The Long Walk, an upcoming dystopian horror film set to release on September 12, 2025, is based on the 1979 novel by Stephen King, written under his pseudonym Richard Bachman. Directed by Francis Lawrence and written by JT Mollner, the movie brings to life a brutal and emotionally intense story set in a totalitarian America. In this world, young men are forced to compete in a deadly walking contest where slowing down means death, and survival is the ultimate reward.
Starring Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Garrett Wareing, Joshua Odjick, Tut Nyuot, Charlie Plummer, Ben Wang, Roman Griffin Davis, Josh Hamilton, Judy Greer, and Mark Hamill, the film combines bleak imagery, emotional storytelling, and a chillingly realistic setting that plays a major role in its impact. One of the key highlights of the movie is its immersive use of real-world locations.
Where Was The Long Walk (2025) Filmed?
Principal photography for The Long Walk began in mid-July 2024 and wrapped by September 12. The entire shoot took place in the Canadian province of Manitoba, where filmmakers used the stark and vast landscapes to visually capture the film’s haunting premise.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
The majority of the movie was filmed in and around Winnipeg, the capital city of Manitoba. According to cast member David Jonsson, Winnipeg offered tremendous support during production. Speaking at San Diego Comic-Con, Jonsson said, “Shoutout to Winnipeg, they were so kind to us. We had this film that just took over all their streets because we just kept walking. They were very sweet to us.”
The flat roads and urban outskirts of Winnipeg were perfect for scenes where characters are seen walking endlessly with nowhere to hide. The production closed off certain streets and rural stretches to film long, uninterrupted shots—mirroring the real exhaustion and monotony the characters endure.
Birds Hill Provincial Park
Birds Hill Provincial Park, located just northeast of Winnipeg, provided one of the most scenic yet grim backdrops for the film. The vast walking trails and open fields fit perfectly into the movie’s portrayal of isolation and psychological endurance.
Much of the walking sequences were filmed here, where actors had to push through physically demanding conditions. Actor Garrett Wareing, who plays Stebbins, revealed he secretly tracked his steps during filming. “We were all walking eight to fifteen miles a day — 25,000 to 30,000 steps. The crew was walking right there with us,” he said.
Poplar Point and East of Poplar Point
Production also ventured east of Poplar Point, a rural area located roughly 80 km west of Winnipeg. The wide-open country roads here gave filmmakers the ability to shoot extended sequences that reflect the endless journey the characters must undertake.
The area’s lack of distractions—no traffic, no pedestrians—allowed for intense focus on performance and cinematography. It’s here where some of the more emotionally challenging scenes were shot, especially as characters began dropping out of the walk.
St. Lazare, Manitoba
St. Lazare, a small town near the Saskatchewan border, also hosted part of the shoot. This quiet and remote setting captured the eerie silence that pervades the movie. The town’s landscapes were used to amplify the dystopian feel of the story — sparse, militarized, and unforgiving.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of The Long Walk
Filming The Long Walk was no ordinary project. The cast and crew fully embraced the physical demands of the story. Director Francis Lawrence opted to shoot the film chronologically, an uncommon practice in filmmaking. According to Wareing, this made a major difference in how the actors developed their characters: “To be able to make a choice on day one that you carry through until day 30, it really helped with performance.”
Because of the chronological shooting schedule, the actors were able to grow their relationships and emotions in real time — reflecting the film’s story, where characters start off as strangers and form bonds as the journey continues.
The Daily Grind: Long Takes and Miles Walked
Unlike most films where scenes are stitched together in editing, many of The Long Walk’s sequences were shot in real time, with actors walking miles under different weather conditions.
Actor Tut Nyuot, who plays Arthur, opened up about the mental challenges of this kind of filming: “We’re actually walking — it’s something that I don’t think has ever been done like this. You have to stay in that mindset every single day.”
Every day brought a new route and location, often requiring road closures and coordination with local officials. Winnipeg and surrounding communities reportedly cooperated fully with the crew, allowing for uninterrupted, immersive filming.
Farewell Traditions and Set Culture
Despite the grim tone of the film, there was camaraderie on set. Wareing recalled how the assistant directors began a humorous tradition — each time a character died in the story, they’d receive a “Happy Death Day” button. Balloons and small celebrations followed, marking a bittersweet end to each character’s journey.
“Even though it was intense, we still found a way to make the experience personal and lighthearted when we could,” said Wareing.
Mark Hamill as The Major
One of the film’s most gripping performances comes from Mark Hamill, who plays The Major — the stern military commander overseeing the Walk. Hamill mentioned at Comic-Con that he drew inspiration from his childhood experience growing up near a military base in Japan.
He saw firsthand how harsh military leaders could be. “If you vomited, they forced you to eat it,” he recalled, explaining that he knew exactly how to approach the intimidating role.
Hamill’s commitment to authenticity was reflected in his choice to keep a distance from the younger cast. He even canceled a welcome dinner after hearing that Cooper Hoffman didn’t want to meet him — fearing it might soften their on-screen dynamic.
Long-Awaited Adaptation
Bringing The Long Walk to the screen has been decades in the making. Early plans for adaptation date back to 1988 when horror legend George A. Romero was linked to the project. Then in 2007, Frank Darabont secured the rights. The project passed through several hands until Lionsgate officially greenlit it with Francis Lawrence in the director’s chair in 2023.
Screenwriter JT Mollner stated the goal was always to stay true to King’s original vision — including the harshness, emotional weight, and relentless pacing. “We kept the teeth,” he said.
Official Trailer
For more exclusive coverage on filming locations, production updates, and behind-the-scenes insights, visit netfilming.com.
