Stephen King The Long Walk made its theatrical debut this past weekend, launching in fourth place on the U.S. box office chart with $11.5 million in ticket sales. The adaptation, directed by Francis Lawrence, entered theaters to strong critical praise and a high Rotten Tomatoes score, despite competition from high-profile releases like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle and The Conjuring: Last Rites.
Opening Weekend Performance and Box Office Competition
The Long Walk began its run in 2,845 theaters across the United States, securing the #4 position among a crowded lineup. Its first weekend gross places it ahead of other 2024 releases such as Wolf Man, which opened with $10.8 million, and M3GAN 2.0, which netted $10.2 million. However, the film trailed behind some higher earners including I Know What You Did Last Summer ($12.7 million), The Monkey ($14 million), 28 Years Later ($30 million), Weapons ($43.5 million), Sinners ($48 million), Final Destination Bloodlines ($51.6 million), and the chart-topping The Conjuring: Last Rites, which grossed $84 million on debut.
Production Budget and Financial Outlook
With a reported production budget around $20 million, The Long Walk will need to sustain steady audience interest in the coming weeks to cover costs and yield a profit for Lionsgate. The studio had hoped to outperform The Monkey, another recent King adaptation that debuted to $14 million, but The Long Walk’s initial earnings fell short of that benchmark. Its box office fate will depend on word of mouth and ongoing viewer turnout.
Storyline, Cast, and Creative Team
The Long Walk centers on Raymond Garraty, a 16-year-old who enters a brutal annual contest where one hundred teens are forced to walk continuously under unforgiving rules until only a single participant survives. The film adapts Stephen King’s story with Francis Lawrence, noted for I Am Legend, as director. JT Mollner, known for Strange Darling, wrote the screenplay, and a dedicated cast brings the intense narrative to life.
Critical Reception and Audience Response
The movie arrived with a 90% Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes, gaining recognition from critics as an exceptional King adaptation. Lionsgate and fans hoped the strong critical response would translate to box office momentum.
“Despite an unwavering eye on the dour and ruthless death march and all its grotesqueries, it’s the pervading camaraderie and heart, as well as a tremendous cast, that solidifies this as one of the best King adaptations yet.”
– Meagan Navarro, Bloody Disgusting
Looking Ahead
The Long Walk’s initial performance suggests a competitive market for book-to-film adaptations, particularly as multiple Stephen King stories arrive in theaters. The movie’s staying power in coming weeks will determine its ultimate financial result, and industry observers will be watching to see if it can match or surpass similar titles. For now, Lionsgate and fans remain attentive to how this King classic continues its journey on the big screen.
