Jump to content

The Maze Runner (film): Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
± 2 categories using HotCat
m Reverted 1 edit by 2001:D08:2071:3102:1:0:7021:C48D (talk) to last revision by 105.67.133.97
 
(329 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|2014 American dystopian science fiction film}}
{{short description|2014 American dystopian science fiction film}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2015}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2022}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name = The Maze Runner
| name = The Maze Runner
| image = The Maze Runner poster.jpg
| image = The Maze Runner poster.jpg
| alt = <!-- See WP:ALT -->
| alt = <!-- See WP:ALT -->
Line 16: Line 16:
* [[Noah Oppenheim]]
* [[Noah Oppenheim]]
* Grant Pierce Myers
* Grant Pierce Myers
* [[T.S. Nowlin]]
* [[T. S. Nowlin]]
}}
}}
| based_on = {{based on|''[[The Maze Runner]]''|[[James Dashner]]}}
| based_on = {{based on|''[[The Maze Runner]]''|[[James Dashner]]}}
Line 41: Line 41:
| country = United States
| country = United States
| language = English
| language = English
| budget = $34 million<ref name="BOM">{{cite web |title=The Maze Runner (2014) |work=[[Box Office Mojo]] |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=mazerunner.htm |date=September 19, 2014 |accessdate=February 3, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://insidemovies.ew.com/2014/09/18/box-office-preview-the-maze-runner-a-walk-among-the-tombstones/ |title=Box office preview: 'Maze Runner' teens prepare to battle Liam Neeson |first=Lindsey |last=Bahr |work=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=September 18, 2014 |accessdate=September 24, 2014}}</ref>
| budget = $34{{nbsp}}million<ref name="BOM">{{cite web |title=The Maze Runner (2014) |work=[[Box Office Mojo]] |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=mazerunner.htm |date=September 19, 2014 |access-date=February 3, 2015 |archive-date=July 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726211947/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=mazerunner.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://insidemovies.ew.com/2014/09/18/box-office-preview-the-maze-runner-a-walk-among-the-tombstones/ |title=Box office preview: ''Maze Runner'' teens prepare to battle Liam Neeson |first=Lindsey |last=Bahr |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=September 18, 2014 |access-date=September 24, 2014 |archive-date=December 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221094715/http://insidemovies.ew.com/2014/09/18/box-office-preview-the-maze-runner-a-walk-among-the-tombstones/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| gross = $348.3 million<ref name="BOM" />
| gross = $348.3{{nbsp}}million<ref name="BOM" />
}}
}}


'''''The Maze Runner''''' is a 2014 American [[Dystopian movies|dystopian]] [[science fiction film]] directed by [[Wes Ball]], in his [[List of directorial debuts|directorial debut]], based on [[James Dashner]]'s [[The Maze Runner|2009 novel of the same name]]. The film is the first installment in [[Maze Runner (film series)|''The Maze Runner'' film series]] and was produced by [[Ellen Goldsmith-Vein]], [[Wyck Godfrey]], Marty Bowen, and Lee Stollman with a screenplay by [[Noah Oppenheim]], Grant Pierce Myers, and [[T.S. Nowlin]]. The film stars [[Dylan O'Brien]], [[Kaya Scodelario]], [[Aml Ameen]], [[Thomas Brodie-Sangster]], [[Ki Hong Lee]], [[Will Poulter]], and [[Patricia Clarkson]]. The story follows sixteen-year-old Thomas, portrayed by O'Brien, who awakens in a rusty elevator with no memory of who he is, only to learn he's been delivered to the middle of an intricate maze, along with many other boys, who have been trying to find their way out of the ever-changing labyrinth{{snd}}all while establishing a functioning society in what they call the Glade.
'''''The Maze Runner''''' is a 2014 American [[Dystopian movies|dystopian]] [[science fiction film]] directed by [[Wes Ball]], in his [[List of directorial debuts|feature directorial debut]], based on [[James Dashner]]'s [[The Maze Runner|2009 novel of the same name]]. The film is the first installment in [[Maze Runner (film series)|''The Maze Runner'' film series]] and was produced by [[Noah Oppenheim]], Grant Pierce Myers, and [[T. S. Nowlin]]. The film stars [[Dylan O'Brien]], [[Kaya Scodelario]], [[Thomas Brodie-Sangster]], [[Will Poulter]] and [[Patricia Clarkson]]. The story follows sixteen-year-old Thomas, portrayed by O'Brien, who awakens in a rusty elevator with no memory of who he is, only to learn that he has been delivered to the middle of an intricate maze, along with many other boys, who have been trying to find their way out of the ever-changing labyrinth{{snd}}all while establishing a functioning society in what they call the Glade.


Development of ''The Maze Runner'' began in January 2011 when [[20th Century Fox|Fox]] purchased the film rights to Dashner's novel with film studios [[Temple Hill Entertainment]] and [[TSG Entertainment]].<ref>{{cite web |first=Steven |last=Zeitchik |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2011/01/the-maze-runner-james-dashner-noah-oppenheim-catherine-hardwicke-movie.html |title=Young-adult sensation 'The Maze Runner' gets ready to run the movie gantlet (Updated) |work=The Los Angeles Times |date=January 4, 2011 |accessdate=February 5, 2012}}</ref> [[Principal photography]] began in [[Baton Rouge, Louisiana]] on May 13, 2013 and officially concluded on July 12, 2013.
Development of ''The Maze Runner'' began in January 2011 when [[20th Century Fox|Fox]] purchased the film rights to Dashner's novel with [[Gotham Group]], [[Temple Hill Entertainment]], [[TSG Entertainment]] as producers and [[Catherine Hardwicke]] intended to direct. In 2012, Ball was hired to direct the film adaptation after presenting an animated short film titled ''Ruin'' with a similar tone and was initially considered for a feature-length adaptation. [[Principal photography]] began in [[Baton Rouge, Louisiana]] on May 13, 2013, and officially concluded on July 12, 2013.


''The Maze Runner'' was released on September 19, 2014 in the United States by [[20th Century Fox]]. Critics considered it to be better than most young adult book-to-film adaptations. The film topped the box-office during its opening weekend with a $32.5 million debut, making it the seventh-highest grossing debut in September. The film earned over $348 million worldwide at the box-office, against its budget of $34 million.
''The Maze Runner'' was released on September 19, 2014, in the United States by [[20th Century Fox]]. The film received positive reviews, with praise for Ball's direction, the actors' performances and the film's tone. Critics considered it to be better than most young adult book-to-film adaptations. The film was first at the box office in its opening weekend, grossing $32.5{{nbsp}}million, making it the seventh-highest-grossing debut in September. The film earned over $348{{nbsp}}million worldwide at the box office, against its budget of $34{{nbsp}}million. A sequel, ''[[Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials]]'', was released on September 18, 2015, in the United States. A third and final film, ''[[Maze Runner: The Death Cure]]'', was released on January 26, 2018.

