Director André Øvredal, will helm an adaptation of Stephen King’s novel The Long Walk for New Line, Deadline reports. Published in 1979 under King’s pseudonym, Richard Bachman, the story is set in a dystopian America of the future. One in which the country is ruled by a repressive authoritarian.
“The country holds an annual walking contest in which 100 teens must journey, non-stop and under strict rules, until only one of them is still standing alive and receiving a prize. The story told of a 16-year old walker named Raymond Garraty and the teens, some good, some bad, some mysterious, in his orbit.”
The Rules
You must maintain a speed above 4 miles per hour, receive three warnings in an hour, you’re shot dead. The last one walking gets whatever they want for the rest of their life. It’s under these harsh rules that the teens begin to become friends, even though they know all but one will die.
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Since its publication, King’s story has become a sort of hallmark of dystopian futures. You can see its roots in recent stories such as The Hunger Games, and The Maze Runner franchises. Like many King stories, this coming-of-age tale focuses on the humanity, hardship and despair of those fighting to stay alive.
James Vanderbilt wrote the screenplay and is producing with Bradley Fischer and William Sherak.
Øvredal is a long time director and made waves with his mystery thriller The Autopsy of Jane Doe. His latest project, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, opens in theaters on August 9th. The Long Walk marks the third recent King adaptations for New Line. Salem’s Lot and It: Chapter Two are also currently in the works at New Line. It: Chapter Two will float into theaters September 6th.
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