Stephen King's 'The Long Walk': Casting a Grim Marathon

Casting director Rich Delia navigated the intricate process of finding the right actors for the harrowing Stephen King adaptation, "The Long Walk." This film, centered on a deadly endurance contest, demanded an ensemble cast capable of portraying intense physical and emotional journeys.

Delia's challenge was amplified by the film's structure, where actors remained until their characters were eliminated. After considering hundreds, he secured David Jonsson for a pivotal role and notably cast Cooper Hoffman, whose personal experiences added a unique depth to his portrayal. The casting process involved meticulous effort, with Delia recasting the film three times.

Further notable casting includes Tut Nyuot in his feature debut, Charlie Plummer's nuanced performance, and Ben Wang’s portrayal of comic relief with tragic undertones. In a surprising turn, Mark Hamill was cast against his heroic type as the villainous Major, offering a compelling subversion of audience expectations.