Frank Darabont is arguably the only filmmaker out there who has successfully adapted Stephen King for the big screen. Yes, Brian DePalma did a fantastic job with CARRIE, but no one has hit the nail on the head more times than Darabont. Least to say that we all couldn’t be happier he’s behind the upcoming THE MIST, as it’s a novella that deserves the pimped out treatment.
Darabont recently sat down with the King Fan Site Lilja’s Library to discuss all things King, including Darabont’s first King adaptation with THE WOMAN IN THE ROOM, to THE MIST, and to a little story from Richard Bachman that Darabont just scored the rights to…. THE LONG WALK (!):
It is just a bunch of kids walking. And talking. And getting shot. That’s why I love it. It’s a very intense ensemble character piece, another one of those “people in a contained pressure-cooker situation” stories that Steve does so well and seems to specialize in.
This is some fantastic news, as THE LONG WALK is one awesomely f*cked up story- and definitely one of my favorite of The Bachman Books. Darabont goes onto say that The Long Walk is more of an art house film than what we’d consider a mainstream Hollywood movie. When I do make it, I’m sure the budget will be even lower than on THE MIST…a lot lower.
And you know, that’s ok. Why? Because he’s right… it’s about a bunch of kids walking and getting shot- who needs a big budget for that? Anyway, I hope we see THE LONG WALK sooner than later, as it would be a great follow-up to THE MIST.
To check out the entire interview (and you should, because it’s flippin’ awesome), go ahead and click HERE. If you read all the way through, you’ll even hit a few surprises, mainly dealing with one DARK TOWER… but you gotta read through to find out!
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