The Long Walk’s Brutal Twist Hits Harder Than Stephen King’s Original Ending

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Spoilers ahead for the plot and ending of The Long Walk.

In a straightforward and engaging manner: Few authors have better equipped us for our possible dystopian future than Stephen King. Across over 60 novels and numerous short stories, he has portrayed various scenarios such as a society-shaking pandemic in “The Stand” to a property magnate who leverages his outsider status to rise as a political demagogue in “The Dead Zone”. Under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, he wove tales of a United States plagued by economic decline and ruled by a totalitarian regime that entertains its citizens with televised violence. The upcoming 2025-set film adaptation of “The Running Man” is set to be released in November, while “The Long Walk” is finally making its way to theaters after decades in development limbo. Both movies seem perfectly timed for their release.

Stephen King’s “The Long Walk” is known for its tight plot structure and straightforward narrative style. The novel and a recent movie adaptation, directed by Francis Lawrence, focus on a group of young men who have signed up for a grueling march, known as the Long Walk, with no other options available to them. This test of endurance lasts for days, ending only when there is one survivor left. The promise of immense wealth and personal wishes fulfilled lures participants, but the Long Walk is a lethal competition: stopping or slowing down results in a warning, and the third violation earns a fatal gunshot to the head. “The Long Walk” does not shy away from depicting violence or the harsh realities that the participants face throughout their journey. A question about how nature calls during the march is answered in explicit detail. Similar to the book, the story also highlights the friendships forged among the Long Walkers, particularly between Ray Garraty (Cooper Hoffman) and Pete McVries (David Jonsson). Despite their individual survival depending on the other’s failure, they build a strong bond that helps them survive longer.>

In adapting Stephen King’s 1979 novel for the screen, screenwriter JT Mollner stays faithful to the original story, but releasing the film today brings fresh relevance to its themes. When King wrote the novel during the late ’60s, it was a reflection of the Vietnam War and can be seen as a subtle metaphor. With time, this association fades from the movie. Instead, hints at a second Civil War reflect our current circumstances, marked by deep ideological differences, escalating political violence, and growing calls for vengeance. The economic insecurity that inspired “The Long Walk” is more pertinent than ever, with lines like “Wealthy people doing good is a myth” carrying extra weight. Additionally, the character of the Major (played by Mark Hamill), an autocratic leader controlling the Long Walk and possibly the country as a whole, takes on added significance. Although Lawrence claims in production notes that they avoided getting into specifics about the government to focus solely on the young characters’ emotional journey, it is clear that he understands how totalitarian fiction resonates in 2025.

In the film “The Long Walk,” the Major plays a more significant part, forging a stronger, guiding relationship with Ray that inspires his involvement in the annual event. In Stephen King’s novel, Ray’s father is arrested by a hidden government agency due to his political speeches criticizing the Long Walk. In this movie adaptation, Mr. Garraty (Josh Hamilton) is executed by the Major after he refuses to swear allegiance, an act that Ray and his mother (Judy Greer) witness. This tragedy fuels Ray’s actions more with a desire for revenge rather than the financial reward of survival. If he triumphs, he intends to request a gun, which he’ll use to publicly assassinate the Major during the finale. This portrayal of the character caters to Hollywood’s preference for stories about retribution, but it also helps differentiate Ray from Pete.

In a contrasting approach, King’s portrayal of Pete emphasizes the senselessness of the Long Walk, with him expressing despair as he acknowledges the futility of it all, stating “the whole thing is pointless.” On the other hand, the movie version of Pete presents a contrast to Ray’s bloodthirsty nature. He tells Ray that revenge isn’t enough, suggesting instead that the Long Walk should have two winners. This selfless wish reflects Pete’s challenging upbringing and his near-death experience. While recuperating in the hospital, he decided to always find hope amidst darkness, a philosophy that shapes his unusual perspective on the Long Walk. In a moment of advice, Pete suggests to Ray, “If you make it, I suggest you choose love.” These peace-oriented sentiments seem jarring when considering the brutal reality of boys being viciously hurt or killed during the Long Walk, yet this serves the film’s purpose by setting the stage for an unexpected twist in the climax.

Following Stebbins’ (Garrett Wareing) demise, who was the Major’s illegitimate son, only Ray and Pete remain as Long Walkers in the narrative. In the book, Pete decides to halt his journey and meets his end, leaving Ray victorious. Traumatized by his ordeal, Ray persists on walking, guided by a spectral figure that he alone can perceive. In contrast, in the film, it’s Ray who stops and expresses his love to Pete before being fatally shot. This unexpected turn of events leaves readers taken aback, especially considering what follows. Upon being granted a wish, Pete alters his initial plan and requests a carbine. “This is for Ray,” he declares, then shoots the Major and departs into the night. Ultimately, it’s Ray who chooses love, relinquishing his relentless pursuit of justice to ensure Pete’s survival. However, in an ironic twist, it’s Pete, offered his heart’s desire, who opts for revenge.

Initially, the bold finale of “The Long Walk” might appear to contradict the core themes it has been developing – primarily, preserving one’s humanity under challenging conditions. However, the film eventually offers a more complex perspective. The bond shared among the boys is undeniably the essence of the story – this emotional tie, in part, fuels their relentless struggle. Yet, concluding with a scene of grace and forgiveness would seem insincere, especially given our present context.

Unfortunately, the release of the film coincides with the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and a contentious discussion on the nature and ethics of political violence. This is problematic because “The Long Walk” is not inclined or prepared to engage in such a debate. However, its conclusion does encapsulate something grim yet authentic about our current state. The moral implication here is a somber reminder that love, though vital, may not be sufficient to free us from a system intentionally designed to create monsters out of us all.

In simpler terms, the closing scenes of the movie pack a powerful punch that resonates with viewers regardless of their political views, as they depict a growing frustration and inability to maintain dignity in the face of suffering and oppression. Instead of portraying an ending that reinforces Pete’s philosophy of unity and forgiveness, the film presents a harsh reality where such principles may not always bring desired results. While seeking compassion in difficult situations is commendable, the movie suggests that there often isn’t much light to be found in the darkness. In the novel, Pete says everyone loses in the “Long Walk,” and even the apparent victor never stops moving. Pete’s final decision might seem like a betrayal of his ideals, but it could also be the last resort for him, as there seems to be no true victory for any participant in the “Long Walk.” In this sense, he ensures that the Major, too, does not win.

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2025-09-12 02:55