Stephen King Slams Superhero Films’ ‘Pornographic’ Violence, Applauds Gritty Adaptation of The Long Walk

The upcoming film adaptation of Stephen King’s The Long Walk is set to deliver a raw and intense experience. Featuring David Jonsson (Industry), Ben Wang (Karate Kid: Legends), Charlie Plummer (Lean on Pete), and Cooper Hoffman (Licorice Pizza), this dystopian horror thriller promises chilling moments as it depicts a brutal contest where young men must walk at a minimum speed of three miles per hour under a totalitarian regime or face execution.

A Vision for Unflinching Realism

King, speaking to The Times UK, emphasized his insistence on portraying the story’s violence authentically. He criticized superhero films for showcasing widespread destruction without depicting its human cost. “In superhero movies, you see supervillains demolishing entire city blocks, but there’s never any blood. That’s wrong—it’s almost pornographic,” King said. “For The Long Walk, I told them, if you’re not going to show the violence, don’t bother. So, they made a pretty brutal movie.”

Staying True to the Story’s Edge

Screenwriter JT Mollner echoed King’s commitment to preserving the novel’s intensity. “King wrote about specific themes, but their relevance spans generations. We wanted to capture the beauty, love, and friendship alongside the hopelessness and terror,” Mollner told The Times UK. “King and Lionsgate wanted us to go all the way. In the wrong hands, this story could’ve been softened, but we kept the book’s sharp edge.” The result is a film that balances raw brutality with emotional depth, staying faithful to King’s vision.