Actor Mark Hamill Remembers Unexpected Stephen King Film Role Before Chuck and The Long Walk
Hittin' the Stars with Mark Hamill's Double Step into Stephen King's World
In the vast cosmos of Hollywood, the legend that is Mark Hamill has been a beacon, from his iconic days as Luke Skywalker to his voiceover roles, notably as the Joker. But 2025 will shine a different light with his association with the literary genius, Stephen King. In a year of six film adaptations by King, Hamill graced two dramas - Mike Flanagan's heart-wrenching stop-motion commemoration, The Life of Chuck, and Francis Lawrence's nerve-tingling adventure, The Long Walk. This marks the second and third time Hamill has danced with King's work, yet his memory of the first should be excused - it was almost three decades ago, and even Hamill forgot!
This week, we're diving deep into Hamill's intriguing love affair with King, uncovering the forgotten instance that pulls incognito strings in the maelstrom of Sleepwalkers. Also, we're unleashing the first trailer for MGM+'s The Institute, an upcoming adaptation of King's novel, scheduled for its debut in a few short weeks. So let's get rolling!
Mark Hamill's Surreptitious Cinematic Sojourn with Sleepwalkers
Perched upon a coastal clifftop overlooking the chilly waters of Bodega Bay, California, the gruesome spectacle unfolds. Armies of cops and curious onlookers surround a house hideously adorned with the carcasses of cats, strung up like lifeless trophies. Lieutenant Jenkins, recognizable by his light blue uniform and an intimidating mustache, enters along with his partner, only to find a single cat left alive amidst the gruesome scene. Coming from behind a closet door, they discover an eerie jeep noise, revealing the horrifying sight of a trapped cat... joining the lifeless body of a young girl and a single rose tucked behind her ear.
This gripping opening scene belongs to director Mick Garris' Sleepwalkers, the first film adaptation of an original screenplay penned by King. The actor who dons the uniform of Lieutenant Jenkins is none other than Mark Hamill, save for an uncredited appearance. Being the avid fan that I am, I've always been curious about the origins of this brief cameo, so a conversation with Hamill was all I needed.
Recently, on the picturesque terrace of a villa overlooking the marina, I gleefully engaged with Hamill during the press day for The Life of Chuck. Here's the scoop he shared about the mysterious appearance in Sleepwalkers:
When asked about the origins of his appearance in Sleepwalkers, Hamill sounded unambiguous, stating it was simply an appreciation for the talents of Mick Garris and the chance to express it through a small part.
Setting Sail with The Life of Chuck and The Long Walk
In The Life of Chuck, Mark Hamill adorns the role of Albie, a grandfather who nurtures and heavily influences the life of the titular character. Though rigid and a wee bit boozy, he fosters an unyielding love for his grandson that eventually ignites a passion for mathematics, transforming Charles into an accomplished accountant.
The mentorship role couldn't be more distinct from Hamill's impending portrayal in The Long Walk. Based on the first novel ever completed by Stephen King, the movie shares the same title as it features a grueling competition, where adolescent boys battle for survival in a dystopian America, with a beady-eyed villain, The Major, played by Hamill himself.
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Following its limited release last week, The Life of Chuck is now expanding nationwide on June 13. For fans eagerly waiting for The Long Walk, it's due to hit theaters on September 12.
The Institute Trailer Reveals an Altered Tale - Ben Barnes' Character in Focus
In 2025, adaptations of Stephen King stories come faster than we can finish our popcorn. Fresh on the heels of Osgood Perkins' The Monkey, it's time to set our sights on The Life of Chuck, and before July 13 rolls around, we can relish the premiere of The Institute on MGM+. The first trailer for this adaptation has been unveiled, showcasing a faithful adaptation of the original source material.
The story revolves around prodigious youngsters, abducted due to their psychic abilities, being subjected to a government facility to enhance these powers. As they gradually recognize the dire circumstances, they endeavor to escape. Interestingly, the trailer suggests a significant alteration in the narrative regarding Ben Barnes' character, Tim Jamieson.
In the book, Tim first appears as a Florida police officer who quits his job and moves to South Carolina before resurfacing later, but the trailer points to a more direct involvement for this character. Instead of residing at a distance from the facility, as in the book, Tim seems to play an active role in investigating the operations of The Institute.
Join me next week for more revelations from the world of Stephen King adaptations! So until then, catch The Life of Chuck in theaters across the nation starting this Friday, June 13, and get ready for The Institute when it debuts on July 13.
Daily entertainment blend includes an exclusive interview with Mark Hamill, discussing his forgotten cameo in the Stephen King horror film Sleepwalkers, as well as his roles in the upcoming movies The Life of Chuck and The Long Walk. Also, don't miss the first trailer for MGM+'s The Institute, an adaptation of Stephen King's novel, set to premiere on June 13 for The Life of Chuck and July 13 for The Institute. CinemaBlend provides a daily dose of the latest entertainment news, including insights into Mark Hamill's personal style available on Bluesky.
