Hideo Kojima Picks 2025’s Most Overlooked Stephen King Film

Hideo Kojima, the creative mind behind some of gaming’s most memorable titles, has never been shy about sharing his thoughts on the world of film. This time, he’s turned his attention to a recent adaptation of a Stephen King novel, singling it out as a standout from 2025 that, in his view, didn’t get the recognition it deserved.

What Kojima Thought of The Long Walk

During a recent flight, Kojima watched The Long Walk and was quick to share his reaction online. He described the film as clever and philosophical, praising director Francis Lawrence for crafting a story about mateship, growing up, and challenging authority. Kojima had expected something along the lines of The Running Man—another King adaptation with a satirical take on media—but found himself 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 went on to note that, while he’d anticipated a sci-fi reality show vibe, the film instead focused on young people and their journey, setting it apart from other King-inspired works.

Stephen King’s Take on the Adaptation

Even the author himself, who’s often had a rocky relationship with Hollywood’s takes on his stories, gave the film his tick of approval. The Long Walk is based on King’s novel, where the premise is simple but brutal: keep walking, or face the consequences. The last person left standing is the only one to survive.

The original book ends on a bleak note, with the winner so lost in the ordeal that he keeps walking, never realising he’s won. The film, however, shifts gears, highlighting themes of connection and sacrifice. Director Francis Lawrence revealed that King was happy with the new ending, saying:

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 not every day King is pleased with changes to his stories, especially when it comes to the final act.

Why The Long Walk Flew Under the Radar

Despite its strong pedigree, The Long Walk didn’t quite break into the mainstream. With a $20 million budget, it pulled in $62 million worldwide—hardly a flop, but not a runaway hit either. The film’s dark subject matter and relentless tension, especially the violence involving teenagers, proved a bit much for some punters.

Francis Lawrence’s direction kept the camera moving with the characters, never letting up, which made for a pretty intense viewing experience. This unflinching style, while true to the story, may have put off viewers looking for something lighter.

Still, many reckon it should have been counted among the year’s best, even if it didn’t quite get there in the end.

Key Details and Cast

The Long Walk was helmed by Francis Lawrence and featured performances from David Jonsson, Cooper Hoffman, and Mark Hamill. Released on 12 September 2025, the film scored a 6.8/10 on IMDb and an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Produced by Vertigo Entertainment, it’s available for streaming on Apple TV.

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