Stephen King’s New Movie’s Budget Explained (Can It Be a Box Office Success?)

by

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to share that Stephen King’s film adaptations roster keeps expanding, and recently, “The Long Walk” joined the list. After captivating me with “The Monkey” and “The Life of Chuck” earlier this year, this chilling dystopian drama based on King’s first published novel promises another unforgettable journey.

Many thought that this work was impossible to adapt, but director Francis Lawrence and screenwriter JT Mollner proved them wrong by successfully bringing the story to life in a way that even Stephen King himself appreciates. “The Long Walk” has already received critical acclaim, and now, with its release in theaters, it aims to convert this positive reception into a successful box office run.

The Long Walk” is set to release soon, following other horror/thriller films like “Weapons” and “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” which have already created a buzz at cinemas. Despite releasing after these popular titles, it’s likely that “The Long Walk” will still make a profit. This is largely due to Lionsgate’s strategic move to keep production costs low.

What Is The Long Walk‘s Production Budget?

The budget for ‘The Long Walk’ was only $20 million, which is more than what was spent on another King adaptation, ‘The Monkey,’ but still a moderate amount considering the nature of this film. Interestingly, ‘The Long Walk’ was actually produced at a lower cost than ‘Weapons,’ which had an approximate budget of $38 million. Given its low production cost, ‘The Long Walk’ probably needs to earn around $40 million globally just to cover its expenses. This is based on the common rule that a movie’s break-even point is roughly double its budget. This rule doesn’t account for additional costs the studio has to bear for marketing and distribution.

Can The Long Walk Be A Box Office Success?

Preliminary predictions for the debut of “The Long Walk” movie suggest it will garner over $10 million in its first weekend domestically. This is slightly less than “The Monkey” made during its opening ($14 million). However, this could be considered a modest start, but it’s crucial to remember that these are merely forecasts. In the past, numerous films, including those categorized as superhero blockbusters and horror movies, have surpassed expectations and had stronger openings than anticipated in 2025.

It’s quite likely that the movie “The Long Walk” will maintain this trend of outstanding adaptations based on Stephen King’s work. The buzz surrounding its release has been exceptionally high, with several critics even hailing it as one of the finest King adaptations ever made. The film’s impressive Rotten Tomatoes score supports this claim, surpassing a long-standing record held by another Stephen King adaptation for almost half a century. This positive reception could prompt many to watch “The Long Walk,” much like the reviews boosted the viewership for “Weapons” and “Sinners” beyond initial projections.

One potential challenge for “The Long Walk” might be its timing of release. With horror movies like “Weapons” and the blockbuster “Conjuring: Last Rites” raking in huge profits, and the upcoming football-themed horror film “Him” set to hit theaters next week, there’s a plethora of thrillers for moviegoers to choose from. Given the abundance of options, some viewers might prefer a more widely appealing thriller over “The Long Walk,” which offers an engaging yet grim experience. If “The Long Walk” were the sole thriller on offer, its box office potential could be stronger. However, it finds itself competing for attention during a crowded period.

Despite the challenges, it’s worth noting that there’s a viable route for “The Long Walk” to achieve profitability. A global earnings of $40 million could be considered achievable for a thriller catering to an older audience like this one. For instance, “The Monkey” managed to earn $68.8 million worldwide, setting a precedent that suggests another Stephen King adaptation could also reach this level. If “The Long Walk” benefits from positive reviews, its lower production budget will undoubtedly contribute to it being recognized as a successful film at the box office.

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/stephen-king-favorite-movies-comments/embed/#

Read More

2025-09-14 02:10