Fans anticipating the release of Stephen King’s latest movie, “The Long Walk,” are facing a challenging feat next month. This dystopian horror film is set to premiere on September 12 in the United States, with producers pulling out all the stops to ensure a grand launch.
The storyline revolves around a totalitarian regime in the US, where a group of young men participate in an annual walking competition. Contestants must maintain a minimum speed of three miles per hour or face the threat of execution until only one walker survives.
To build anticipation, producers have revealed plans for a unique screening experience. Attendees will be required to walk on a treadmill at a pace exceeding 3 mph throughout the movie’s duration, or risk being ejected from the theater.
Lionsgate, the production company, made the announcement by sharing a snapshot of the film and a treadmill, emphasizing the strict rule. They stated, “Lionsgate is hosting a screening for ‘THE LONG WALK’ where customers must walk on a treadmill faster than 3MPH for the whole movie. If you stop, you’ll be escorted out of the movie theatre.”
In response, one fan humorously commented on the consequences, suggesting a more severe outcome than just being removed from the theater. Another fan quipped about the relief of potential bathroom breaks after enduring the experience.
Directed by JT Mollner, the movie stars Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson but the UK release date is yet to be confirmed. Based on King’s 1979 novel of the same name, the story follows a harrowing tale of young boys competing for their ultimate desires under strict walking rules.
Early previews of the film have shown that it induces intense reactions, with viewers’ heart rates spiking to dangerous levels. A recent biometrics screening revealed that within the first 20 minutes, audience heart rates more than doubled, reaching over 200 beats per minute, akin to extreme physical exertion.
The film’s gripping nature has left audiences on the edge of their seats, with heart rates mirroring those of fighter pilots under significant gravitational force.