Back in 2014, The Maze Runner hit theaters, bringing James Dashner’s best-selling dystopian novel to life. The story follows Thomas, a young man who wakes up in a mysterious labyrinth surrounded by other boys who, like him, have no memory of their past. Together, they must navigate the deadly maze and uncover the secrets behind their captivity.
A year later, The Scorch Trials continued the saga, picking up right where the first film left off. Thomas and his friends learn that the world outside the maze has been ravaged by a deadly virus that wiped out much of humanity. Their imprisonment, they discover, was part of an experiment orchestrated by a powerful organization trying to find a cure.
Then, in 2018, came the explosive conclusion, The Death Cure. This final chapter sees Thomas determined not only to stop the virus but also to bring down the shadowy organization responsible for so much suffering. The film marked an emotional end to a five-year cinematic journey that captivated audiences around the world.
The trilogy was a huge success at the global box office, amassing a devoted fan base. Lead actor Dylan O’Brien, who portrayed Thomas, became the face of the franchise and has often expressed his gratitude for the fans’ unwavering support.
During production, the cast members experienced major life changes of their own. Kaya Scodelario, who played Teresa, had just welcomed her first child before shooting The Death Cure, which brought new challenges and perspective to her time on set.
However, filming the final installment was overshadowed by a serious on-set accident. During a stunt sequence, Dylan O’Brien suffered severe injuries, including facial fractures and a concussion. Production was halted for nearly a year to allow him to recover. The incident shook the cast and crew—and nearly ended O’Brien’s career—but his resilience turned the movie into a deeply personal triumph.
After making a full recovery, O’Brien returned to complete the film and has since starred in other action-packed projects like Love and Monsters. Interestingly, the dangerous train chase scene that caused his accident wasn’t even part of the original book—it was written specifically for the movie.
Following the trilogy’s conclusion, the rights to The Maze Runner franchise passed to Disney after the studio’s acquisition of Fox in 2019. There were early rumors that more films were in development, but no updates have emerged since. With author James Dashner’s universe containing several prequels and companion novels, fans remain hopeful that the Gladers’ world might one day return to the big screen.
