'The Long Walk' Finale Explained: What Actually Happened to Peter & Raymond?

Stephen King's The Long Walk, finally released in theaters, has an ambiguous ending that leaves viewers wondering about Peter McVries' true fate.

Did everything depicted on screen actually happen? There are two versions of what happened to him after the marathon and the fatal shot.

What Happened in the Finale of 'The Long Walk'?

Raymond Garraty became a participant in the deadly marathon, The Long Walk, which was organized by the despotic Major.

The Major had killed Raymond's father for opposing the totalitarian regime he had established in the US. Raymond wanted to win so that he could get the gun and shoot the Major.

During the marathon, Raymond befriended Peter McVries, who saved him several times. In the end, Peter was prepared to sacrifice himself so that Raymond could take revenge on the Major. If Raymond wasn't arrested, he would return to his mother.

Unlike Raymond, Peter had no home to return to, and he had spent his entire adult life traveling alone. However, Raymond convinced his friend to continue on. Unbeknownst to Peter, Raymond stopped – and was killed.

Peter took revenge on the Major. He asked a soldier for a rifle – as a souvenir for his children – and publicly shot the Major.

Why Didn't Peter Stop When He Finished 'The Long Walk'?

Peter didn't rest after the marathon or the Major's murder – he continued walking. Stephen King's The Long Walk had a similar ending, except it was Raymond who survived.

After his victory, Raymond followed an unknown figure, which he believed to be one of his dead friends, but was most likely an illusion. Perhaps he was simply mad and couldn't comprehend that he had already won and that it was time to stop and rest.

Maybe Peter decided that he didn't need the company of people who were hungry for money and cruel spectacles. Peter wandered around the country for almost his entire life and simply continued on his way.

Did Peter Actually Survive?

After Major's murder, the scene shows that there are no people around Peter. Despite the nearby din of onlookers, all sounds in the scene were muted.

No one rushed to arrest Peter or shoot him for attacking the Major. There weren't even any frightened people running away from the crime scene. Some theorize that Peter was actually killed, and the events in the final scene illustrate his passing.

The movie doesn't provide a definitive answer to the question of Peter's fate. He could have survived, and the absence of people and sound effects could be for dramatic effect.

Furthermore, Peter and Ray aren't the only ones who wanted the Major dead. Perhaps the crowd and the soldiers were grateful to Peter for killing the despotic leader.