The Maze Runner, by James Dashner, is the next book in a long line of young adult novels and young adult novel series being adapted for TV and movies. Dasher has also penned two sequels to The Maze Runner, entitled The Scorch Trials and The Death Cure, as well as a prequel novel, The Kill Order. Dashner has also written and contributed to several other young adult novel series, including The Jimmy Fincher Saga, The 13th Reality Series, and books 1 and 7 in The Infinity Ring series. The Maze Runner is Dashner’s first book to hit the big screen.
The book centers on a group of boys living in a mysterious compound called The Glade. None of them remember who they are or how they got there, and are forced to make some semblance of a life for themselves. Thomas, the latest arrival, has many questions about The Glade, as well as the even more mysterious maze that surrounds it. After attempting to settle in, the arrival of the first girl to The Glade sets Thomas in motion on a quest to discover The Glade’s secrets, and hopefully make it through the maze alive.
On screen, Teen Wolf’s Dylan O’Brien stars as Thomas, with Will Poulter (We’re The Millers) Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Game of Thrones) as fellow Gladers Gally and Newt. The film is directed by first time director Wes Ball. Based on the trailers we’ve seen, the film looks like it is going to be action packed, with pulse-pounding suspense and cool special effects.
The Maze Runner opens Friday, September 19.