Actor Mark Hamill discloses reasons why his co-stars from 'The Long Walk' urged him to maintain a distance from them
In the highly-anticipated dystopian thriller The Long Walk, set to hit cinemas on September 12, 2025, under the banner of Lionsgate Film, Cooper Hoffman portrays a character opposite Mark Hamill's chilling antagonist, the Major.
Hamill, a 73-year-old American actor best known for his role in "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," found an unusual approach to his acting partnership with Hoffman. The young actor, allegedly, was "afraid he'll like" Hamill too much, which was part of his process to prepare for the role.
Director Francis Lawrence confirmed that Hoffman did not want to meet Hamill, a decision that Hamill respected. This initial distance, however, was purely professional and related to their roles, not personal animosity.
During filming in Winnipeg, Canada, Hamill had planned a get-together with his castmates. However, he canceled it on a case-by-case basis, including his meeting with Hoffman, to respect the young actor's preference to keep some distance initially.
After wrapping up the last scene, Hoffman immediately visited Hamill's trailer and they talked for hours, showing that their professional distance did not affect their personal rapport. At San Diego Comic-Con 2025, the actors from The Long Walk were friendly and seen joking with each other, further indicating a harmonious relationship off-screen.
The movie is based on a book by Stephen King and also stars David Jonsson, Charlie Plummer, Ben Wang, Tut Nyuot, Garrett Wareing, and Judy Greer.
Hamill, who finds Hamill funny, caring, kind, and full of history, kept some distance from him while working but has since spoken to him extensively. Despite playing a villainous figure enforcing deadly rules, Hamill's charm and camaraderie with his castmates shine through, making The Long Walk an exciting addition to the dystopian genre.
"Mark Hamill, in his preparation for the villainous role in the upcoming movie 'The Long Walk,' found an unusual method, being deliberately 'afraid he'll like' his co-star Cooper Hoffman, drawing inspiration from history."
"Post-filming, Hamill and Hoffman's professional distance dissolved as they spent hours conversing, revealing that their on-screen antagonism did not hinder their off-screen camaraderie in movies-and-tv as well as in entertainment."
