Stephen King Reveals What He Dislikes About Superhero Movies
Stephen King has created some of the most unforgettable figures in horror in cinema and literature for decades. From Pennywise to the curse of the Overlook Hotel, the author, etched in our memories with his many characters, has also consistently garnered attention with his Hollywood adaptations. Now, he’s drawing attention with his critique of superhero films and making striking pronouncements about how violence is portrayed.
Stephen King Criticizes Superhero Movies
In an interview with The Times of London, King stated that superhero films present violence in a “sanitized” manner. He believes the lack of realistic consequences in scenes of massive destruction is a major problem. He openly criticized the situation, saying, “Cities are being razed to the ground, but there’s not a single drop of blood. It’s wrong, almost pornographic.”
The author’s harsh commentary is also being compared to the way his own works are adapted for film. In the upcoming film The Long Walk, in particular, King insisted that violence remain uncensored. In a story centered on the deaths of young people, he demanded that these scenes be portrayed as they are, resulting in a remarkably harsh film.
The Long Walk is a dark tale set in a dystopian America, where 100 young people participate in a death-by-death race. Directed by Francis Lawrence, the film draws influences from his experiences with the Hunger Games series and has already garnered praise for its atmosphere faithful to King’s novel. Reviews from early screenings suggest the film could be one of the best Stephen King adaptations.
King’s statements stand out as a powerful critique of the more toned-down approach superhero films take to mainstream audiences. The author’s advocacy of realistic violence is also crucial for understanding the dark yet human dimension of his stories. This debate about how violence should be portrayed in cinema is likely to intensify with the release of The Long Walk.
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