Stephen King complains about the type of violence in superhero films – and explains his desired brutality in “The Long Walk”
Stephen King is not only the most touched living author of film history, but also very direct. Most recently, in an interview about the extent of depictions of violence in superhero films. His conclusion: “This is almost pornographic”.
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Marvel films show destruction-but no blood
The representation of violence in films has long been controversial. Superhero films reach a wide audience and especially the Marvel films are popular with younger spectators: on the inside. Bestselling author Stephen King, according to “The Times”, is of the opinion that the representation of violence is unrealistic, aesthetically overhauled and mainly serves the visual shock. “If you look at these superhero films, you can see any super villains that destroy the whole districts, but you never see blood,” he explained in “The Times” interview. “And that’s wrong. It’s almost pornographic.”
That is why “The Long Walk – The Death March” must remain brutal
The new film adaptation by the thriller author “The Long Walk-The Death March” will be released in cinemas on September 11th. In the further course of the conversation with the New York newspaper “The Times”, King also spoke about the extent of brutality that will be shown in the work. He probably consisted of the screenwriter Jt Mollner (“Outlaws and Angels”) and the director Francis Lawrence (trilogy of “The Tribute of Panem”) explicitly that the young characters would have to be brutally killed in the film. Violence serves in King’s novel of the dramaturgical narrative structure and should not be missing in the new canvas adaptation. “I said: If you don’t want to show that, let it stay right away,” said the author.
What is Stephen King’s dystopian thriller about?
The story takes place in a totalitarian America in which a blatant competition takes place annually. Young people between the ages of 14 and 17 have to march at least four miles per hour (approx. 6.4 km/h) for an indefinite period – those who are slower are shot. The race ends if only one: e participant is: in left. The price: lifelong luxury.
The first reviews of the film adaptation are mostly positive. Critics awarded Rotten Tomatoes: 94 percent inside. On September 11, the thriller will be shown for everyone in the cinemas.
Four big Stephen-King films 2025 in the cinema
“The Long Walk-The Death March” is one of four large King films that can be seen in cinemas this year. “The Life of Chuck” with Tom Hiddleston and Chiwetel Ejiofor has already started, Osgood Perkins’ horror film “The Monkey” was already a hit in spring 2025, and Edgar Wrights Remake from “The Running Man” will be released on the German screens on November 7th.