'Maze Runner' reboot in works; Jack Paglen tapped as writer

'Maze Runner' reboot in works; Jack Paglen tapped as writer
04 May 2024

20th Century Studios is planning to reboot the popular sci-fi action-adventure series, The Maze Runner.

The original trilogy, which held audiences spellbound from 2014 to 2018, is set to be reimagined, reported The Hollywood Reporter.

Screenwriter Jack Paglen, known for his work on the Johnny Depp-led film Transcendence (2014), is currently negotiating with the studio to write the screenplay for this new iteration.

Why does this story matter?
Fact

The reboot will see the return of the original trilogy's producers: Ellen Goldsmith-Vein and Lee Stollman from Gotham Group, along with Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen from Temple Hill. Wes Ball—who directed the original series—is also set to join the team in a producer role. This marks a reunion of key figures behind the successful franchise. Before Disney acquired 20th Century Fox, the original film unexpectedly became a financial success—grossing $348M globally while having a production budget of only $35M.

'The Maze Runner' reboot to extend original narrative
New direction

Insiders reportedly revealed that the reboot is not intended as a direct sequel to the original trilogy or a retelling of the same story, which featured Dylan O'Brien and Kaya Scodelario.

Instead, it aims to expand the narrative while revisiting elements that clicked with viewers in the first film.

This approach mirrors that of another 20th Century reboot, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, directed by Ball.

What is 'The Maze Runner' all about?
Plot

Adapted from James Dashner's popular novels, the initial Maze Runner tale—both in literary and cinematic form—follows a group of teenagers who awaken in a mysterious enclosed area called the Glade, devoid of memories.

Beyond the walls lies a dangerous maze inhabited by deadly mechanical creatures, its passages sealing nightly.

A newcomer unravels the secret to survival and leads the group toward escape.

Subsequent books and films expand the narrative, unveiling a dystopian world plagued by corrupt governments and corporations.

Meanwhile, quick look at Paglen's portfolio and current representation
Screenwriter profile

Paglen, the potential screenwriter for the The Maze Runner reboot, has an impressive resume that includes Alien: Covenant, a 2017 sci-fi horror film directed by Ridley Scott.

He also co-produced Netflix's adaptation of Mark Millar's comic Magic Order.

Currently, Paglen is represented by CAA and Lichter Grossman.

However, he remains tight-lipped about plot details for this new iteration of the hit adventure film.