Dozens ofStephen Kingnovels and short stories have been adapted for the screen over the years, but the one that seems to defy adaptation is 1979’sThe Long Walk. That looks to finally change this year, asI Am Legend’sFrancis Lawrencehas directed a film version of the dystopian thriller, which is now in post-production. Collider’sMaggie Lovittrecently spoke with Lawrence in support of the upcoming4K UHD releaseof his belovedKeanu Reeves-led filmConstantine.
The Long Walkdoesn’t have a release date yet, but it sounds like it won’t be long before the long-awaited film makes it to the big screen. When asked about how far along he is with the current cut, Lawrence revealed, “We’re almost done. Actually, that’s why I’m going to London, to do the score for it. So the cut is for the most part locked. I’m really happy with it. I think it’s really unique.” Lawrence went on to discuss the circumstances surrounding the film, and how he finally managed to do what numerous other filmmakers could not:
“It’s one of — if not my favorite — Stephen King novels. It was something that actually crossed my desk years ago, not long after I finished Constantine. It was when I was doing I Am Legend, and I wanted to do it, but Frank Darabont actually scooped up the rights. People have tried to make it over the years, and never could. We just kind of cracked it; I worked with JT Mollner, who did Strange Darling. He wrote a great draft, and it came together really quickly. I had this window, and we hit the right season to shoot it, and we put together an amazing cast. The cast is so good and the performances are great. I’m super happy with it.”
What Is The Long Walk About?
There have beenmany failed attemptsto adaptThe Long Walkover the years. Horror legend (and frequent King collaborator)George Romerowas attached to the project in the 1980s, while Darabont acquired the rights, as mentioned above, in the late 2000s. After Darabont’s rights lapsed,André Øvredal(Last Voyage of the Demeter) was set to direct before Lawrence took over the film.
The Long Walkis in post-production;no release date has yet been announced.Constantinearrives on 4K UHD on February 18. Stay tuned to Collider for future updates.
The Long Walk
