The short answer is unlikely in the near future, but never say never. While no official announcements have been made about a direct sequel continuing the saga of Thomas and his Glader friends, possibilities exist for spin-offs or adaptations of other books in the series.
The Labyrinthine History: Where We’ve Been
The original Maze Runner trilogy, based on the novels by James Dashner, captivated audiences with its dystopian setting, thrilling action, and intriguing mysteries. The Maze Runner (2014), Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015), and Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018) followed Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) and his fellow Gladers as they escaped the Maze, navigated the Scorch, and ultimately fought against WICKED, the organization responsible for their ordeal.
The films, while not always strictly adhering to the source material, proved commercially successful, grossing over $949 million worldwide. However, the production of The Death Cure was significantly delayed due to a serious on-set accident involving Dylan O’Brien, which understandably had an impact on the future of the franchise. This pause, combined with other factors, has cast a long shadow on the potential for further cinematic explorations of the Maze Runner universe.
Why a Sequel Is Unlikely (For Now)
Several factors contribute to the current lack of momentum for a direct sequel:
- Narrative Closure: The Death Cure provided a fairly definitive conclusion to Thomas’s story and the overarching conflict with WICKED. While there are always narrative threads that could be explored, the core storyline felt resolved.
- Actor Availability and Interest: The main cast members have moved on to other projects and may not be readily available or interested in reprising their roles, especially after the challenging production of The Death Cure.
- Studio Priorities: Twentieth Century Fox, now owned by Disney, has a vast library of intellectual property. Focusing on established franchises like Marvel and Avatar is currently taking precedence.
- Source Material Constraints: While James Dashner wrote a prequel novel, The Kill Order, and a companion novel, The Fever Code, adapting these would require a significant shift in focus, potentially alienating fans of the original trilogy. The scandal regarding James Dashner’s conduct in the MeToo movement may also contribute to the unwillingness of the film industry to re-enter the world of the maze runner franchise.
Paths Forward: Potential Avenues for Revival
Despite the challenges, the Maze Runner universe still holds potential for future adaptations:
- Prequel Adaptation (The Kill Order): This novel explores the events leading up to the creation of the Maze and the outbreak of the Flare virus. A prequel film or series could offer a fresh perspective and introduce new characters while maintaining ties to the established mythology.
- Origin Story (The Fever Code): This book delves into Thomas’s history with WICKED and his relationship with Teresa. Adapting it could shed light on their motivations and offer a deeper understanding of the events of the first trilogy.
- Spin-off Series: A spin-off series focusing on different characters or a new group of Gladers could expand the universe without directly contradicting the events of the original films. This could be in the form of a film or even a streaming television series.
- Reboot: While perhaps not the most popular option with existing fans, a complete reboot of the series could attract a new audience and allow for a fresh interpretation of the story.
The Fan Perspective: Hope Remains Alive
Despite the uncertainty, the Maze Runner fandom remains active and passionate. Many fans continue to express their desire for more stories set in this dystopian world. Fan theories, artwork, and online communities keep the spirit of the franchise alive, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the Maze Runner concept.
The Importance of Storytelling
The themes explored in the Maze Runner series – survival, friendship, sacrifice, and the fight against oppression – resonate with audiences of all ages. These universal themes, combined with the thrilling action and intriguing mystery, are what made the series so popular and why fans continue to hope for its return.
FAQs: Navigating Your Maze Runner Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the current status of a potential Maze Runner sequel:
FAQ 1: Has Dylan O’Brien expressed interest in returning?
While Dylan O’Brien has not explicitly ruled out returning, he has also not expressed a strong desire to do so. The serious injury he sustained during the filming of The Death Cure understandably had a significant impact, and he has since focused on other projects. He has acknowledged the importance of the role in his career and expressed gratitude for the fans, but a return seems unlikely without a compelling story and the right circumstances.
FAQ 2: What is the current status of the rights to the Maze Runner books?
The film rights to the Maze Runner books are currently held by Twentieth Century Fox, now owned by Disney. This means that Disney has the power to decide whether or not to produce any further adaptations. However, having the rights does not guarantee that new adaptations will be made.
FAQ 3: Could a Maze Runner series work better as a TV show?
Potentially, yes. A television series would allow for a more in-depth exploration of the characters and storylines, particularly in the prequel novels. It could also provide a more sustainable platform for expanding the Maze Runner universe and attracting a dedicated audience.
FAQ 4: What about adapting The Kill Order or The Fever Code?
These prequel novels offer the most logical paths forward for the franchise. The Kill Order would require a new cast and could focus on the origins of the Flare virus, while The Fever Code could delve deeper into Thomas’s relationship with WICKED. However, the potential controversy surrounding James Dashner may hinder these options.
FAQ 5: Has James Dashner been involved in any discussions about future adaptations?
Given the allegations against him during the MeToo movement, it is highly unlikely that James Dashner would be involved in any future adaptations of his work. Studios are generally cautious about associating themselves with individuals facing such accusations.
FAQ 6: Are there any rumors about a reboot?
While rumors of a reboot occasionally surface, there has been no credible information to suggest that one is currently in development. Reboots are always a possibility, but studios typically explore other options first.
FAQ 7: What would a potential sequel storyline even be about?
If a direct sequel were to happen, it would likely need to focus on the aftermath of The Death Cure and the rebuilding of society. It could explore the challenges of creating a new world free from WICKED’s control and the potential for new threats to emerge. Alternatively, it could follow the survivors in the safe haven, introducing new conflicts and challenges.
FAQ 8: How much would it cost to produce another Maze Runner film?
The budget for another Maze Runner film would likely be in the range of $60-$100 million, depending on the scale of the production and the involvement of the original cast. Marketing and distribution costs would add significantly to the overall expense.
FAQ 9: Who would direct a new Maze Runner film?
That remains to be seen. Wes Ball directed all three previous films, but it’s not guaranteed that he would return for a fourth. The choice of director would depend on the specific project and the studio’s vision for the franchise.
FAQ 10: What is Disney’s strategy for older Fox franchises?
Disney has been selective in reviving older Fox franchises, prioritizing those with the greatest potential for commercial success. They are carefully assessing the market demand and the creative possibilities before greenlighting any new projects.
FAQ 11: Could fan campaigns influence a studio decision?
While fan campaigns can raise awareness and demonstrate interest, they rarely have a direct impact on studio decisions. Ultimately, studios are driven by financial considerations and the perceived potential for profitability.
FAQ 12: What is the most likely scenario for the future of the Maze Runner franchise?
The most likely scenario is that the Maze Runner franchise will remain dormant for the foreseeable future. While the potential for a prequel adaptation or a spin-off series exists, the various challenges and uncertainties make a return unlikely in the short term. The story of Thomas and his friends may be over on the big screen, but the enduring themes and passionate fanbase ensure that the memory of the Maze Runner will live on.