A brutal new red-band clip from The Long Walk just dropped, and it’s a clear signal that this film is not going to hold anything back. Adapted from the 1979 novel by Stephen King, this intense dystopian thriller looks like it’s going to earn every inch of its R-rating, and then some.
The clip opens on what seems like a casual scene. A group of young men is seen walking under a punishing sun, chatting with each other as they push forward. But the atmosphere quickly turns. In this version of an alternate America, the stakes are deadly.
The rules are simple: each contestant must keep walking at a minimum pace of four miles per hour. If they slow down for more than 30 seconds, they receive a warning. Three warnings and they’re shot, no exceptions. The prize? The last man standing wins anything they want for the rest of their life.
In this specific clip, one of the walkers, Number Seven, starts to fall behind. “Charley horse,” he groans, clearly in pain as he loses his pace. His fellow walkers urge him on, trying to keep him going, but it’s no use. He’s too far gone. The tension is gut-wrenching, and the clip doesn’t shy away from showing the brutal consequence.
Director Francis Lawrence has made it very clear he wasn’t going to water this adaptation down. “I knew we were making a tough one. It doesn’t deserve to be PG-13; it deserves to be R.”
The film stars Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson (Alien: Romulus), Roman Griffin Davis (Jojo Rabbit), and Ben Wang (The Karate Kid) as the primary walkers. Adding to the film’s intensity is Mark Hamill, who plays The Major, a sinister figure overseeing the entire ordeal.
Early reactions to The Long Walk have been overwhelmingly positive. The Long Walk is shaping up to be one of the most hardcore Stephen King adaptations yet, delivering not just shocking violence but also emotional depth and unforgettable performances.
It hits theaters on September 12, and if this first clip is any indication, audiences better be prepared for a savage ride.
