Hideo Kojima Reveals the 2025 Stephen King Film He Says Was Overlooked

Renowned video game visionary Hideo Kojima, celebrated for his work on Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, has never been shy about sharing his takes on Hollywood. This time, he’s turned his attention to a 2025 adaptation of a Stephen King novel, voicing his admiration for a film he believes should have received far more acclaim.

Hideo Kojima Praises The Long Walk

During a recent flight, Kojima watched Francis Lawrence’s take on The Long Walk and was quick to share his thoughts online. He described the film as a clever, philosophical exploration of friendship, growth, and youthful rebellion. Kojima admitted he expected something in the vein of The Running Man, another King adaptation, but was surprised by the film’s unique approach.

I watched The Long Walk on the plane. It was great. Director Francis Lawrence is clever. It’s a meta, philosophical film about friendship and growth and also a declaration of war against the adults.

He elaborated further, noting that while he anticipated a sci-fi reality show reminiscent of 1980s TV, the movie instead focused on young people and their journey, setting itself apart from other King adaptations.

Stephen King’s Surprising Approval

Stephen King, whose books have often been altered in their journey to the big screen, was notably pleased with Lawrence’s version—even though the film’s ending diverged from the original novel. The story, centered on a deadly contest where participants must keep walking or face fatal consequences, is a grim metaphor for life’s hardships and perseverance.

In King’s book, the conclusion is bleak: the last survivor continues walking, unaware of his victory, and simply vanishes. The film, however, shifts the focus to themes of human connection and sacrifice. Director Francis Lawrence revealed that King appreciated the new ending, feeling it stayed true to the spirit of the story.

Luckily, he [Stephen King] really liked the ending, I think, because we stayed true to its spirit. I think he was willing to go for it.

It’s rare for King to endorse changes to his work, making this adaptation stand out even more in Kojima’s eyes.

Box Office and Critical Response

Despite its creative strengths, The Long Walk didn’t become a runaway hit. With a $20 million budget, the film grossed $62 million worldwide—solid numbers, but not enough to push it into the mainstream spotlight. Critics praised its intensity and the relentless pacing, but some viewers found the film’s dark tone and depiction of violence against teens emotionally taxing.

Francis Lawrence’s direction kept the camera in constant motion, following the characters without pause, which heightened the sense of unease. While this approach added to the film’s impact, it may have limited its broader appeal.

Key Details and Where to Watch

The Long Walk features performances from David Jonsson, Cooper Hoffman, and Mark Hamill, and was released on September 12, 2025. The movie holds a 6.8/10 rating on IMDb and an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Produced by Vertigo Entertainment, it’s available to stream on Apple TV.

Did The Long Walk resonate with you? Share your thoughts below.