Stephen King has shared his thoughts on retirement as his latest adaptation, The Long Walk, is about to premiere.
This celebrated author has authored over 60 books and has been the mastermind behind numerous iconic horror films over the past five decades.
Recently, he has alluded to when he might ‘quit’ the industry, and fans are hoping that this moment is far off.
His very first novel, which he wrote under the pseudonym Richard Bachman during his college years, is now making its way to the big screen.
The novel was completed eight years prior to the release of King’s first published work, Carrie, in 1974.
The Long Walk is set to be released on September 12, with direction by Francis Lawrence, known for his work on The Hunger Games and I Am Legend.
The film stars Mark Hamill, Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, and Garrett Wareing.
The Long Walk takes place in a dystopian United States controlled by a totalitarian government.
Each year, 100 teenage boys are chosen to take part in a grueling competition where they must maintain a pace of at least three miles per hour for as long as possible.
After receiving three warnings, they are ‘ticketed,’ resulting in immediate execution by armed soldiers.
The brutal contest continues until only one boy remains standing. The victor is awarded ‘The Prize,’ which grants him anything he desires for the rest of his life.
Initially, The Long Walk received a perfect 100 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes from critic previews, similar to Zach Cregger’s recent horror film Weapons. However, the score has since adjusted to an impressive 94 percent based on 54 reviews as of now.
Before the film’s release on September 12, King participated in a Reddit Ask Me Anything session.
Posting on r/Movies via the Lionsgate account, he introduced himself: “I’m Stephen King. You might know me from Stand By Me, It, or Shawshank Redemption, but my latest project is actually the first book I ever wrote.
“The Long Walk hits theaters on September 12. Ask me anything about the book or movie.”
Fans eagerly responded, but one posed a particularly intriguing question to the renowned writer.
“Hi Mr. King, been a big fan of your work for years now and love your presence on social media,” they began.
“I have to ask, how have you managed to keep your imagination and creativity for so long? As I get older myself, I find my mind becoming less and less creative.”
At 77, King replied with a playful pun.
“It’s been a long walk (sorry, had to say it),” he started, offering his insight.
“I think the more you work, the more your mind responds. Of course, it eventually wears out, just like the body.
“I’ve been very fortunate that my creative juice has lasted this long.”
He also touched upon the possibility of retiring one day, stating: “I hope I have sense enough to quit before the good stuff runs out. Let me repeat, I’ve been lucky as hell.”
Fans are optimistic that the ‘good stuff’ will continue for quite some time.
The Long Walk premieres in cinemas on September 12.