First trailer for new Stephen King film The Long Walk released

A new Stephen King film adaptation is on the horizon: Fans can expect the novel adaptation of "The Long Walk" later this year. The book was first published in 1979 and is being brought to the big screen by "The Hunger Games" director Francis Lawrence. Now we get to see the first trailer.

What is "The Long Walk" about?

The novel "The Long Walk" by Stephen King, published under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, tells the dark story of an annual competition. In a world where the military has great power, one hundred young participants compete in a so-called "Long Walk". The rules are cruel: those who stop, slow down or break the rules are given warnings – after the third, they are shot. Only one person is allowed to survive at the end and receives everything he wants in life as a prize.

It is not particularly surprising that Francis Lawrence has now turned his attention to the film adaptation. In his "Hunger Games" films, he at least dealt with a similar theme. Lawrence will soon also be making the "Panem" prequel "Sunrise on the Reaping".

The portal Vanity Fair has already published some images of "The Long Walk" in advance and also spoke to Lawrence about the project. The director emphasized that the characters and their relationships with one another would be the focus of "The Long Walk".

"The sacrifices they make for one another, to me, is the whole movie."

Cast of "The Long Walk"

The most important cast members include newcomers David Jonsson, Charlie Plummer and Cooper Hoffman, the son of acting legend Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Also taking part are "Star Wars" star Mark Hamill and Judy Greer. Hamill will play the "Major" who organizes the death march.

Start date and trailer

We can now finally see the first trailer. Of course, there is also a start date for "The Long Walk": the new Stephen King adaptation will be released in cinemas on September 12, 2025.

The most popular Stephen King adaptations

Stephen King is considered one of the most prolific and influential writers of our time, particularly in the fields of horror, thriller and mystery. His books have sold millions of copies worldwide – and have been just as successfully adapted into films. Since the 1970s, numerous of his works have been adapted for cinema and television. Some of them have become cult classics that have influenced generations of viewers.

The Shining

Although "The Shining" was criticized by Stephen King himself because director Stanley Kubrick took great liberties with the original, the film is now regarded as a masterpiece of psychological horror. Jack Nicholson delivers a legendary performance as the writer Jack Torrance, who slowly descends into madness. The isolated atmosphere of the Overlook Hotel, the ominous music and the iconic images have had a lasting influence on the genre. Despite initially receiving mixed reviews, the film has gone on to become one of the most important horror films of all time.

It

The two-part remake of the novel "It" brought Stephen King's infamous clown Pennywise into the 21st century. The first part focuses on the childhood of the protagonists, who are confronted with an ancient, evil being in the fictional small town of Derry. The second part shows them as adults facing the horror again. Particularly noteworthy is Bill Skarsgård's disturbing portrayal of the clown, who alternates between childish silliness and abysmal horror. Both films were extremely successful at the box office.

Misery

In "Misery", successful writer Paul Sheldon is rescued by his "greatest admirer" Annie Wilkes after a car accident – only to soon discover that he is trapped in her house and his life is in danger. Kathy Bates delivers a terrifying and memorable performance. The story unfolds as an intense chamber play that captivates with subtle suspense, psychological depth and oppressive violence.

The Shawshank Redemption

"The Shawshank Redemption" tells the story of the decades-long friendship between two prisoners in Shawshank Prison, among other things. Tim Robbins plays the wrongly convicted banker Andy Dufresne, who prepares for his freedom with patience, intelligence and hope. Morgan Freeman can be seen as Red and also appears as the narrator. "The Shawshank Redemption" has become an audience favorite over the years and is now considered one of the best films of all time.

Carrie

"Carrie" was Stephen King's first published novel – and was promptly made into a movie. The film tells the tragic story of shy schoolgirl Carrie White, who is bullied by her classmates. As Carrie's telekinetic abilities develop, the situation escalates at the prom in one of the most famous finales in horror history. Director De Palma and Sissy Spacek's haunting performance made "Carrie" a classic.

The Green Mile

This film adaptation of King's novel of the same name is more drama than horror. Tom Hanks plays a prison guard who works on death row in a 1930s prison. There he meets the gentle giant John Coffey, played by Michael Clarke Duncan, who has healing powers and was wrongly sentenced to death. "The Green Mile" is a film about humanity, justice and miracles – deeply emotional and with strong acting performances.