What Makes Stephen King’s 'The Long Walk' Timeless? Actor David Jonsson Has the Answer
He breaks down why The Long Walk still resonates today worldwide.
I’ve been following David Jonsson since his breakout in Alien: Romulus, and now seeing him take the lead in The Long Walk has me beyond excited. This Stephen King adaptation is shaping up to be intense, thought-provoking, and completely relevant to today’s world.
The story isn’t just a dystopian contest; it’s a reflection on power, society, and the human spirit. From the very first scenes, you can tell this adaptation will stay true to the book’s themes of hope, friendship, and resistance, while Jonsson’s performance promises to make it unforgettable.
"It Feels Really, Really Timely" — Jonsson on The Long Walk’s Relevance
In an interview with Empire Magazine, David Jonsson emphasized the timelessness of Stephen King’s story:
"I knew while I was doing it that this was something that would feel relevant, and draw some form of parallel to the world that we’re living in. I knew that was there, but I had no idea how relevant it was going to be.
It feels really, really timely. It’s a people piece, man. I think that Stephen King knew that this would always be about the people [versus the state], and as long as we have a state, this story will always be relevant."
Jonsson’s insight highlights why The Long Walk works not just as a prison drama or dystopian thriller, but as a story about the human condition — the struggle between individuals and authority, friendship forged under pressure, and the hope that drives people forward.
What to Expect From The Long Walk Movie
Directed by Francis Lawrence, The Long Walk is set to premiere on September 12, 2025. Jonsson stars alongside Cooper Hoffman, with Charlie Plummer, Garrett Wareing, and Judy Greer rounding out the cast.
The film follows a group of young men in a brutal walking contest, where only one can survive. This Stephen King adaptation promises edge-of-your-seat suspense, emotional depth, and moments of humanity that will resonate long after the credits roll.
Why The Long Walk Remains Relevant Today
Even though the book was published during the Vietnam War era, its themes of societal pressure, authoritarian control, and human endurance remain timeless.
Jonsson’s words capture this perfectly: "It feels really, really timely." Whether you’re a longtime Stephen King fan or discovering the story for the first time, this adaptation proves that stories about people resisting oppressive systems never go out of style.
