The Major quotes from The Long Walk (2025)

The Major

Boys, it takes heavy, heavy sack to sign up for this contest, and you've all got it. You're men now. As you all know, our country has been in a period of financial struggle since the war, and we did the first Long Walk all those years ago to inspire and re-integrate the value of work ethic. Each year after the event, there's a spike in production. We have the means to return to our former glory. Our problem now is an epidemic of laziness. You boys are the answer. The Long Walk is the answer. When this is broadcast for all the states, your inspiration will continue to elevate our gross national product. We will be number one in the world again! [cheers from the Walkers]

The Major

Now, uh, I'm not going to go through the whole rule-book, but it boils down to this. Walk until there's only one of you left. Maintain a speed of three miles per hour. If you fall below the speed, you get a warning. If you can't make speed in ten seconds, you get an additional warning. Three warnings, you get your ticket. Walk one hour at speed, one warning is erased, and so on. If you step off the pavement, you will get your ticket without warning. The goal is to last the longest. There's one winner, and no finish line. Any of you can win. Any of you can do it if you walk long and steady enough, if you refuse to give up. I look at each and every one of you, and I see hope. Now, boys, who's set to ****in' win? [cheers from the Walkers] I said, who's ready to ****in' win? [louder cheers; he fires a pistol into the air to start the Walk] Luck to all, and remember. Anyone can win.

The Major

You're in the home stretch, for better or for worse. There's going to be wheat AND! There's going to be chaff. You choose, boys. Remember: You choose!

Raymond Garraty #47

Shut the **** up, holy shit! Suck a dick, will you? I mean, just-- you ****in' Lotus Eater, you old sack of shit, shut up!

The Major

That's the spirit, my boy! That's the killer ****in' instinct... Take no prisoners! Flex that sack and go get that prize...!

The Major

Congratulations, Mr. McVries. The cash prize is yours. So tell me, son. What's your wish?

The Major

The whole nation is watching, son. What's your wish?

Peter McVries #23

I want... [stands up] ...I want a carbine.

The Major

You'll have one.

Peter McVries #23

No. [points to rifle held by a soldier] I want that carbine. To give to my kids one day.

Sir?

The Major

Give him his wish. He won't shoot anyone, boys. He's won too much, and remember. This one wants to make the world a better place. Isn't that right, son?

Peter McVries #23

Hold your fire or I'll ****in' shoot!

The Major

Hold your fire, boys!

Peter McVries #23

I'll ****in' shoot!

The Major

That's all right, son. No harm done...not yet. Put the gun down. The whole world is waitin' for you. There's more riches than you can possibly imagine. Put the gun down. The prize is yours for the takin'. Don't throw it away.

Peter McVries #23

This is for Ray.
[shoots and kills the Major, sees the street now silent and empty, then drops the rifle and walks away]