In a bold and unconventional marketing move, Lionsgate has announced that the special screening of their upcoming horror adaptation of Stephen King’s *The Long Walk* will require audience members to walk on treadmills at a minimum speed of 3 miles per hour.
Anyone who slows down or stops will be escorted out of the theater, even if the film is still playing. This immersive gimmick mirrors the brutal premise of the story, thrusting viewers into the grueling experience of the characters onscreen.
Based on Stephen King’s 1979 novel (written under his Richard Bachman pseudonym), *The Long Walk* centers on a dystopian televised competition where 50 teenagers must walk continuously at a minimum speed of 3 miles per hour. The rules are merciless: stop or slow down, and you receive a warning. Three warnings, and you’re executed. The last survivor wins. The film, clocking in at 1 hour and 47 minutes, promises to be as psychologically intense as its source material, and Lionsgate’s marketing stunt ensures audiences will feel the physical toll as well.
The treadmill concept has sparked a frenzy on social media, with discussions overshadowing the film itself. “This is either genius or insane,” one user posted on X. “Imagine getting kicked out of a movie for not walking fast enough!” Others have praised Lionsgate for creating an experience that blurs the line between fiction and reality, while some have raised concerns about accessibility and whether the stunt excludes viewers who can’t keep up the pace. Practical questions are also circulating: Will attendees need to wear athletic gear? Are heels banned from the premiere? (Spoiler: They probably should be.)
Also read:
- MrBeast "Buys" the NFL: A Wild YouTube-NFL Crossover Campaign with 695 Million Subscribers
- Unexpected Good News for Creators: Trump’s “No Tax on Tips” Initiative to Include Digital Content Creators
- Trump-Linked Crypto Project World Liberty Financial Blacklists Justin Sun’s Wallet After $9M Token Transfer
Lionsgate’s audacious activation is a testament to the enduring power of Stephen King’s storytelling and the studio’s willingness to push boundaries to generate buzz. While the film’s plot delves into themes of endurance, conformity, and survival, the treadmill screening adds a layer of visceral engagement that’s rare in cinema. Social media reactions suggest the stunt has already succeeded in making *The Long Walk* a cultural talking point, even before its release.
Will this bold experiment pay off, or will it alienate audiences? One thing’s for sure: attendees of the special screening will need stamina—and comfortable shoes — to make it to the end credits.
