Hideo Kojima Champions Overlooked Stephen King Film of 2025

Renowned game creator Hideo Kojima, celebrated for his work on titles such as Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, has never shied away from voicing his opinions on the world of cinema. Recently, he turned his attention to a 2025 adaptation of a Stephen King novel, expressing admiration for a film he feels was unjustly overlooked.

The Long Walk: Kojima’s Unexpected Favourite

During a recent flight, Kojima watched The Long Walk, directed by Francis Lawrence, and was quick to share his thoughts online. He described the film as a clever, philosophical piece, exploring themes of friendship, personal growth, and youthful rebellion. In his own words:

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 had anticipated something akin to The Running Man—a previous King adaptation with a satirical take on media—The Long Walk took a markedly different approach, focusing on the journey of young people and the challenges they face.

Stephen King’s Surprising Approval

Stephen King, whose works have often been met with mixed results on the big screen, was reportedly pleased with Lawrence’s interpretation, even though the film’s ending diverged from the original novel. The story itself is stark: participants must keep walking or face fatal consequences, with only one survivor in the end. The road serves as a metaphor for life’s hardships and the persistence required to endure them.

While King’s novel concludes on a bleak note, the film adaptation opts for a more hopeful message, highlighting human connection and sacrifice. Director Francis Lawrence revealed:

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 is rare for King to endorse changes to his stories, particularly when it comes to altered endings, making this approval all the more notable.

Box Office and Critical Response

The Long Walk did not flop, but nor did it become a runaway success. With a production budget of $20 million, the film managed to gross $62 million worldwide—certainly a respectable return, though it failed to capture widespread attention. Critics and audiences alike noted the film’s unflinching portrayal of violence and its emotionally taxing narrative, which may have limited its mainstream appeal.

Francis Lawrence’s direction ensured a relentless pace, with the camera closely following the young cast, creating a sense of unease that mirrored the characters’ ordeal. This intensity, while effective, may have contributed to the film’s status as an underrated gem rather than a box office sensation.

Key Details and Audience Reaction

The Long Walk featured performances from David Jonsson, Cooper Hoffman, and Mark Hamill, and was released on 12 September 2025. It earned a 6.8/10 rating on IMDb and an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Produced by Vertigo Entertainment, the film is available to stream on Apple TV.

Despite its moderate commercial performance, many—including Kojima—believe The Long Walk deserved a place among the year’s top films. The film’s challenging themes and distinctive style have sparked discussion, with some viewers praising its boldness and others finding it a difficult watch.