A sequel, ''[[Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials]]'', was released on September 18, 2015 in the United States. A third and final film, ''[[Maze Runner: The Death Cure]]'', was released on January 26, 2018.


==Plot==
==Plot==
<!-- Please read [[WP:FILMPLOT]] before expanding the plot. Film plots should be between 400 and 700 words long. -->
<!-- Please read [[WP:FILMPLOT]] before expanding the plot. Film plots should be between 400 and 700 words long. -->
A teenager wakes up inside an underground elevator with no memory of his identity. A group of male youths greet him in a large grassy area called the "Glade" enclosed by tall stone walls. The boys ("Gladers") have formed a rudimentary society, with each assuming specialized tasks. Their leader, Alby, says that every boy eventually recalls his name but not his past. The boy learns that a vast Maze surrounding them is the only way out. During the day, designated Runners search the Maze for an escape route, returning before nightfall when the entrance closes. No one has ever survived a night in the Maze. While in a competition with another boy named Gally, the boy suddenly remembers his name: Thomas. The next day, he is attacked by Ben, a Runner who has been stung and left delirious by a Griever&nbsp;– deadly techno-organic creatures that roam the Maze at night. Ben is forced into the Maze and left to die, as there is no cure for his condition. Alby and Minho, the lead Runner, later retrace Ben's steps inside the Maze. Minho reappears at dusk dragging Alby, who is stung, but they are unable to reach the closing entrance in time. Thomas runs into the Maze to help, leaving all three trapped. Thomas lures a Griever into a closing passageway, causing it to be crushed. The trio manages to survive the night, returning the next morning.
A teenage boy awakens in an underground elevator with no memory of his identity. He is greeted by a large group of male youths in a large grassy area, called the "Glade", enclosed by massive stone walls. The "Gladers" have formed a rudimentary society with each taking on specialized roles. The boy learns that a vast maze encircles the Glade and is their only means of escape. During the day, designated "Runners" search the maze for an exit and return before its gate closes at sunset. After a fight with Gally, the boy remembers his name is Thomas.

Thomas is attacked by Ben, a Runner who was stung and left delirious by a Griever, one of the biomechanical creatures that roam the maze at night. Ben is forced into the maze by the Gladers, as there is no cure for his condition, and is left to die.

The next morning, Alby, the Glade's leader, and Minho, the lead Runner, retrace Ben's steps inside the maze. However, as the sun begins to set, Minho reappears near the gate, dragging a badly injured Alby who has been stung. Unable to reach the Glade in time, Thomas runs into the maze to help, leaving all three trapped. Thomas is chased by a Griever, which he manages to lure into a closing passageway, crushing it. The three survive the night and return the next morning.

A girl arrives in the elevator with two syringes of Griever anti-venom and a note saying she is the last to enter the Glade. She recognizes Thomas, but he does not remember her. Gally accuses Thomas of disrupting the peace between the Gladers and the Grievers and insists he be punished. However, Newt, Alby's second-in-command, designates Thomas as a Runner instead. Thomas, Minho, Frypan, Winston, and Zart enter the maze to locate the Griever's corpse and retrieve a mechanical device from inside it. Minho later shows Thomas a model of the maze based on previous explorations and explains that numbered sections open and close in a fixed sequence. Thomas realizes that the device corresponds to a specific section of the maze. One of the anti-venom syringes is used on Alby, who recovers quickly. Minho and Thomas venture back into the maze with the device and discover a potential exit. However, a series of traps activate, forcing them to retreat.


Later that night, the maze entrance does not close, and additional gates open, allowing Grievers to invade the Glade. Alby, Zart, and many other Gladers are killed; Gally blames Thomas for the chaos. Thomas, who has been experiencing fragmented memory flashes since his arrival, stabs himself with a severed Griever's stinger to recover his memories before receiving the last dose of the anti-venom. While unconscious, Thomas remembers that he and Teresa once worked for WCKD, the organization behind the maze, and that all the Gladers are being used as test subjects for an experiment. He awakens and reveals his past.
The first-ever girl arrives in the elevator, with a note saying that she is the last one to enter the Glade. She recognizes Thomas, though he cannot remember her. Thomas, Minho, Frypan, Winston, and Zart enter the Maze, locate the Griever corpse, and remove a beeping mechanical device from inside it. Gally claims Thomas has jeopardized the fragile peace between the youths and the Grievers and wants him punished, but Newt, the group's second-in-command, instead designates Thomas as a Runner. Minho shows Thomas a hand-constructed model of the Maze based on previous exploration. The Maze's numbered sections open and close in a regular sequence. Thomas realizes that the device corresponds to a section within the Maze.


Gally, having taken command overnight, plans to sacrifice Thomas and Teresa to the Grievers, believing it will restore peace. However, several Gladers free them and enter the maze, while Gally and a few others stay behind. Jeff and several other Gladers are killed by Grievers as the rest escape through the maze exit.
The girl, Teresa, has two syringes filled with an unknown substance. One is used on Alby, and he recovers from the Griever sting. Minho and Thomas venture back into the Maze with the device and discover a possible exit. A laser then scans the two, and the exit closes. Thomas and Minho start to run away as traps activated by lasers nearly kill them. That night, the Maze entrance does not close while others open, letting Grievers pour in. A massacre ensues as the Gladers struggle to fight back or hide. Alby, Zart, Clint, and several others are killed. Afterwards, Gally punches Thomas and blames him for everything that happened. Thomas, who has been having disconnected memory flashes since arriving, stabs himself with a severed Griever stinger in an attempt to revive his memory. The others inject him with the last anti-venom. Unconscious, he recalls that he and Teresa worked for the organization that created the Maze, WCKD; the boys unknowingly have been test subjects for an experiment. Thomas awakens and shares this information with Newt, Minho, Chuck, and Teresa. Thomas then reveals himself and Teresa, confessing that they worked with WCKD and studied the boys for years.


Meanwhile, Gally has taken command and intends to sacrifice Thomas and Teresa to the Grievers to restore peace. However, several Gladers form a group and free them. They then approach the Maze in an attempt to find an escape, while Gally and a few others refuse to leave. Fighting Grievers as they go, Jeff and several other Gladers are killed. The Gladers eventually enter a laboratory strewn with corpses. In a video recording, a woman named Ava Paige explains that the planet has been devastated by a massive [[solar flare]], followed by a pandemic of a deadly virus called the Flare. The teens learn that they were part of an experiment studying for a cure. Paige is seen shooting herself on the screen as the lab is attacked by armed men. Gally suddenly appears with a gun. Having been stung by a Griever, he insists they must stay in the Maze and aims at Thomas. Minho impales Gally in the chest with a spear but not before Gally fires the gun and Chuck is fatally shot. While Thomas mourns over Chuck, masked armed men then rush in and take the rest of the group to a helicopter. It flies over a vast desert wasteland and approaches a ruined city.
The Gladers eventually reach a laboratory strewn with corpses. In a video recording, WCKD scientist Ava Paige explains that a massive [[solar flare]] followed by a pandemic caused by the Flare virus has devastated the planet, and the Gladers were part of an experiment aimed at finding a cure. The recording ends with Paige shooting herself as armed personnel storm the lab. Gally, having been stung by a Griever while following the group, declares that they will never be free and fires a gun at Thomas. Minho spears Gally, but not before he fatally shoots Chuck. As Thomas mourns Chuck, masked soldiers arrive and escort them to a helicopter, which flies over a vast desert wasteland toward a ruined city.


