How far would you go if stopping meant death?
That’s the chilling premise behind The Long Walk, Lionsgate’s upcoming thriller based on Stephen King’s first-written novel (penned under his Richard Bachman pseudonym). And now, following its Hall H takeover at San Diego Comic-Con, we’ve got a gripping new trailer, a breakdown of key characters, and even a peek at the first 22 minutes of the film.
Set in a dystopian America ruled by a totalitarian regime, The Long Walk centers on a brutal annual competition where 100 teenage boys must walk nonstop at a minimum of three miles per hour. If they drop below that pace—there are no second chances. Only one survivor wins. The rest? Eliminated.
An Emotional and Brutal Ride Ahead
The new trailer, revealed during the film’s Comic-Con panel, ramps up the emotional stakes and intensity. It introduces Ray Garraty (played by Cooper Hoffman), who joins the walk seeking change, and Peter McVries (David Jonsson), who believes he has nothing left to live for. They’re joined by a powerful ensemble including Garrett Wareing, Tut Nyuot, Ben Wang, Charlie Plummer, Roman Griffin Davis, Jordan Gonzalez, Joshua Odjick, and Judy Greer—with Mark Hamill delivering a chilling performance as The Major, the competition’s ruthless overseer.
With direction by The Hunger Games alum Francis Lawrence, The Long Walk draws clear parallels to that franchise’s signature mix of physical challenge, psychological unraveling, and dystopian spectacle.
But while the concept sounds simple, what unfolds is a deep exploration of human connection, survival, and despair. As JT Mollner, the film’s screenwriter, told fans during the panel, “We kept the teeth.” And based on the trailer and reactions to the film’s intense opening footage, that promise holds.
Comic-Con Crowd Gets a First Taste
The Hall H panel wasn’t just about hype—it gave fans a full look at the film’s character posters and the first 22 minutes of the movie (though the first on-screen death was blacked out for viewers). The cast reflected on the physically demanding shoot and the emotional intensity of their characters’ arcs. Mark Hamill, long revered by SDCC audiences, earned one of the loudest receptions of the event. He shared that his inspiration for The Major came from witnessing harsh military authority firsthand while growing up on a base in Japan.
Meet the Walkers
Each character brings something different to the harrowing journey:
- Ray Garraty (#47): A reluctant participant with a strong moral compass and something to fight for.
- Peter McVries (#23): Confident, loyal, and emotionally layered—he becomes the heart of the group.
- Stebbins (#38): The athletic standout with an analytical mind and a mysterious calm.
- Arthur Baker (#6): Driven by faith and the dream of leaving Earth behind—literally.
- Gary Barkovitch (#5): The provocateur, documenting the walk and pushing everyone’s buttons.
- Hank Olson (#46): The comic relief with real knowledge of the game’s dark history.
- Curly (#7): The youngest and most vulnerable of the walkers.
- Harkness (#49): The aspiring journalist capturing the story as it unfolds—if he survives.
- Collie Parker (#48): Gruff on the outside, homesick on the inside, and constantly clashing with Barkovitch.
- The Major (Hamill): A symbol of state violence and blind patriotism, his presence looms over every step.
Lionsgate’s Gamble with a Grim Story
Adaptations of King’s work often walk a fine line between horror and humanity. Here, Francis Lawrence and JT Mollner embrace both. The story is unrelenting, yes—but also human. Relationships develop, alliances form, and the inevitability of death looms large over even the quietest moments.
The cast, many of whom are rising stars in their own right, emphasize the importance of the film’s core relationships. “They say you shouldn’t make friends on the long walk,” Jonsson’s character says early on. “But I sort of like you three.”
Final Countdown Begins
The Long Walk opens in theaters September 12, 2025. With its high-stakes concept, emotional core, and bold performances—this is one adaptation we’re watching closely.
Check out the new trailer, and scroll through the character posters to meet the boys before they’re forced to walk for their lives.
