[INTERVIEW] Walking the Talk: Jordan Gonzalez Opens Up About "The Long Walk". The Physical Toll and Brotherhood On Set!

The actor opens up to WeAreCritiX about brotherhood, brutal filming days, and bringing the soul of Richard Harkness to life one step at a time.

This week at WeAreCritiX, we sat down with rising star Jordan Gonzalez to talk about his role in the upcoming Stephen King adaptation, The Long Walk. With the film heading to theaters on September 12th, Gonzalez opened up about the emotional weight of portraying Richard Harkness, also known as number 49, and how stepping into this story became something much more personal than just another gig.

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From the jump, Gonzalez made it clear this project meant the world to him. “Stephen King is my guy,” he said. “To be a part of his world is truly a great honor.” And when it comes to Richard Harkness, Gonzalez didn’t hold back. “I love that kid. He’s earnest, kind, happy, like a puppy dog. He wants to leave behind a legacy that’s bigger than himself.”

That connection runs deep. Gonzalez physically journaled his experience while filming, much like Harkness does in the story. “It’s one of my greatest gifts,” he told us. “I still go back and read it. I wrote about the blisters, the things I saw, and the emotions I felt on set. I can relive every step of that walk.” And make no mistake, those weren’t metaphorical steps. The cast walked an actual 20 miles a day, shooting chronologically, just like a stage play. “The day your character gets their ticket is the day you go home as an actor,” he revealed. “It made everything real.”

What really elevates The Long Walk is the unshakable bond between the boys on screen. Gonzalez spoke about the emotional toll of watching castmates exit the story. “You don’t always get to say goodbye. Some of the guys you connect with are just gone the next day,” he said. “But that’s why it feels so genuine. We weren’t just acting. We were grieving our friends in real time.”

When asked what he took away from the experience, Gonzalez paused and delivered a truth that hits hard. “Gratitude. Life is fleeting. Hug your people. Love your community. Enjoy the moments, because you only get one walk.”

The Long Walk hits theaters September 12th. Take the walk. Trust us. You won’t forget it.