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20th Century Studios Rebooting Maze Runner Franchise
It has been half a decade since Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox, and the benefits of this union are beginning to manifest in the realm of cinema. The highly anticipated “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is set to hit theaters next week, while “Alien: Romulus” and “Deadpool & Wolverine” are slated for release later this summer. With these successes in mind, one question remains: which beloved Fox movies are next in line for a cinematic revival? The answer: the Maze Runner series.
Reviving a Cult Classic
According to a report by The Hollywood Reporter, 20th Century Studios is embarking on a journey to breathe new life into the young adult sci-fi franchise for a whole new generation of viewers. Leading this ambitious project is seasoned writer Jack Paglen, widely recognized for his work on the 2014 sci-fi thriller “Transcendence” starring Johnny Depp.
Sources privy to the matter have hinted that the reboot aims to honor the essence of the original storyline while revisiting the foundational aspects that made the initial film a standout success. For those unfamiliar with the series, the inaugural Maze Runner film, directed by Wes Ball, premiered in 2014 and drew inspiration from the dystopian YA novels penned by James Dashner.
Central to the plot was the character of Thomas, portrayed by Dylan O’Brien, a young man who awakens with no memory in a mysterious maze inhabited by other adolescents. Driven by insatiable curiosity and a nagging suspicion that concealed truths awaited discovery, Thomas embarked on a quest to unravel the secrets of the labyrinth and secure an exit strategy for himself and his fellow captives.
A Lucrative Legacy
The Maze Runner franchise, born in the wake of the blockbuster successes of “Hunger Games” and “Twilight,” quickly emerged as a formidable player in the industry. The initial installment garnered an impressive $348.3 million in box office revenue against a modest $34 million budget. Subsequent sequels, namely “Scorch Trials” in 2015 and “Death Cure” in 2018, maintained this momentum, raking in $312.3 million and $288.2 million, respectively.
Notably, the production of “Death Cure” faced a significant setback when Dylan O’Brien sustained severe injuries on set, necessitating a hiatus to aid in his recovery. However, the franchise persevered, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity and solidifying its status as a cinematic force to be reckoned with.
In the aftermath of Disney’s absorption of 20th Century Fox, plans for revitalizing the Maze Runner series were promptly set into motion. Rather than adhering to the precedent set by “Hunger Games” and adapting prequel novels like “The Kill Order” and “Fever Code,” Disney opted for a fresh start. The prevailing trend in contemporary cinema appears to favor a reboot of relatively recent YA material, a strategy corroborated by the revivals of franchises such as “Twilight” and “Percy Jackson.”
Looking to the Future
As anticipation mounts for the forthcoming reboot of the Maze Runner series, fans are left eager to witness how this beloved narrative unfolds on the big screen once more. Given the success of its predecessor, there is optimism surrounding the project, with hopes that it will capture the essence and charm of the original films while introducing fresh perspectives and innovations.
For aficionados seeking more entertainment updates, a plethora of exciting developments await in the realms of Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, and the DC Universe on both the silver screen and television. Stay informed about the future of Doctor Who, and immerse yourself in the ever-evolving landscape of cinematic exploration.
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