The scene ends with the supposedly-dead scientists meeting in a room. Paige notes that the experiment is successful; the survivors are now entering [[Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials|Phase Two]].
Later, the supposedly dead scientists gather in a room with Paige, who remarks that the experiment was a success and that the survivors are now entering Phase Two.


==Cast==
==Cast==
{{div col}}
{{div col}}
* [[Dylan O'Brien]] as Thomas, the last male to enter the Glade
* [[Dylan O'Brien]] as Thomas, the last male to enter the Glade
* [[Kaya Scodelario]] as Teresa, the first and only female Glader
* [[Kaya Scodelario]] as Teresa, the only female to ever enter the Glade, as well as the last Glader
* [[Aml Ameen]] as Alby, the first male to enter the Glade and the leader of the Gladers
* [[Aml Ameen]] as Alby, the first to enter the Glade and the leader of the Gladers
* [[Thomas Brodie-Sangster]] as Newt, second-in-command of the Gladers
* [[Thomas Brodie-Sangster]] as Newt, second-in-command of the Gladers
* [[Ki Hong Lee]] as Minho, the head runner
* [[Ki Hong Lee]] as Minho, the keeper of the runners
* [[Will Poulter]] as Gally
* [[Will Poulter]] as Gally, the keeper of the builders
* [[Patricia Clarkson]] as Ava Paige, the head of WCKD
* [[Patricia Clarkson]] as Ava Paige, the head of WCKD
* [[Blake Cooper]] as Chuck, a very young Glader
* [[Blake Cooper]] as Chuck, a very young Glader
* [[Dexter Darden]] as Frypan, a cook
* [[Dexter Darden]] as Frypan, the cook
* [[Jacob Latimore]] as Jeff
* [[Jacob Latimore]] as Jeff
* [[Chris Sheffield]] as Ben, a runner
* [[Chris Sheffield]] as Ben, a runner
Line 85: Line 89:


==Production==
==Production==

===Development===
===Development===
In an interview with [[Collider (website)|Collider]], director [[Wes Ball]] stated he had made a [[3D film|3D]] [[computer animation|computer-animated]] [[science fiction]] [[Apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction|post-apocalyptic]] [[short film]], titled ''Ruin'', which he intended to use in order to gain access to Hollywood. He presented the short in [[3D film|3D]] to [[20th Century Fox]]. The studio initially considered a film adaptation of the short film, as it had the same tone of ''[[The Maze Runner]]'' novel they already planned to bring to the screen. Ball was then offered the chance to direct the novel adaptation.<ref name="collider.com">{{cite web |title=Director Wes Ball Talks How He Landed the Job, Finding His Cast, Mixing LORD OF THE FLIES with LOST, and More on the Set of THE MAZE RUNNER |url=https://collider.com/wes-ball-the-maze-runner-interview/ |work=collider.com |accessdate=October 5, 2014}}</ref> Creature designer Ken Barthelmey designed the monsters called Grievers for the film.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://theartofken.com/viewgallery.php?galleryID=the-maze-runner-21 |title=The Maze Runner}}</ref>
On January 4, 2011, it was announced that [[20th Century Fox]] had obtained the rights to a film adaptation of ''[[The Maze Runner]]'' by [[James Dashner]], with [[Catherine Hardwicke]] attached to direct.<ref>{{cite web |first=Steven |last=Zeitchik |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2011/01/the-maze-runner-james-dashner-noah-oppenheim-catherine-hardwicke-movie.html |title=Young-adult sensation ''The Maze Runner'' gets ready to run the movie gantlet (Updated) |work=The Los Angeles Times |date=January 4, 2011 |access-date=February 5, 2012 |archive-date=November 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114053251/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2011/01/the-maze-runner-james-dashner-noah-oppenheim-catherine-hardwicke-movie.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On August 23, 2012 [[Wes Ball]] was confirmed to direct the film, with [[Gotham Group]] as producers.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fleming |first1=Mike Jr. |title=Fox Sets Wes Ball To Helm 'Maze Runner' |url=https://deadline.com/2012/08/fox-sets-wes-ball-to-helm-maze-runner-323179/ |website=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]] |access-date=December 4, 2021 |date=August 23, 2012 |archive-date=December 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204232500/https://deadline.com/2012/08/fox-sets-wes-ball-to-helm-maze-runner-323179/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Ball produced an animated [[science fiction]] [[Apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction|post-apocalyptic]] short film, titled ''Ruin'', and presented the short in [[3D film|3D]] to [[20th Century Fox]]. The studio initially considered a film adaptation of the short film, as it had the same tone of ''[[The Maze Runner]]'' novel they already planned to bring to the screen. Ball was then offered the chance to direct the novel adaptation.<ref name="collider.com">{{cite web |title=Director Wes Ball Talks How He Landed the Job, Finding His Cast, Mixing LORD OF THE FLIES with LOST, and More on the Set of THE MAZE RUNNER |url=https://collider.com/wes-ball-the-maze-runner-interview/ |work=collider.com |date=May 3, 2014 |access-date=October 5, 2014 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006172419/http://collider.com/wes-ball-the-maze-runner-interview/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Griever design===
In late 2012, director Wes Ball hired creature designer Ken Barthelmey to design the Grievers. Impressed by Barthelmey's test design, Ball asked him to add a mechanical scorpion tail. Barthelmey's inspirations for the Grievers included coconut crabs, caterpillars and piranhas. Barthelmey also worked on several Maze, Beetle Blade (cut from the film), and Crank designs.<ref name="The Maze Runner">{{cite web | url=https://theartofken.com/gallery/the-maze-runner-21 | title=The Maze Runner | access-date=May 29, 2022 | archive-date=May 5, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505210349/http://theartofken.com/viewgallery.php?galleryID=the-maze-runner-21 | url-status=live }}</ref>


