The Long Walk, an intense, chilling, and emotionally charged thriller, is upon us. Based on Stephen King’s first-written novel, this highly anticipated adaptation challenges audiences to confront a haunting question: How far could you go? With a screenplay by JT Mollner and directed by Francis Lawrence, The Long Walk promises to be a non-stop journey that tests your limits and leaves you physically, mentally, and spiritually drained.
LISTEN NOW: 'The Long Walk' star Jordan Gonzalez
Jordan Gonzalez tested that theory as #No.49 Richard Harkness, a young man who wanted to document his experience alongside his companions. However, he soon realized that each of their stories abruptly ended. Jordan sat down with Romeo International Podcast on Audacy to share insights into his experience filming The Long Walk.
Romeo International - Where did you begin when you took on the role of #No. 49 Richard Harkness?
Jordan Gonzalez - You know, Lawrence and JT both wanted to follow in the footsteps of Stephen King. So, there was always this beautiful harmony of understanding that Stephen King is deeply involved in this process, and we’re going to do our utmost to honor the source material. Harkness’ role in the book is not as prominent as in the film. However, I began by rereading the book, having already read it. This allowed me to identify the key points that Stephen King had made about Harkness’ character and then build upon and expand upon those insights.
Romeo International - Your character was searching for a sense of purpose, a reason why his companions had chosen this arduous task. What do you think that purpose was?
Jordan Gonzalez - Each of them is living in a world where everyone is poor and facing hardships. Everyone is trying to build a better life. At 18, he’s trying to make a living without fully comprehending the gravity of his situation. This new world forces him to choose between two options: continue his current path of poverty or take a chance on a better life. However, staying in poverty and under the influence of a military major who contradicts his values limits his options. The new world order makes it challenging for young men to reject opportunities like this.
Romeo International - Do you think the film holds any relevance today?
Jordan Gonzalez - I think it's really relevant to what's going on in the world right now. Stephen King wrote this so many years ago you know? And like you said, the Bataan Death March happened so many years ago. We keep repeating the same cyclical things where we all are on this journey of walking forward together with the end goal being peace and the end goal being equality and acceptance, but at what point when is the scale going to shift where we get there? That my friend is 'The Long Walk.'
The Long Walk in theaters Friday September 12