Judy Greer, who stars in the upcoming Stephen King adaptationThe Long Walk, shares insight into the film’s dark themes. Based on King’s 1979 novel,The Long Walkis a dystopian thrillerfollowing 100 teenage boys forced into a brutal endurance competition: walking U.S. Highway 1, facing the threat of soldiers if they fall behind. Directed byHunger Gamesveteran Francis Lawrence, the adaptation stars young talents Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson in lead roles, supported by an ensemble cast withHalloween’s Greer andStar Warsicon Mark Hamill. A release date has yet to be announced.
In an interview withCollider, Greer spoke about her experience on the set ofThe Long Walkand the adaptation’s faithfulness to King’s novel. She further related the impact of watching young actors on set, noting howrefreshing it was to work alongside the young men whose performances enhance the grim storyline. Read the full quote here:
Yeah, it’s called The Long Walk. It’s based on a novel Stephen King wrote in 1979. It was in response to the Vietnam War. Our movie kind of takes place again in sort of like a timeless place. Like there’s some technology, but then there’s a lot of throwback elements to the script. Francis Lawrence directed it, and Cooper Hoffman is the star. There are so many great young actors in this movie. I’m excited for all the talent that’s going to emerge. It’s a really, really, really dark story, and it’ll probably be perfect for when it comes out. My husband just read the book, and every night in bed, he’d be just turning a page going like, “Oh my God, oh my God.” [Laughs] I’m like, “I know. I was telling you every day when I was shooting.” He’s like, “Yeah, but it’s really dark!” Personally, it’s so nice sometimes to see movies cast with people I don’t already know because I can still lose myself in the story, you know? Not like I watched the movie, and I’m like, ‘Oh, I need to call her.’ [Laughs] I’m like, ‘I don’t know who they are, and they’re amazing.’ That’s kind of how I felt when I was on set. These young guys are just incredible."
What Judy Greer’s Comments Mean For The Long Walk
The Actor’s Thoughts Set The Tone For King’s Dystopian Tale
Greer’s interview sheds light on the adaptation’s dedication to capturing the intense atmosphere and social commentary present inKing’s original work.The Long Walk, written as a reflection of the Vietnam War era, faces what it means to survive under a totalitarian government where the threat of death is constantly present. Greer’s emphasis on the film’s “timeless” quality and mix of technology with retro elements suggests thatLawrence’s adaptation may remain close to the novel’s tone, yet bring in modern elementsto resonate with social anxieties of today.
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Greer’s praise for the young cast implies that these emerging actors, such asJojo Rabbit’s Roman Griffin Davis, will be stand-out additions as well. The combination of Lawrence’s experience with dystopian young adult narratives and King’s signature horror elementspositionsThe Long Walkto be a standout in the King adaptation lineup. With a story that’s heavy on psychological horror and socio-political strain, the film’s adherence to the novel’s gritty tone may provide an experience unlike traditional horror films, reimagining the 1979 novel into a tense, provocative atmosphere for the 21st century.
Our Take On Judy Greer’s Comments
Greer’s Praise For The Cast Adds To The Long-time Anticipation
Greer’s enthusiasm forThe Long Walkgives reason for audiences to be excited, especially those who have long awaited an adaptation of King’s dystopian fiction, which has stayed in production hell for several decades. Her appreciation for the young cast and the timeless quality of the setting adds hope that the adaptation will bring something fresh yet true to the original book’s dark and difficult themes. King’s work isn’t easily digestible material, and Greer’s remarks about the intensity suggest that Lawrence’sThe Long Walkwon’t shy away from the novel’s brutal elements.
The Long Walk
Cast
Adapted from Stephen King’s first novel, The Long Walk follows 100 teenage boys forced into a walking contest at four miles per hour or face lethal consequences.
