Mark Hamill reveals his ‘Long Walk’ costars avoided meeting him on set – a story exclusive to PEOPLE. The legendary actor detailed how some of his fellow cast members, including David Jonsson, Garrett Wareing, and Tut Nyuot, bonded during the filming of their Stephen King thriller. Hamill shared his experience portraying a menacing character in the movie about a deadly walking competition.
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In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at San Diego Comic-Con 2025, Mark Hamill opened up about his role in ‘The Long Walk,’ based on Stephen King’s 1979 novel, scheduled to hit theaters on September 12. The film features a talented cast, including young actors like Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Judy Greer, and others, along with Hamill as ‘The Major,’ a formidable presence in the story.
Amidst the camaraderie displayed by the cast at Comic-Con, Hamill shared an incident from the filming days in Winnipeg, Canada. He revealed that Cooper Hoffman, who plays a key role in the movie, initially hesitated to meet him. Hoffman’s reluctance stemmed from his need to stay in character and maintain the tension required for their on-screen dynamics. Despite this initial standoffishness, Hamill respected the young actor’s process and eventually bonded with him after filming concluded.
Reflecting on their interactions post-filming, Hamill mentioned how Hoffman approached him after their final scene together for a heartfelt conversation, breaking down any barriers that existed during production. This gesture highlighted the genuine connections that formed among the cast members once the cameras stopped rolling.
David Jonsson, who portrays Peter McVries in the movie, admitted to keeping his distance from Hamill during filming due to the intense nature of their roles. However, post-production, Jonsson expressed admiration for Hamill’s personality, describing him as funny, caring, and full of wisdom. The actor appreciated the opportunity to connect with Hamill on a personal level once the professional requirements eased.
Garrett Wareing, who plays another contestant in the film, shared how their on-screen camaraderie translated into real-life friendships. He mentioned a weekly tradition of bonding over treats at Dairy Queen, reflecting the genuine brotherhood that underpinned their working dynamic. Despite the challenging shooting conditions, including relentless walking sequences and hot weather, the cast found solace in each other’s company.
Tut Nyuot, who plays contestant Arthur Baker in the film, highlighted the positive influence Mark Hamill had on him both on and off the screen. Nyuot praised Hamill’s professionalism, kindness, and genuine nature, emphasising the importance of making others feel valued. The young actor found inspiration in Hamill’s approach to work and personal interactions, shaping his own perspective on the industry.
Mark Hamill’s portrayal of ‘The Major’ in ‘The Long Walk’ promises to be a compelling addition to his diverse acting repertoire. Drawing parallels between his character and iconic villain roles he’s portrayed in the past, Hamill teased the complexity and nuances of playing antagonistic characters. Fans can anticipate a riveting performance from the veteran actor when the movie releases in cinemas on September 12.
As the cast members of ‘The Long Walk’ navigate the complexities of their characters and on-set dynamics, their off-screen camaraderie shines through, fostering lasting connections and mutual respect. The journey from initial hesitations to genuine friendships underscores the transformative power of collaboration in the world of entertainment.