The Long Walk: Full list of cast and characters explored

Based on Stephen King's dystopian horror novel of the same title, The Long Walk is co-produced and directed by Francis Lawrence. The film, releasing on September 12, 2025, features an ensemble cast, including Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Mark Hamill, and Judy Greer, among others.

In a dystopian American future, a tyrannical government hosts an annual "Long Walk" competition. The main character, Ray Garraty, is one of 100 teenage males who participate and are required to walk constantly at a minimum speed of four miles per hour.

After three warnings, a "ticket," which is a metaphor for execution by armed soldiers, is issued for slowing down. The physical and mental stress increase as the competitors are killed. Although Garraty briefly connects with other walkers, he eventually has to trek by himself. The cost of success is unimaginably high; nevertheless, the last boy standing receives a big prize.

The main cast of The Long Walk

1) Cooper Hoffman as Ray Garraty

Cooper Hoffman at “The Long Walk” Special Screening At American Cinematheque's Beyond Fest (Image via Getty)

Cooper Hoffman portrays the teenage protagonist Ray Garraty, who, along with 99 other boys, enters a brutal walking contest. Garraty forms a brotherly bond with a fellow walker, Peter McVries. The two characters share stories and build trust, offering a sense of humanity and morale in a bleak and deadly environment in The Long Walk.

Cooper Hoffman's breakthrough performance was in the 2021 Paul Thomas Anderson film Licorice Pizza, as Gary Valentine. The American actor earned critical acclaim and was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actor. He also featured in the 2024 movie Saturday Night and debuted on stage in the 2025 Off-Broadway production of Curse of the Starving Class.

2) David Jonsson as Peter McVries

David Jonsson at the“The Long Walk” Special Screening At American Cinematheque's Beyond Fest (Image via Getty)

David Jonsson portrays Peter McVries in The Long Walk. McVries is a young man with a complicated past who, despite his circumstances, maintains an optimistic outlook. His conversations and friendship with Garraty serve as a vital break from the competition's relentless brutality. Their bond is a significant highlight in the narrative.

The British actor's breakthrough role was as Gus Sackey in the BBC/HBO series Industry. He further earned fame for his lead role as Dom in the 2023 romantic comedy film, Rye Lane, which earned him a British Independent Film Award nomination. In 2024, his performance as the synthetic human Andy in Alien: Romulus earned him the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2025.

3) Mark Hamill as The Major

Mark Hamill at “The Long Walk” Special Screening At American Cinematheque's Beyond Fest (Image via Getty)

Mark Hamill portrays The Major, the overseer of the annual Long Walk. The Major is the heartless dictator who decides the Walkers' fate and serves as the public face of the authoritarian government. Wearing his sunglasses, The Long Walk character maintains an intimidating appearance and leads an undercover police regiment called the "Squads" to enforce the strict regulations.

Mark Hamill's breakthrough role was that of Luke Skywalker in the 1977 film Star Wars. Beyond this iconic role, he is widely celebrated for his extensive voice acting career, most notably as the Joker in various Batman animated series and video games, a role he has played since the 1990s.