenage boys who must maintain a walking speed of at least four miles per hour. Those who fail to comply receive warnings, and after three, they are shot dead. The last boy standing wins the contest, but at what cost?

Cast and Characters

Actor	Character
Cooper Hoffman	Ray Garraty (#47)
David Jonsson	Peter McVries (#23)
Garrett Wareing	Stebbins (#38)
Tut Nyuot	Arthur Baker (#6)
Charlie Plummer	Gary Barkovitch (#5)
Ben Wang	Hank Olson (#46)
Roman Griffin Davis	Thomas Curley (#7)
Jordan Gonzalez	Richard Harkness (#49)
Mark Hamill	The Major
Judy Greer	Mrs. Garraty
Josh Hamilton	Mr. Garraty

Cooper Hoffman, who is Philip Seymour Hoffman’s son, stars as Ray Garraty. Ray is a teenager dealing with loss and the tough demands of the contest.

Plot and Storyline

The story follows Ray Garraty, a teenager from Maine who is chosen for the Long Walk. Along with 99 other boys, he faces a tough journey where the main rule is simple: keep walking. Over time, friendships form, tensions rise, and the reality of the contest becomes clear.

Official Trailer and Poster

The official trailer for The Long Walk gives a glimpse of the film’s atmosphere and what you can expect from the story.

Filming began in Winnipeg, Canada, in July 2024. Director Francis Lawrence and his team focused on making the dystopian world feel as real as possible. The film’s music, composed by Jeremiah Fraites, adds to the mood. the film’s tense mood.

One of the film’s promotions included a treadmill screening, where people had to walk at least 3 miles per hour to watch the film, just like the contest in the story.

Early Reviews and Reception

Early reviews say The Long Walk stays true to Stephen King’s novel and has plenty of emotional depth.

• In fact, SlashFilm describes the movie as “an emotionally obliterating, all-time great Stephen King adaptation, and undoubtedly one of the best films of 2025.”
• Inverse praises the film for its “masterful direction, heart-wrenching performances, and a harrowing survival tale in perpetual motion,” calling it “one of the greatest King adaptations ever made.”
• Moreover, Gizmodo points out that although the film is undeniably “brutal,” it still “has heart,” which is why they encourage audiences to see it in spite of its intensity.

Where to Watch and Advance Booking

The Long Walk comes out in U.S. cinemas on September 12, 2025. You can buy advance tickets through major ticketing platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

The Long Walk is a powerful example of why Stephen King’s stories remain so popular across generations. With a strong plot and cast, this film could be one of the highlights of 2025. In the end, whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering King, The Long Walk deserves your attention.