20th Century Studios is rebooting the Maze Runner franchise, which originally comprised three films released between 2014 and 2018. The reboot will see the return of Wes Ball, the director of the original trilogy, but in a producer capacity. The script for the new instalment is being penned by Jack Paglen, known for his work on Transcendence and Alien: Covenant.
The Maze Runner series, based on James Dashner’s novels, follows a group of adolescents with no memory who find themselves trapped in a maze inhabited by mechanical creatures. As they attempt to escape, they uncover a dystopian world controlled by sinister organisations.
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The reboot to be produced by Wes Ball is not a direct sequel or a retelling of the original trilogy but aims to continue the story while retaining elements that resonated with audiences in the first film. This approach by Wes Ball mirrors that of other recent reboots, such as the upcoming Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, which builds on the established universe with new characters and narratives.
The decision to reboot the Maze Runner franchise comes amidst a resurgence of interest in young adult (YA) fiction adaptations, evidenced by the success of recent projects like The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and the Percy Jackson TV series. Other studios are also revisiting popular YA properties, such as Warner Bros.’s planned Harry Potter reboot and Netflix’s Chronicles of Narnia adaptation.
With Wes Ball involved in both the Maze Runner reboot and the upcoming Planet of the Apes revival, there is optimism for the success of these projects. The performance of the Wes Ball produced Maze Runner reboot at the box office will likely influence the future of YA adaptations and determine whether the trend continues to thrive.
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This resurgence of YA adaptations marks a notable shift in the entertainment landscape, with studios recognising the enduring appeal of these stories to audiences of all ages. By revisiting familiar worlds and characters while introducing new elements, these reboots aim to capture the imagination of both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
The Maze Runner franchise, in particular, struck a chord with audiences for its blend of action, mystery, and dystopian themes. The original trilogy, led by actor Dylan O’Brien, garnered mixed reviews from critics but proved to be a financial success, grossing a combined $949 million against a production budget of $157 million.
The involvement of key figures from the original trilogy, including producer Wyck Godfrey and director Wes Ball, signals a commitment to maintaining the spirit of the franchise while exploring new creative avenues. Jack Paglen, known for his work on science fiction projects like Transcendence and Alien: Covenant, brings his own unique perspective to the script, promising a fresh take on the Maze Runner universe.
As the Maze Runner reboot enters the early stages of development, fans can expect further updates on casting, production, and release dates in the coming months. With the groundwork laid for an exciting new chapter in the franchise’s history, anticipation is high for what lies ahead in the Maze Runner’s ever-expanding maze of mystery and adventure.
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