URGENT UPDATE: Renowned author Stephen King has unleashed a scathing critique of superhero films, calling their portrayal of violence “almost pornographic.” In a revealing interview with The Times U.K., King expressed deep concerns over the unrealistic depiction of violence in popular franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and DC Studios.
King’s comments come as the film adaptation of his dystopian horror novel, The Long Walk, gears up for its release on September 12, 2024. He insists that his adaptation must showcase the brutal realities of violence, contrasting sharply with the sanitized versions often seen in superhero films. “If you look at these superhero movies, you’ll see … some supervillain who’s destroying whole city blocks but you never see any blood,” King stated. “And man, that’s wrong. It’s almost, like, pornographic.”
This critique highlights a growing debate in the film industry: how to balance thrilling action with authentic consequences. King maintains that if filmmakers are hesitant to depict violence realistically, they should reconsider their approach. “I said, if you’re not going to show it, don’t bother. And so they made a pretty brutal movie,” he added, underscoring his commitment to a more genuine representation of violence in his work.
Directed by Francis Lawrence and written by JT Mollner, The Long Walk follows a harrowing contest where teenage boys must maintain a specific walking speed or face deadly consequences. This intense narrative showcases violence in a raw, unfiltered manner, aiming to provoke thought and discussion among viewers.
While many superhero films shy away from graphic violence to cater to family audiences, the genre is not devoid of R-rated entries. Films like Kraven the Hunter, Deadpool, and 2021’s The Suicide Squad have embraced bloodshed, indicating a potential shift in audience tolerance for more explicit content.
As The Long Walk prepares for its debut, King’s criticisms of superhero violence resonate more than ever. His perspective invites audiences to reconsider their expectations of violence in cinema and the implications it holds for storytelling.
With the film industry’s direction being scrutinized, all eyes will be on the reaction to The Long Walk when it hits theaters next month. Will it redefine how violence is portrayed in film? Or will superhero movies continue to dominate the box office with their bloodless battles? Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
