Part 6/12:
Critics and insiders now wonder if Hollywood’s reliance on Stephen King has been misplaced, especially as many of his recent adaptations have been criticized for poor storytelling, unsatisfying endings, and a disconnect from his original vision. The failure of The Running Man, for instance, was compounded by bizarre promotional choices, such as featuring a visibly unwell Stephen King promoting The Long Walk with an awkward appearance that raised questions about studio confidence and marketing strategies.