Less than a decade after the original movie debuted in theaters, 20th Century Studios is revisiting The Maze Runner franchise. However, instead of a straight-up remake, the studio is looking to the future with a new story set in the same universe.
The franchise consists of three movies: The Maze Runner (2014), The Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015), The Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018). The movies are based on a successful book series by James Dashner, which already had a built-in fan base.
The initial book and movie center on a group of teenagers who wake up in a place called the Glade with no memory of who they are. Outside the walls of the Glade is a maze, full of dangerous machines and doors that close every night.
Maze Runner Reboot Comes After Original Trilogy Ended
The original Maze Runner movie made almost 10 times its budget (generating $348 million worldwide, as per The Numbers, on the budget of $35 million). This financial success has spurred 20th Century Studios to revisit the franchise.
Disney is in talks with Jack Paglen to write the script for a new installment of the Maze Runner series. The producers of the original trilogy, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Lee Stollman, Wyck Godfrey, and Marty Bowen, are returning to produce this one as well. Wes Ball, who directed the original trilogy, will also be part of the team as a producer.
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the reboot won’t look to redo what we’ve seen before. Dylan O’Brien and the rest of the OG cast wont be back. Instead, it’s going to be a “continuation” – a new story set in the same world with different characters. This is similar to what the studio did with the Planet of the Apes series, introducing a new generation after the original films. It lets them use the existing world and story while giving us something fresh to see.
Fans are not Too Thrilled About the Maze Runner Reboot
Many fans who enjoyed the original trilogy feel there’s more story to tell outside the existing universe. James Dashner’s book series includes a prequel titled The Kill Order, which details the creation of the Glade and the events leading up to the first book.
Fans believe that turning this prequel into a movie would give us new characters and stories while keeping everything we already know about the world. Check out some fan reactions:
There is an entire prequel book…why not just make that instead of rebooting a trilogy that's not even a decade old? Why would I watch this when I can literally just watch the originals?
— Xavion's Da Name (Remember It) (@ItsXaviion) May 4, 2024
I mean thats weird. Why not just make an original teen sci fi movie instead of linking it to a popular IP. The maze runner trilogy was great. No need to mess with it.
— Zan (@MysticalBoy22) May 3, 2024
https://twitter.com/CamScoob28087/status/1786572553072337094
Why don’t they just make the Kill Order then???
— 💜 (@yoursghoulishly) May 3, 2024
Nothing will be the same without the original cast from 2014-2018 😭
— Joseph Ventura (@JosephV81056668) May 3, 2024
The big question is: Can the reboot bring back the excitement of the original movies? The studio is betting that introducing new characters will make people interested in The Maze Runner universe again.
Watch The Maze Runner movies on Disney+.
Frequently asked questions
What is the new Maze Runner project about?
20th Century Studios is developing a new installment in The Maze Runner franchise that will serve as a continuation rather than a remake, introducing new characters in the same world instead of retelling the original story. Jack Paglen is reportedly in talks to write the script, while producers and director Wes Ball from the original trilogy are returning in producer roles.
Why are fans upset about the Maze Runner reboot?
Many fans expressed frustration that the studio is revisiting The Maze Runner universe with new characters instead of adapting The Kill Order, an existing prequel novel by James Dashner that already tells a related story. Fan reactions online noted the original trilogy concluded less than a decade ago and questioned why an original story wasn’t chosen instead of building onto the existing franchise.
How successful was the original Maze Runner trilogy?
The original 2014 Maze Runner film grossed about $348 million worldwide on a $35 million budget, according to The Numbers, making it a significant financial success that spurred the franchise’s continuation. The trilogy included The Maze Runner, The Scorch Trials, and The Death Cure, based on James Dashner’s book series, and starred Dylan O’Brien, who is not expected to return for the new installment.
