A new version of “The Maze Runner,” the science fiction series based on the futuristic novels for young adults by James Dashner, is being developed by Disney’s 20th Century Studios. According to TheWrap, Jack Paglen, the writer of “Transcendence,” is in discussions to create a new movie.
The series of three movie adaptations, which were released from 2014 to 2018, featured Dylan O’Brien and Kaya Scodelario and made $348 million globally.
The original movie's producers — Ellen Goldsmith-Vein and Lee Stollman of Gotham Group, and Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen of Temple Hill — are involved, along with the original director, Wes Ball, who will serve as a producer for the new installment.
The new film will not be a sequel or a remake, but a “continuation,” likely featuring new characters attempting to escape from the enclosed area known as the Glade.
Paglen’s previous works include the 2014 Johnny Depp science fiction thriller “Transcendence” and sharing credit for the story of 2017’s “Alien: Covenant.” He is represented by CAA and Lichter Grossman.
The movie trilogy, consisting of “The Maze Runner,” “Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials” and “Maze Runner: The Death Cure,” was adapted by T.S. Nowlin, also known for writing “The Adam Project” and “Pacific Rim Uprising.”
The release of “The Death Cure” was postponed for nearly a year due to a serious injury sustained by its lead, O’Brien, during filming..
Four other books in Dashner’s series — “The Kill Order,” “The Fever Code,” “The Maze Cutter” and “The Godhead Complex,” set for release in 2023 — have not yet been turned into movies.
After Disney's acquisition of Fox in 2019, it announced plans to create more movies in various Fox franchises, including “Avatar,” “Alien,” “The Maze Runner,” and “Planet of the Apes.”
The newest movie in the Apes series, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” — directed by Wes Ball, the filmmaker behind “Maze Runner” — will be in theaters next Friday.
The Hollywood Reporter first reported this story.
This report contains information from TheWrap’s Umberto Gonzalez.