===Casting===
===Casting===
For the role of Teresa, [[Kaya Scodelario]] was Ball's first choice as she was "fantastic" and because he loved her in the TV show ''Skins''. [[Dylan O'Brien]], the lead role, was initially rejected by Ball. Ball recounts, "Dylan was actually... I saw him early on, very early on and I overlooked him. It was a big learning experience there, because I overlooked him because of his hair. He had ''[[Teen Wolf (2011 TV series)|Teen Wolf]]'' hair and I couldn't see past that and so we were looking for our Thomas and it's a tough role to make, because he comes in as a boy and he leaves as a man, so it can't be like this badass action star that comes into this movie. It's about vulnerability up front and then he comes out of it and comes into his own and then the next movies are about the leader that emerges from the group. So finally Fox says 'We just did this movie, ''The Internship''. There's this kid that's in this thing. He's like 20 years old. We think he's kind of got something.' So I watched his tape and was like 'Wait a minute, I've seen this kid before.' I looked him up online and there was one picture of him with a totally shaved head and it's this sweet vulnerable looking kid and I was like 'Whoa, interesting.' I said, 'Wait a minute, he's just so familiar' and I looked back at my old audition tapes, which we had thousands of, and there's Dylan. That guy I said 'No, definitely not him.' So we brought him back in and we started to talk with him and I'm like 'he's the coolest dude ever.'" [[Blake Cooper]] entered the film via [[Twitter]]. Ball revealed a lot on Twitter, and many kids wanted to be Chuck. Cooper constantly bugged Ball, until Ball told him to give his tape to his casting director, and Ball was impressed by Cooper's tape and cast him.<ref name="collider.com"/>
For the role of Teresa, [[Kaya Scodelario]] was Ball's first choice as she was "fantastic" and because he loved her in the TV show ''Skins''. [[Dylan O'Brien]], the lead role, was initially rejected by Ball. Ball recounts, "Dylan was actually... I saw him early on, very early on and I overlooked him. It was a big learning experience there because I overlooked him because of his hair. He had ''[[Teen Wolf (2011 TV series)|Teen Wolf]]'' hair and I couldn't see past that and so we were looking for our Thomas and it's a tough role to make because he comes in as a boy and he leaves as a man, so it can't be like this badass action star that comes into this movie. It's about vulnerability upfront and then he comes out of it and comes into his own and then the next movies are about the leader that emerges from the group. So finally Fox says 'We just did this movie, ''The Internship''. There's this kid that's in this thing. He's like 20 years old. We think he's kind of got something.' So I watched his tape and was like 'Wait a minute, I've seen this kid before.' I looked him up online and there was one picture of him with a totally shaved head and it's this sweet vulnerable-looking kid and I was like 'Whoa, interesting.' I said, 'Wait a minute, he's just so familiar and I looked back at my old audition tapes, which we had thousands of, and there's Dylan. That guy I said 'No, definitely not him.' So we brought him back in and we started to talk with him and I'm like 'he's the coolest dude ever.'" [[Blake Cooper]] entered the film via [[Twitter]]. Ball revealed a lot on Twitter, and many kids wanted to be Chuck. Cooper constantly bugged Ball, until Ball told him to give his tape to his casting director, and Ball was impressed by Cooper's tape and cast him.<ref name="collider.com" />


===Filming===
===Filming===
[[Principal photography]] started in [[Baton Rouge, Louisiana]] on May 13, 2013,<ref>{{cite web |title=Maze Runner Movie Set |url=http://jamesdashner.com/maze-runner-movie-set/ |work=jamesdashner.com |accessdate=September 12, 2014 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924132426/http://jamesdashner.com/maze-runner-movie-set/ |archivedate=September 24, 2014 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> and officially ended on July 12, 2013.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Maze Runner Movie Release Date, News, and Updates: 2 New Clips Released in Anticipation of The Premiere |url=http://www.hallels.com/articles/3972/20140820/maze-runner-movie-release-date-news-updates-2-new-clips.htm |work=hallels.com |accessdate=September 12, 2014}}</ref> Post-production on the film was completed in June 2014.
[[Principal photography]] started in [[Baton Rouge, Louisiana]] on May 13, 2013,<ref>{{cite web |title=Maze Runner Movie Set |url=http://jamesdashner.com/maze-runner-movie-set/ |work=jamesdashner.com |access-date=September 12, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924132426/http://jamesdashner.com/maze-runner-movie-set/ |archive-date=September 24, 2014 }}</ref> and officially ended on July 12, 2013.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Maze Runner Movie Release Date, News, and Updates: 2 New Clips Released in Anticipation of The Premiere |url=http://www.hallels.com/articles/3972/20140820/maze-runner-movie-release-date-news-updates-2-new-clips.htm |work=hallels.com |access-date=September 12, 2014 |archive-date=September 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140913032236/http://www.hallels.com/articles/3972/20140820/maze-runner-movie-release-date-news-updates-2-new-clips.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Post-production on the film was completed in June 2014.


===Soundtrack===
===Soundtrack===
{{Main|The Maze Runner (soundtrack)}}
{{Infobox album
Composed by [[John Paesano]], the soundtrack consists of 21 tracks and was released on September 16, 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-maze-runner-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-mw0002710196 |title=The Maze Runner [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] |work=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-date=March 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315031942/http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-maze-runner-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-mw0002710196 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| name = The Maze Runner
| type = soundtrack
| artist = [[John Paesano]]
| cover =
| alt =
| released = September 16, 2014
| recorded = 2014
| venue =
| studio =
| genre =
| length = 1:03:08
| label = [[Sony Classical]]
| producer = [[John Paesano]]
| chronology = ''Maze Runner'' film series soundtrack
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title =
| next_year =
}}
Composed by [[John Paesano]], the soundtrack consists of 21 tracks and was released on September 16, 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-maze-runner-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-mw0002710196 |title=The Maze Runner [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] |work=[[AllMusic]] |accessdate=March 4, 2016}}</ref>
{{-}}


==Release==
==Release==
The film was originally set to be released on February 14, 2014.<ref name=ReleaseDate>{{cite web |last=Fleming |first=Mike |title=Tweets Lead Blake Cooper To ‘Maze Runner’ Role |url=https://deadline.com/2013/04/tweets-lead-blake-cooper-to-maze-runner-role-482123/ |date=April 23, 2013 |accessdate=May 25, 2016 |work=Deadline}}</ref> On October 5, 2013, the film was pushed back.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=109817 |title=Fault in Our Stars Gets Release Date, Maze Runner Pushed Back - ComingSoon.net |date=October 5, 2013}}</ref> [[IMAX]] theaters released the film on September 19, 2014.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vlessing |first1=Etan |title=Imax to Release Fox's 'The Maze Runner' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/imax-release-foxs-maze-runner-728059 |accessdate=August 27, 2014 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=August 26, 2014}}</ref>
The film was originally set to be released on February 14, 2014.<ref name="ReleaseDate">{{cite web |last=Fleming |first=Mike |title=Tweets Lead Blake Cooper To ''Maze Runner'' Role |url=https://deadline.com/2013/04/tweets-lead-blake-cooper-to-maze-runner-role-482123/ |date=April 23, 2013 |access-date=May 25, 2016 |work=Deadline |archive-date=August 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827135826/http://deadline.com/2013/04/tweets-lead-blake-cooper-to-maze-runner-role-482123/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On October 5, 2013, the film was pushed back.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=109817 |title=Fault in Our Stars Gets Release Date, Maze Runner Pushed Back - ComingSoon.net |date=October 5, 2013 |access-date=April 17, 2020 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006120422/http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=109817 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[IMAX]] theaters released the film on September 19, 2014.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vlessing |first1=Etan |title=Imax to Release Fox's ''The Maze Runner'' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/imax-release-foxs-maze-runner-728059 |access-date=August 27, 2014 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=August 26, 2014 |archive-date=August 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827034304/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/imax-release-foxs-maze-runner-728059 |url-status=live }}</ref>


