Mark Hamill has revealed that playing the Major, the villain in the upcoming adaptation of Stephen King’s 1979 dystopian novel The Long Walk, stands as the worst character he has ever portrayed—surpassing even his menacing interpretation of the Joker. The film, set in a dystopian United States governed by an authoritarian regime, follows an annual grueling walking contest overseen by Hamill’s character.
At San Diego Comic-Con 2025, Hamill openly discussed why this role unsettled him to a greater degree than any prior villainous role, emphasizing the intense darkness embedded in the Major’s personality. This candid reflection adds new perspective coming from an actor whose career has spanned heroic figures and complex villains alike.
The Major’s Sadistic Nature Sets Him Apart Among Hamill’s Roles
Hamill, who earned acclaim voicing the Joker in Batman: The Animated Series, acknowledged the depth of cruelty in his Stephen King villain as unprecedented in his work. Describing the Major, Hamill said,
“He’s sadistic and all those terrible things. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever done before and that’s what I like.” —Mark Hamill, Actor
The Major administers the brutal walking contest, mercilessly overseeing the participants who are pushed to their physical and mental limits. This character represents one of the most ruthless antagonists penned by King, defined by callousness and cruelty that reflects a terrifying dystopia.
For Hamill, best known as the heroic Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars saga, slipping into such a profoundly vile role marks a distinct departure from his usual characters. His previous experience voicing the Joker connected him with villainy, but this Major character introduces a level of sadism and inhumanity that even he finds more disturbing.
Returning to Darker Roles Marks a New Chapter in Hamill’s Career
While Mark Hamill’s early fame arose from his heroic roles, he has embraced darker, more complex characters as his career progressed. His portrayal of the Joker demonstrated his ability to tap into sinister and chaotic personas, broadening his acting range beyond the traditionally heroic.
Hamill recently declared that his affiliation with the Star Wars franchise has concluded, signaling a new phase in his work. His role as Arthur Pym, a villain in the 2023 series The Fall of the House of Usher, further underscores this shift toward sinister roles. Taking on the Major in The Long Walk is a natural continuation of this trend.
Reflecting on his enjoyment of playing villains, Hamill shared,
“Anytime you can come in and just create chaos, it’s almost as satisfying to be hated by the audience as it is to be loved.” —Mark Hamill, Actor
This insight reveals Hamill’s appreciation for the complexity and thrill of villainous roles, highlighting his willingness to embrace darker characters that allow him to explore new territory creatively. This makes his move into a villainous era especially fitting, following his recent departure from the heroic archetype of Luke Skywalker.
Anticipating The Long Walk’s Impact and Hamill’s Future Roles
The Long Walk is scheduled for theatrical release on September 12, 2025, and Hamill’s portrayal of the Major is highly anticipated as a defining performance within this chilling dystopian tale. Given the actor’s reputation and passion for villainous roles, this film is expected to showcase one of his most intense and provocative characters yet.
Hamill’s shift toward playing darker figures promises to bring fresh energy and intensity to his career, appealing to fans who appreciate his groundbreaking Joker performance as well as his depth as an actor. As the Major emerges as his most unsettling role, audiences may expect more challenging antagonists from Hamill in the future, marking a compelling evolution in his work.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How high is Stephen King’s IQ?
A. Stephen King is an American writer known for horror, supernatural stories, and suspense. He is very productive and successful. His IQ is said to be about 130. King’s talent for creating gripping and suspenseful stories has gained him a huge number of fans and praise from critics.
Q. Was Stephen King religious?
A. Stephen grew up going to a Methodist church and attended services often. Although he no longer goes to church, he believes in God and reads the Bible. His wife, Tabitha, was brought up in the Catholic faith.
Q. What did Stephen King suffer from?
A. The famous writer struggled with a drug addiction that almost took over his life. Several things led to his addiction, like the stress of being famous, personal issues, and wanting to avoid life’s pressures.
