"The Long Walk": Stephen King’s Dystopian Odyssey Hits Theaters September 12

On September 12, 2025, Lionsgate will release "The Long Walk," the highly anticipated adaptation of Stephen King’s 1979 novel—originally penned under his Richard Bachman pseudonym—directed by Francis Lawrence and written by JT Mollner . The film stars Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Garrett Wareing, Tut Nyuot, Charlie Plummer, Ben Wang, Roman Griffin Davis, Jordan Gonzalez, Josh Hamilton, Judy Greer, and Mark Hamill .

Set in a near-future United States under a totalitarian regime, "The Long Walk" follows one hundred teenage boys selected to compete in an annual, televised endurance contest with a singular rule: walk at least three miles per hour or face execution . The walk continues until only one participant is left standing, with the sole survivor promised any wish they desire .

For LGBTQ+ viewers, the film’s premise resonates beyond its surface brutality. The forced conformity, surveillance, and threat of punishment echo the struggles many queer and transgender people have faced in societies that police difference . The contestants—diverse in backgrounds and personalities—form bonds under pressure, creating moments of solidarity and empathy amid adversity. As the walk strips away superficial differences, the young men rely on each other for emotional support, echoing the concept of "chosen family" that is central to many LGBTQ+ experiences .

The film’s depiction of friendship and vulnerability, even in the face of violence, offers a counterpoint to the regime’s dehumanizing intent. In exclusive previews, viewers have noted that the boys do not always turn against each other; instead, they sometimes form deep connections that help them survive the ordeal—a message that underscores the value of community and mutual care .

While "The Long Walk" centers on male protagonists, the cast is notably diverse, including actors of color and performers with a range of backgrounds . Charlie Plummer and Ben Wang are among the ensemble, joined by Jordan Gonzalez, whose previous work has engaged LGBTQ+ storylines . This diversity is a significant step given the genre’s past tendency toward homogeneity.

Though the film’s main narrative does not explicitly foreground LGBTQ+ identities, its themes—resisting authoritarian control, forging authentic connections, and surviving against the odds—carry special resonance for queer audiences. The adaptation’s willingness to tackle emotional vulnerability and trauma, rather than just physical danger, is a point of praise among early reviewers .

Longtime Stephen King fans have already noted a key change: the minimum walking speed required has been lowered from four to three miles per hour, making the ordeal more realistic and intensifying the participants’ psychological struggle . The film’s trailer, available on Peacock, showcases the grim atmosphere, military enforcers, and haunting visuals, sparking debates about the adaptation’s faithfulness to the original work .

The dystopian genre has a strong tradition of allegory, and "The Long Walk" seems poised to join the ranks of works like "The Hunger Games" and "Squid Game" in using extreme competitions to critique social norms and systems of oppression . For LGBTQ+ communities, such stories can offer both catharsis and hope, highlighting the importance of solidarity and resistance in the face of institutional violence.

"The Long Walk" will premiere in U.S. theaters and on streaming platforms starting September 12, 2025 . Early buzz suggests the film may prompt critical discussions on representation, trauma, and resilience, especially within LGBTQ+ circles. Local and national organizations are expected to host screenings and panels exploring the film’s relevance to queer youth and activists .

As the release date approaches, the film stands as both a thrilling adaptation and a potential touchstone for conversations about difference, dignity, and endurance. For queer viewers, "The Long Walk" offers not just a dystopian spectacle, but a space for reflection on the power of community—and the courage to keep moving forward.