===Marketing===
===Marketing===
[[File:Kaya Scodelario & Dylan O'Brien (14781570315).jpg|thumb|right|[[Kaya Scodelario]] and [[Dylan O'Brien]] at a panel for the film at [[San Diego Comic-Con International]] in July 2014]]
[[File: Kaya Scodelario & Dylan O'Brien (14781570315).jpg|thumb|right|[[Kaya Scodelario]] and [[Dylan O'Brien]] at a panel for the film at [[San Diego Comic-Con]] in July 2014]]
Eleven character cards for the film were released in July 2013. Starting in January 2014, director Wes Ball released one image from the film once a week, leading up to the film's first trailer release on March 17, 2014.<ref>{{cite news |last=Zalben |first=Alex |title='The Maze Runner': Watch The Full Trailer Now |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1724314/the-maze-runner-trailer.jhtml |accessdate=March 19, 2014 |newspaper=mtv.com |date=March 17, 2014}}</ref> A viral marketing campaign launched by 20th Century Fox began on April 16, 2014. The campaign is a website featuring the main characters while focusing on WCKD, an organization in Dashner's novel series of the same name. The website has the domain wckdisgood.com.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wckdisgood.com/#!/thomas |title=WCKD is Good}}</ref>
Eleven character cards for the film were released in July 2013. Starting in January 2014, director Wes Ball released one image from the film once a week, leading up to the film's first trailer released on March 17, 2014.<ref>{{cite news |last=Zalben |first=Alex |title=''The Maze Runner'': Watch The Full Trailer Now |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1724314/the-maze-runner-trailer.jhtml |access-date=March 19, 2014 |newspaper=mtv.com |date=March 17, 2014 |archive-date=March 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318052602/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1724314/the-maze-runner-trailer.jhtml |url-status=dead }}</ref> A viral marketing campaign launched by 20th Century Fox began on April 16, 2014. The campaign is a website featuring the main characters while focusing on WCKD, an organization in Dashner's novel series of the same name. The website has the domain wckdisgood.com.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wckdisgood.com/#!/thomas|title=All Star Coffee|website=www.wckdisgood.com|access-date=September 13, 2014|archive-date=April 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417004303/http://www.wckdisgood.com/#!/thomas|url-status=live}}</ref>

On June 26, 2014, O'Brien tweeted that the original ''The Maze Runner'' book would be re-released with a new book cover based on the film's poster.<ref>{{cite tweet |title=Congratulations @jamesdashner on the new book cover! Thank you for creating this story brother :) |user=dylanobrien |number=481991678627033088 |date=June 25, 2014 |accessdate=September 13, 2014}}</ref> On July 29, 2014, the second trailer for the film was released exclusively on Yahoo! Movies.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.yahoo.com/movies/hedline-goes-here-just-a-few-days-after-its-debut-93216151172.html |title=Check Out the Exclusive New Trailer for 'The Maze Runner' |accessdate=July 29, 2014}}</ref>


On June 26, 2014, O'Brien tweeted that the original ''The Maze Runner'' book would be re-released with a new book cover based on the film's poster.<ref>{{cite tweet |title=Congratulations @jamesdashner on the new book cover! Thank you for creating this story brother :) |user=dylanobrien |number=481991678627033088 |date=June 25, 2014 |access-date=September 13, 2014}}</ref> On July 29, 2014, the second trailer for the film was released exclusively on Yahoo! Movies.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.yahoo.com/movies/hedline-goes-here-just-a-few-days-after-its-debut-93216151172.html |title=Check Out the Exclusive New Trailer for ''The Maze Runner'' |date=July 29, 2014 |access-date=July 29, 2014 |archive-date=September 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916012400/https://www.yahoo.com/movies/hedline-goes-here-just-a-few-days-after-its-debut-93216151172.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
The popularity of the film has resulted in many fan projects, the most prominent being Maze Runner Chat, a podcast featuring news discussions and occasional cast interviews. The podcast is produced by MazeRunnerFans.com, a popular fan website for the series.<ref>MazeRunnerFans.com/podcast</ref>


==Reception==
==Reception==


===Box office===
===Box office===
The film grossed $102,427,862 in North America and more than $245.8 million in other territories for a worldwide total of $348.3 million.<ref name="TheNumbers">{{cite web |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Maze-Runner-The |title=The Maze Runner (2014) |work=[[The Numbers (website)|The Numbers]] |accessdate=September 8, 2015}}</ref>
The film grossed $102,427,862 in North America and more than $245.8{{nbsp}}million in other territories for a worldwide total of $348.3{{nbsp}}million.<ref name="TheNumbers">{{cite web |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Maze-Runner-The |title=The Maze Runner (2014) |work=[[The Numbers (website)|The Numbers]] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-date=November 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120012522/https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Maze-Runner-The |url-status=live }}</ref>


