News Summary
JT Mollner, acclaimed for his film Strange Darling, is set to premiere his adaptation of Stephen King’s The Long Walk this weekend. With key alterations to the narrative, including a reduced contestant count, Mollner aims to enhance character development and emotional engagement, marking a significant step in his filmmaking career. Directed by Francis Lawrence, this adaptation seeks to breathe new life into a tale long deemed difficult to film, alongside future projects that showcase Mollner’s ambition in the horror genre.
Las Vegas – JT Mollner, a filmmaker from Las Vegas known for his acclaimed film “Strange Darling,” is set to make his mark on the world of adaptations with his take on Stephen King’s novel The Long Walk, which premieres in theaters this weekend. This adaptation is significant as it seeks to bring to life a story that has long been considered unfilmable by many filmmakers.
The Long Walk follows a harrowing narrative centered around 100 teenage boys who enter a deadly walking contest where the last one standing is the winner. Originally completed by King in 1967, the novel remained unpublished until 1979, following the success of King’s earlier work, Carrie. The unique premise of the book, which lacks thorough explanations for the contest and its motivations, has led to numerous adaptation attempts by notable directors like George Romero and Frank Darabont that ultimately did not progress.
Mollner’s adaptation makes essential changes to the original story, including reducing the number of contestants from 100 to 50 to streamline the narrative. Mollner also lowered the required walking speed from 4 mph to 3 mph, a decision made with Stephen King’s involvement. These alterations aim to enhance the storytelling while retaining the essence of King’s terrifying vision.
Character development is a key focus in Mollner’s adaptation. The friendship between characters Ray Garraty, portrayed by Cooper Hoffman, and Peter McVries, played by David Jonsson, has been emphasized as an integral part of the film, designed to deepen the emotional engagement of the audience with the story.
The film is being brought to life under the direction of Francis Lawrence, known for his work on The Hunger Games series, who has collaborated with Mollner on this adaptation. Following the release of The Long Walk, Mollner is also set to direct The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon, another King adaptation about a young girl lost in the woods during a family outing. This will showcase Mollner’s ambition and capability to tackle multifaceted narratives within the horror genre.
Mollner has experienced a resurgence in the film industry after taking an eight-year break from directing. His previous film, Strange Darling, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2016 and has received critical acclaim, including praise from Stephen King himself. This recognition is considered a significant professional milestone for Mollner.
In addition to his directorial pursuits, Mollner is a co-owner and creative director of Freakling Bros. Horror Shows, a popular haunted attraction in Las Vegas. Traditionally opening for the Halloween season, the attraction faced challenges last year due to location issues, but is set to reopen later this fall at a new venue. Mollner reflects on this venture nostalgically, emphasizing its significance beyond a business, likening it to a cherished childhood tradition.
Looking ahead, Mollner is also in development on a project titled Fail-Safe, a creature feature backed by J.J. Abrams, which stars Oscar-winning actress Brie Larson. These upcoming projects signal Mollner’s ambition as he continues to carve out a place for himself in the industry.
Mollner’s adaptation of The Long Walk, alongside his upcoming works, signals a new chapter for the filmmaker as he navigates a dynamic landscape in the world of cinema, particularly in adaptations of notable literary works.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Elderly Man Dies After Multi-Vehicle Crash in Las Vegas
Unity Electronic Dance Music Festival Set for Las Vegas
New Documentary ‘Unsung’ Highlights Historic Westside
Las Vegas Implements Lane Reductions for Construction
Debbie Gibson Releases Boxing-Themed Music Video Ahead of Birthday
Multiple Event Cancellations in Las Vegas Due to Weather
Las Vegas Faces Extreme Heat Warning with High Risks
Black Mountain Institute Celebrates 20 Years of Literature
Police Activity Causes I-15 Lane Closures in Las Vegas
Las Vegas Braces for Intense Heat and Possible Thunderstorms
Additional Resources
- Neon Review Journal
- Las Vegas Weekly
- Creative Screenwriting
- Fox 5 Vegas
- 8 News Now
- Wikipedia: Stephen King
- Google Search: JT Mollner
- Google Scholar: The Long Walk
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Freakling Bros
- Google News: Las Vegas movies
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
