Stephen King enthusiasts, rejoice! New Line Cinema, the studio behind the successful adaptation of It and its sequel, is bringing King’s The Long Walk to the big screen. Given the positive reception of It, it’s not a stretch to assume that this upcoming adaptation could be a hit. So, if you’re a fan, keep an eye on the news for updates on this exciting project.
A Glimpse into The Long Walk
If you’re not familiar with The Long Walk, here’s a brief overview. It was the first novel Stephen King ever completed, starting it in 1966 and 1967 while he was still in college. However, it wasn’t published until 1979, under the pseudonym Richard Bachman. The reason for using a pseudonym remains unclear, but some speculate it was because The Long Walk was a departure from King’s typical works at the time.
Not only is The Long Walk a science fiction novel, but it’s also a young adult (YA) story, making it even more distinct from King’s usual fare. The plot revolves around an annual event called “the Walk” or “the Long Walk” in a dystopian America ruled by a military dictator. Contestants are forced to walk a designated path along the East Coast of the United States, maintaining a minimum speed of four miles per hour. If a contestant fails too many times or breaks the rules, they are executed by soldiers monitoring the event. The last person standing wins “the Prize,” which is supposedly anything they want for the rest of their life. However, the physical and mental toll of the competition often leaves winners in a dire state. The Long Walk has the potential to be a captivating movie, but it remains to be seen whether New Line Cinema will adapt the original ending or opt for a more optimistic conclusion.
Previous Attempts at Adaptation
This isn’t the first time someone has tried to adapt The Long Walk for the big screen. The current effort became possible only after the film rights secured by Frank Darabont expired. Previous attempts to adapt the novel failed for various reasons, and in some cases, it seems that failure was a blessing in disguise. For example, Darabont stated that he wanted to turn the story into something “weird, existential, and low-budget.” However, given New Line Cinema’s track record with It, this adaptation could finally do justice to King’s gripping tale.