Prior to its release in the U.S. and Canada, box office analysts predicted the film would be a box office success, citing effective marketing, good word-of-mouth publicity and a solid release date. Preliminary reports predicted the film would open with takings of over $30–32 million in North America.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2014/09/maze-runner-box-office-walk-among-the-tombstones-this-is-where-i-leave-you-837209/ |title=Box Office Friday: 'Maze Runner' Over $30M; Liam's Leisurely 'Walk' To $14M; 'Where I Leave You' Stays Put At No. 3 |first=Anita |last=Busch |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=September 20, 2014 |accessdate=September 21, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2014/09/20/box-office-maze-runner-sprints-to-11-25m-friday/ |title=Box Office: 'Maze Runner' Sprints To $11.25M Friday, $30M+ Weekend |first=Scott |last=Mendelson |magazine=Forbes |date=September 20, 2014 |accessdate=September 21, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/box-office-maze-runner-outpaces-liam-neesons-tombstones-1201309856/ |title=Box Office: 'Maze Runner' Outpaces Liam Neeson on Way to $31 Million Debut |first=Maane |last=Khatchatourin |magazine=Variety |date=September 20, 2014 |accessdate=September 21, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=3909&p=.htm |title=Friday Report: 'Maze Runner' Quick Out of the Gate |first=Ray |last=Subers |work=Box Office Mojo |date=September 20, 2014 |accessdate=September 21, 2014}}</ref> According to movie ticket sale website [[Fandango (ticket service)|Fandango]], ''The Maze Runner'' was the biggest seller accounting for more than 50% of early tickets sales.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/dorothypomerantz/2014/09/19/does-the-maze-runner-mark-the-beginning-of-the-end-of-the-ya-movie-craze/ |title=Does 'The Maze Runner' Mark The Beginning Of The End Of The YA Movie Craze? |first=Dorothy |last=Pomerantz |magazine=Forbes |date=September 19, 2014 |accessdate=September 21, 2014}}</ref> The film was released on September 19, 2014 in the United States and Canada across 3,604 locations and over 350 [[IMAX]] theaters.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/box-office-maze-runner-will-outrace-walk-among-the-tombstones-1201307683/ |title=Box Office: 'Maze Runner' Will Outrace 'Walk Among the Tombstones' |first=Brent |last=Lang |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=September 17, 2014 |accessdate=September 19, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2014/09/box-office-preview-maze-runner-to-put-tombstones-in-ground-this-is-where-i-leave-you-debuts-836131/ |title=Box Office Preview: 'Maze Runner' To Put 'Tombstones' In Ground; 'This Is Where I Leave You' Debuts |first=Anita |last=Busch |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=September 18, 2014 |accessdate=September 19, 2014}}</ref> It earned $1.1 million from Thursday night shows,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2014/09/maze-runner-late-nights-box-office-walk-among-the-tombstones-this-is-where-i-leave-you-836376/ |title=Box Office Late Nights: 'Maze Runner' Off To Good Start With $1.1M, 'Tombstones' Takes In $480K |first=Anita |last=Busch |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=September 19, 2014 |accessdate=September 19, 2014}}</ref> and $11.25 million on its opening day.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2014/09/maze-runner-box-office-walk-among-the-tombstones-this-is-where-i-leave-you-837209/ |title=Box Office Friday: 'Maze Runner' Over $30M; Liam's Leisurely 'Walk' To $14M; 'Where I Leave You' Stays Put At No. 3 |first=Anita |last=Busch |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=September 20, 2014 |accessdate=September 20, 2014}}</ref> It topped the box office on its opening weekend with $32.5 million of which 9% of the gross came from IMAX theaters.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2014/09/21/box-office-maze-runner-races-to-32-5m-weekend/ |title=Box Office: 'Maze Runner' Races To $32.5M Weekend, Kevin Smith's 'Tusk' Bombs |first=Scott |last=Mendelson |magazine=Variety |date=September 21, 2014 |accessdate=September 21, 2014}}</ref> Its opening weekend gross is the seventh-highest for a film released in September,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2014/09/maze-runner-box-office-walk-among-the-tombstones-this-is-where-i-leave-you-837209/ |title=Box Office Sunday: 'Maze Runner' Finds $32.5M; Liam's 'Walk' Limps In; 'Where I Leave You' No. 3 |first=Anita |last=Busch |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=September 21, 2014 |accessdate=September 21, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/weekends/month/?mo=09&p=.htm |title=TOP OPENING WEEKENDS BY MONTH |accessdate=September 23, 2014}}</ref> and the 18th highest for a young-adult book adaptation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/genres/chart/?view=openings&id=yaadaptations.htm&p=.htm |title=Young-Adult Book Adaptations (Opening Weekends) |accessdate=September 25, 2014}}</ref> The film earned a total of $102,272,088 at the North American box office becoming the twenty sixth highest-grossing film of 2014 in the U.S. and Canada.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?yr=2014 |title=2014 DOMESTIC GROSSES |work=Box Office Mojo |accessdate=December 31, 2014}}</ref>
Prior to its release in the U.S. and Canada, box office analysts predicted the film would be a box office success, citing effective marketing, good word-of-mouth publicity and a solid release date. Preliminary reports predicted the film would open with takings of over $30–32{{nbsp}}million in North America.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2014/09/maze-runner-box-office-walk-among-the-tombstones-this-is-where-i-leave-you-837209/ |title=Box Office Friday: ''Maze Runner'' Over $30M; Liam's Leisurely ''Walk'' To $14M; ''Where I Leave You'' Stays Put At No. 3 |first=Anita |last=Busch |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=September 20, 2014 |access-date=September 21, 2014 |archive-date=September 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140921123805/https://deadline.com/2014/09/maze-runner-box-office-walk-among-the-tombstones-this-is-where-i-leave-you-837209/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2014/09/20/box-office-maze-runner-sprints-to-11-25m-friday/ |title=Box Office: ''Maze Runner'' Sprints To $11.25M Friday, $30M+ Weekend |first=Scott |last=Mendelson |magazine=Forbes |date=September 20, 2014 |access-date=September 21, 2014 |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111230421/https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2014/09/20/box-office-maze-runner-sprints-to-11-25m-friday/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/box-office-maze-runner-outpaces-liam-neesons-tombstones-1201309856/ |title=Box Office: ''Maze Runner'' Outpaces Liam Neeson on Way to $31{{nbsp}}Million Debut |first=Maane |last=Khatchatourin |magazine=Variety |date=September 20, 2014 |access-date=September 21, 2014 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112031726/https://variety.com/2014/film/news/box-office-maze-runner-outpaces-liam-neesons-tombstones-1201309856/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=3909&p=.htm |title=Friday Report: ''Maze Runner'' Quick Out of the Gate |first=Ray |last=Subers |work=Box Office Mojo |date=September 20, 2014 |access-date=September 21, 2014 |archive-date=May 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528153812/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=3909&p=.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> According to movie-ticket sale website [[Fandango (ticket service)|Fandango]], ''The Maze Runner'' was the biggest seller accounting for more than 50% of early tickets sales.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/dorothypomerantz/2014/09/19/does-the-maze-runner-mark-the-beginning-of-the-end-of-the-ya-movie-craze/ |title=Does ''The Maze Runner'' Mark The Beginning Of The End Of The YA Movie Craze? |first=Dorothy |last=Pomerantz |magazine=Forbes |date=September 19, 2014 |access-date=September 21, 2014 |archive-date=March 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180311203337/https://www.forbes.com/sites/dorothypomerantz/2014/09/19/does-the-maze-runner-mark-the-beginning-of-the-end-of-the-ya-movie-craze/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The film was released on September 19, 2014, in the United States and Canada across 3,604 locations and over 350 [[IMAX]] theaters.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/box-office-maze-runner-will-outrace-walk-among-the-tombstones-1201307683/ |title=Box Office: ''Maze Runner'' Will Outrace ''Walk Among the Tombstones'' |first=Brent |last=Lang |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=September 17, 2014 |access-date=September 19, 2014 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112012506/https://variety.com/2014/film/news/box-office-maze-runner-will-outrace-walk-among-the-tombstones-1201307683/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2014/09/box-office-preview-maze-runner-to-put-tombstones-in-ground-this-is-where-i-leave-you-debuts-836131/ |title=Box Office Preview: ''Maze Runner'' To Put ''Tombstones'' In Ground; ''This Is Where I Leave You'' Debuts |first=Anita |last=Busch |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=September 18, 2014 |access-date=September 19, 2014 |archive-date=December 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205005042/https://deadline.com/2014/09/box-office-preview-maze-runner-to-put-tombstones-in-ground-this-is-where-i-leave-you-debuts-836131/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It earned $1.1{{nbsp}}million from Thursday night shows,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2014/09/maze-runner-late-nights-box-office-walk-among-the-tombstones-this-is-where-i-leave-you-836376/ |title=Box Office Late Nights: ''Maze Runner'' Off To Good Start With $1.1M, ''Tombstones'' Takes In $480K |first=Anita |last=Busch |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=September 19, 2014 |access-date=September 19, 2014 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112000549/https://deadline.com/2014/09/maze-runner-late-nights-box-office-walk-among-the-tombstones-this-is-where-i-leave-you-836376/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and $11.25{{nbsp}}million on its opening day.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2014/09/maze-runner-box-office-walk-among-the-tombstones-this-is-where-i-leave-you-837209/ |title=Box Office Friday: ''Maze Runner'' Over $30M; Liam's Leisurely ''Walk'' To $14M; ''Where I Leave You'' Stays Put At No. 3 |first=Anita |last=Busch |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=September 20, 2014 |access-date=September 20, 2014 |archive-date=September 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140921123805/https://deadline.com/2014/09/maze-runner-box-office-walk-among-the-tombstones-this-is-where-i-leave-you-837209/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It topped the box office on its opening weekend with $32.5{{nbsp}}million of which 9% of the gross came from IMAX theaters.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2014/09/21/box-office-maze-runner-races-to-32-5m-weekend/ |title=Box Office: ''Maze Runner'' Races To $32.5M Weekend, Kevin Smith's ''Tusk'' Bombs |first=Scott |last=Mendelson |magazine=Variety |date=September 21, 2014 |access-date=September 21, 2014 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112035226/https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2014/09/21/box-office-maze-runner-races-to-32-5m-weekend/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Its opening weekend gross is the seventh highest for a film released in September,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2014/09/maze-runner-box-office-walk-among-the-tombstones-this-is-where-i-leave-you-837209/ |title=Box Office Sunday: ''Maze Runner'' Finds $32.5M; Liam's ''Walk'' Limps In; ''Where I Leave You'' No. 3 |first=Anita |last=Busch |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=September 21, 2014 |access-date=September 21, 2014 |archive-date=September 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140921123805/https://deadline.com/2014/09/maze-runner-box-office-walk-among-the-tombstones-this-is-where-i-leave-you-837209/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/weekends/month/?mo=09&p=.htm |title=Top Opening Weekends by Month |access-date=September 23, 2014 |archive-date=July 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726212634/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/weekends/month/?mo=09&p=.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> and the 18th highest for a young-adult book adaptation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/genres/chart/?view=openings&id=yaadaptations.htm&p=.htm |title=Young-Adult Book Adaptations (Opening Weekends) |access-date=September 25, 2014 |archive-date=May 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528003507/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/genres/chart/?view=openings&id=yaadaptations.htm&p=.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The film earned a total of $102,272,088 at the North American box office becoming the 26th-highest-grossing film of 2014 in the U.S. and Canada.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?yr=2014 |title=2014 Domestic Grosses |work=Box Office Mojo |access-date=December 31, 2014 |archive-date=July 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721085127/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?yr=2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>


