The 'Licorice Pizza' actor and the 'Industry' star are vying for the lead roles in Francis Lawrence's big-screen adaptation of King's dystopian novel, which is being developed at Lionsgate.
- June 11, 2024
AceShowbiz - Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson are in negotiations to headline Francis Lawrence's cinematic adaptation of Stephen King's "The Long Walk" for Lionsgate. JT Mollner, who wrote the script for "Strange Darling", will pen the screenplay, while Vertigo's Roy Lee will produce.
"The Long Walk", originally published under King's pseudonym Richard Bachman, depicts a grim future where 100 teenage boys participate in an annual event known as "The Long Walk". The rules are simple: maintain a speed of over 4 miles per hour or face execution. The last boy standing wins their heart's desire for the rest of their life.
Despite the brutal circumstances, the boys form deep friendships while navigating the psychological toll of seeing their peers eliminated. The novel echoes King's other coming-of-age stories, exploring themes of endurance and despair.
The film adaptation has a complex history. Initially set up at New Line with Andre Ovredal directing, the rights lapsed in 2022. New Line's previous adaptation of King's "Salem's Lot" was a notable misstep, raising questions about the studio's handling of King's work.
Lawrence, who recently reteamed with Lionsgate on "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping", is now taking on the challenge of adapting "The Long Walk". Deadline first reported the news, which initially broke on The InSneider.
