The Long Walkis set to be released in theaters next month, and it’s one of Stephen King’s darker works, meaningaudiences can expecta bleak film adaptation that also serves as a biting social commentary. The movie centers around a group of young men who enter a deadly contest where they must walk at a pace of at least four miles per hour, and if they fall below that pace, they are killed. Only one contestant can survive, and the winner gets a prize of their choosing. Despite its dystopian premise, one star of the movie finds it relevant today, and believes that it will always be relevant for one key reason.
In an interview withEmpire Magazine, David Jonsson discussed his career in great detail, as well as his upcoming projects. The actor has most recently gained recognition for his performance as the synthetic Andy inFede Álvarez’s 2024 filmAlien: Romulus, and is now set to star alongside Cooper Hoffman in the adaptation of King’s novel.The Long Walkwas published during the era of the Vietnam War, and the book has long been considered a commentary on the anxieties and struggles of that period.
However, Jonsson believes that the premise ofThe Long Walkwill always be timely, as long as there is a state or structure of power to hold accountable and criticize, as the actor said:
“I knew while I was doing it that this was something that would feel relevant, and draw some form of parallel to the world that we’re living in. I knew that was there, but I had no ideahowrelevant it was going to be. It feels really, really, timely. It’s a people piece, man. I think that Stephen King knew that this would always be about the people [versus the state], and as long as we have a state, this story will always be relevant”
‘The Long Walk’ Will Invoke Powerful Feelings From Audiences
The Long Walkfeatures a grim premise, with numerous casualties that depict an utter disregard for life, especially that of the youth, who are supposed to represent the country’s future. It only makes sense that, during such a tumultuous political climate, the novel (and now the film) would still resonate and feel reminiscent of the uncertainty and fear that is readily visible on social media and in everyday life. It’s because of this that David Jonsson thinks that “people are really going to feel something, and that’s all you really want when you make movies. I always say, I’m not political, but the work is.”
The Long Walkis directed by Francis Lawrence, a filmmaker who is no stranger to young adult dystopian fiction. Lawrence has directed the last four movies inThe Hunger Gamesseries, and is also set to direct the next installment,Sunrise on the Reaping. With a cast that also includes the likes of Mark Hamill, Garrett Wareing, Ben Wang, Charlie Plummer, and Joshua Odjick,The Long Walkhas an impressive ensemble that will help to bring the twisted story to life.
BesidesThe Long Walk, Jonsson will star inScandalous!directed by Colman Domingo, and the currently untitled project directed by Frank Ocean, for which it is speculated that Jonsson will play a version of the singer.
The Long Walk