Outside North America, the film debuted in five countries a week prior to its North American release and earned a total of $8.3 million.<ref name="Variety">{{cite news |last=Lang |first=Brent |title='Maze Runner' Off to Fast Start at Foreign Box Office |url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/the-maze-runner-foreign-box-office-1201305496/ |work=Variety.com |date=September 15, 2014 |accessdate=September 15, 2014}}</ref> The film had a similar success overseas during its wide opening second weekend earning $38 million from 7,547 screens in 51 markets. It opened in South Korea with $5.5 million which is higher than the openings of ''[[The Hunger Games (film)|The Hunger Games]]'' and ''[[Divergent (film)|Divergent]]'',<ref name="week1">{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2014/09/maze-runner-lucy-dawn-planet-apes-international-box-office-837897/ |title=‘Maze Runner’ Adds $38M Internationally With No. 1s In 50 Countries; ‘Apes’ Crosses $100M In China |first=Nancy |last=Tartaglione |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=September 21, 2014 |accessdate=September 22, 2014}}</ref> the UK, Ireland and Malta with $3.4 million behind ''[[Gone Girl (film)|Gone Girl]]'',<ref name="week2">{{cite web |url=http://m.screendaily.com/5078554.article |title=Dracula Untold grossed $33.9m from 42 territories as the early tally climbed to $62.6m. Separately Fox International executives said the company's box office has amassed more than $3bn for the year-to-date. |first=Jeremy |last=Kay |work=Screen Daily |date=October 12, 2014 |accessdate=October 13, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2014/10/international-box-office-china-guardians-galaxy-annabelle-gone-girl-849934/ |title=‘Annabelle’ Wins Over ‘Gone Girl’ At Overseas Box Office In Hair-Pulling Race; ‘Dracula’ Drinks Up $34M+; ‘Guardians’ Strong In China; More – Int’l B.O. Final |first=Nancy |last=Tartagloine |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=October 12, 2014 |accessdate=October 13, 2014}}</ref> and China with $14.58 million behind ''[[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014 film)|Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2014/11/international-box-office-guardians-of-the-galaxy-number-2-movie-2014-turtles-china-maze-runner-kung-fu-jungle-happy-new-year-1201271064/ |title=‘Turtles’, ‘Maze Runner’ Top Int’l Box Office Ahead Of ‘Interstellar’ Start: FINAL |first=Nancy |last=Tartaglione |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=November 2, 2014 |accessdate=November 3, 2014}}</ref> Other high openings were witnessed in Russia and the [[Commonwealth of Independent States|CIS]] ($5.75 million), France ($5.2 million), Australia ($3.4 million), Mexico ($2.6 million), Taiwan ($2.2 million) and Brazil ($2 million).<ref name="Variety"/><ref name="week1"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2014/10/international-box-office-guardians-china-winter-soldier-records-dracula-untold-gone-girl-annabelle-maze-runner-ninja-turtles-854649/ |title=Int'l Box Office Update: 'Guardians' Now 3rd Biggest Marvel Movie Ever; 'Dracula Untold', 'Gone Girl', 'Annabelle' Hold Well; Local Action In France, Mexico; More |first=Nancy |last=Tartagloine |date=October 19, 2014 |accessdate=October 21, 2014}}</ref>
Outside North America, the film debuted in five countries a week prior to its North American release and earned a total of $8.3{{nbsp}}million.<ref name="Variety">{{cite news |last=Lang |first=Brent |title=''Maze Runner'' Off to Fast Start at Foreign Box Office |url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/the-maze-runner-foreign-box-office-1201305496/ |work=Variety.com |date=September 15, 2014 |access-date=September 15, 2014 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112022639/https://variety.com/2014/film/news/the-maze-runner-foreign-box-office-1201305496/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The film had a similar success overseas during its wide-opening second weekend earning $38{{nbsp}}million from 7,547 screens in 51 markets. It opened in South Korea with $5.5{{nbsp}}million{{snd}}higher than the openings of ''[[The Hunger Games (film)|The Hunger Games]]'' and ''[[Divergent (film)|Divergent]]'',<ref name="week1">{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2014/09/maze-runner-lucy-dawn-planet-apes-international-box-office-837897/ |title=''Maze Runner'' Adds $38M Internationally With No. 1s In 50 Countries; ''Apes'' Crosses $100M In China |first=Nancy |last=Tartaglione |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=September 21, 2014 |access-date=September 22, 2014 |archive-date=August 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809055508/https://deadline.com/2014/09/maze-runner-lucy-dawn-planet-apes-international-box-office-837897/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the UK, Ireland and Malta with $3.4{{nbsp}}million behind ''[[Gone Girl (film)|Gone Girl]]'',<ref name="week2">{{cite web |last=Kay |first=Jeremy |date=October 12, 2014 |title=Dracula Untold grossed $33.9m from 42 territories as the early tally climbed to $62.6m. Separately Fox International executives said the company's box office has amassed more than $3bn for the year-to-date. |url=https://www.screendaily.com/box-office/dracula-untold-rules-intl-on-34m/5078554.article |url-status=live |access-date=April 10, 2021 |work=Screen Daily |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304061739/http://m.screendaily.com/5078554.article }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2014/10/international-box-office-china-guardians-galaxy-annabelle-gone-girl-849934/ |title=''Annabelle'' Wins Over ''Gone Girl'' At Overseas Box Office In Hair-Pulling Race; ''Dracula'' Drinks Up $34M+; ''Guardians'' Strong In China; More – Int'l B.O. Final |first=Nancy |last=Tartagloine |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=October 12, 2014 |access-date=October 13, 2014 |archive-date=October 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013192511/http://deadline.com/2014/10/international-box-office-china-guardians-galaxy-annabelle-gone-girl-849934/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and China with $14.58{{nbsp}}million behind ''[[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014 film)|Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2014/11/international-box-office-guardians-of-the-galaxy-number-2-movie-2014-turtles-china-maze-runner-kung-fu-jungle-happy-new-year-1201271064/ |title=''Turtles'', ''Maze Runner'' Top Int'l Box Office Ahead Of ''Interstellar'' Start: FINAL |first=Nancy |last=Tartaglione |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=November 2, 2014 |access-date=November 3, 2014 |archive-date=November 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120210658/https://deadline.com/2014/11/international-box-office-guardians-of-the-galaxy-number-2-movie-2014-turtles-china-maze-runner-kung-fu-jungle-happy-new-year-1201271064/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Other high openings were witnessed in Russia and the [[Commonwealth of Independent States|CIS]] ($5.75{{nbsp}}million), France ($5.2{{nbsp}}million), Australia ($3.4{{nbsp}}million), Mexico ($2.6{{nbsp}}million), Taiwan ($2.2{{nbsp}}million) and Brazil ($2{{nbsp}}million).<ref name="Variety" /><ref name="week1" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2014/10/international-box-office-guardians-china-winter-soldier-records-dracula-untold-gone-girl-annabelle-maze-runner-ninja-turtles-854649/ |title=Int'l Box Office Update: ''Guardians'' Now 3rd Biggest Marvel Movie Ever; ''Dracula Untold'', ''Gone Girl'', ''Annabelle'' Hold Well; Local Action In France, Mexico; More |first=Nancy |last=Tartagloine |date=October 19, 2014 |access-date=October 21, 2014 |archive-date=October 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022132359/http://deadline.com/2014/10/international-box-office-guardians-china-winter-soldier-records-dracula-untold-gone-girl-annabelle-maze-runner-ninja-turtles-854649/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


