Final numbers aren’t in yet, but The Maze Runner opened around $32.5 million this past weekend on a reported budget of $34 million and earning an “A-” CinemaScore from opening day audiences. All good numbers for the start of a new young adult franchise and Fox isn’t wasting any time getting to work on a sequel as The Scorch Trials have already been slated for a September 18, 2015 release date. Yes, less than a year away.
[amz asin=”B003F3FJQO” size=”small”]Taking place in a post-apocalyptic world, The Maze Runner centered on Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) who’s deposited in a community of boys after his memory is erased, soon learning they’re all trapped in a maze that will require him to join forces with fellow “runners” for a shot at escape. I haven’t seen the film, but I think it’s safe to assume they escaped as the next story finds them facing another trial of survival:
Solving the Maze was supposed to be the end. Thomas was sure that escape from the Maze would mean freedom for him and the Gladers. But Wicked isn’t done yet. Phase Two has just begun. The Scorch. There are no rules. There is no help. You either make it or you die. The Gladers have two weeks to cross through the Scorch–the most burned-out section of the world. And Wicked has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them. Friendships will be tested. Loyalties will be broken. All bets are off. There are others now. Their survival depends on the Gladers’ destruction–and they’re determined to survive.
The series is based on the James Dashner novels, which also includes a third book, “The Death Cure“, as well as a prequel to The Maze Runner, “The Kill Order“. I can only assume those will be made into films as well with “The Death Cure” likely getting its own “Part 1” and “Part 2” to fully maximize revenue.
Wes Ball will return to direct the sequel with a screenplay by T.S. Nowlin. Up above is concept art for the sequel that first premiered at Comic Con earlier this year.
