One of Stephen King’s most brutal stories is finally coming to your living room. Based on the first novel King ever wrote (under his Richard Bachman pseudonym), The Long Walk is set to make its streaming debut on Starz this January!
If you’ve been waiting for a “prestige” King adaptation, this is it. It’s directed by Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend, The Hunger Games) and written by JT Mollner, the mastermind behind the recent indie hit Strange Darling.
The Ultimate Endurance Test
Set in a chilling near-future dystopia, the film follows 100 teenage boys forced into an annual televised competition known as “The Walk.” The rules are simple but terrifying:
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You must maintain a pace of at least four miles per hour.
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If you slow down, you get a warning.
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After three warnings… you’re “interfered with” (permanently).
There are no pit stops, no sleep, and no finish line. The winner is simply the last one standing. As the miles stack up, the contest turns into a psychological battleground of morality, friendship, and raw survival.
In my review, I described the film as: ” It is the kind of movie that leaves you emotionally raw. A bit mad, and deeply depressed. But ultimately, better off for having experienced its powerful, unflinching examination of human nature. This film is a punch in the gut, but totally worth the tears.”
An Absolute Powerhouse Cast
The film features a “who’s who” of rising stars and screen legends: Cooper Hoffman (Licorice Pizza) and David Jonsson (Alien: Romulus). Charlie Plummer, Ben Wang (Karate Kid: Legends), Roman Griffin Davis (Jojo Rabbit), and Joshua Odjick (IT: Welcome to Derry) co-star. Look for supporting roles from icons like Mark Hamill, Judy Greer, and Josh Hamilton.
How to Watch
Can’t wait for the Starz premiere? You’ve got plenty of options to catch this unflinching look at human nature right now:
- Starz: It premieres on Starz on January 10, 2026
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Digital: Available now on VOD platforms.
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Physical Media: You can grab it on Blu-ray, DVD, or 4K UHD (released December 23).
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Collectors: A special Steelbook edition dropped on Christmas Day.
The film is brilliant, dark, and a must-see! In fact, it made it on our Top 10 of 2025 list! Watch it now, just make sure you have tissues ready.
