Stephen King Takes a Jab at Superhero Movies: “That’s Wrong”

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Stephen King‘s creative mind has spawned some timeless horror icons for movies, such as the terrifying clown Pennywise from “It” and the haunting Overlook Hotel from “The Shining.” For many years, his books have been a rich source of inspiration for Hollywood, resulting in an extensive collection of adaptations that have significantly shaped the horror genre for movie audiences. This longstanding connection with the film industry has given King a strong voice, one he isn’t shy about using. With the upcoming theater release of the movie adaptation of “The Long Walk,” one of his earliest and most unsettling novels, King positions a contrast between the uncompromising nature of his story and the tamed violence that is common in superhero films today.

In a conversation with The Times of London, King expressed his thoughts about superhero films. He pointed out that despite the frequent depiction of city-block destruction by villains, there is no portrayal of blood. He found this peculiar, even suggesting it resembled explicit content. Furthermore, he disclosed that for the movie ‘The Long Walk’, he requested teenagers to be shown getting shot on screen. If such graphic violence wasn’t going to be included, he believed it would be better not to make the film at all, and they ended up producing a quite brutal movie as a result.

The relentless emphasis on violence in “The Long Walk” is integral to its chilling plotline. At just 17 years old when he penned it, Stephen King published this work under the pen name Richard Bachman in 1979. The narrative unfolds in a bleak version of America where one hundred teenage boys participate in an eponymous yearly challenge. The rules are straightforward: each participant must walk at least three miles per hour. If any contestant falls below this speed for an extended period, they receive three warnings before being fatally shot. The lone survivor is granted whatever he wishes for the remainder of his life.

The Long Walk Is Being Praised as One of the Best Stephen King Movies

For quite some time, making a movie out of “The Long Walk” seemed unattainable, as skilled filmmakers such as George A. Romero and Frank Darabont tried to bring it to the big screen without success. However, the long-awaited film adaptation of “The Long Walk” is now in the hands of director Francis Lawrence, known for his work with dystopian stories involving teenagers competing violently, having directed several films within the “The Hunger Games” franchise. Early viewings are generating positive buzz from critics, who consider “The Long Walk” an exceptional adaptation of a Stephen King novel.

In the gritty drama The Long Walk, Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson deliver compelling performances that have drawn widespread acclaim. Many viewers believe their acting is award-worthy. The film’s achievement appears to be rooted in its unwavering dedication to an R rating, as it immerses audiences in the grueling emotional odyssey of its characters. This intense journey leaves a lasting impact on viewers, who often describe it as haunting and emotionally resonant. Critics agree that Lawrence has fashioned a survival story centered around character development, skillfully translating the heart-wrenching spirit of Stephen King’s original novel onto the screen. The creative team seems to have taken King’s creative vision to heart.

The Long Walk is scheduled to be released in theaters on September 12th.

Are you in agreement with Stephen King’s views on superhero films, and are you looking forward to ‘The Long Walk’? Feel free to share your thoughts below!

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2025-09-02 12:10