It became the [[Malaysia Yearly Box Office|third highest-grossing film of all time in Malaysia]] for Fox (behind ''[[Avatar (2009 film)|Avatar]]'' and ''[[X-Men: Days of Future Past]]'').<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2014/09/international-box-office-equalizer-maze-runner-lucy-boxtrolls-842566/ |title=Int'l Box Office Update: 'The Equalizer' Clocks $17.8M In Debut; 'Maze Runner' Races To $91M Cume; More |first=Nancy |last=Tartagloine |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=September 28, 2014 |accessdate=September 29, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/the-maze-runner-foreign-box-office-2-1201315819/ |title='The Maze Runner' Tops Foreign Box Office for Second Week |first=Brent |last=Lang |magazine=Variety |date=September 28, 2014 |accessdate=September 29, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://m.hollywoodreporter.com/entry/view/id/658894 |title=International Box Office: 'Maze Runner' Beats 'Equalizer'; 'Lucy' Nears $400M Globally |first=Pamela |last=McClintock |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter |date=September 29, 2014 |accessdate=September 29, 2014}}</ref>
It became the [[List of highest-grossing films in Malaysia|third-highest-grossing film of all time in Malaysia]] for Fox (behind ''[[Avatar (2009 film)|Avatar]]'' and ''[[X-Men: Days of Future Past]]'').<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2014/09/international-box-office-equalizer-maze-runner-lucy-boxtrolls-842566/ |title=Int'l Box Office Update: ''The Equalizer'' Clocks $17.8M In Debut; ''Maze Runner'' Races To $91M Cume; More |first=Nancy |last=Tartagloine |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=September 28, 2014 |access-date=September 29, 2014 |archive-date=September 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923170607/https://deadline.com/2014/09/international-box-office-equalizer-maze-runner-lucy-boxtrolls-842566/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/the-maze-runner-foreign-box-office-2-1201315819/ |title=''The Maze Runner'' Tops Foreign Box Office for Second Week |first=Brent |last=Lang |magazine=Variety |date=September 28, 2014 |access-date=September 29, 2014 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112033358/https://variety.com/2014/film/news/the-maze-runner-foreign-box-office-2-1201315819/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://m.hollywoodreporter.com/entry/view/id/658894 |title=International Box Office: ''Maze Runner'' Beats ''Equalizer''; ''Lucy'' Nears $400M Globally |first=Pamela |last=McClintock |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter |date=September 29, 2014 |access-date=September 29, 2014 |archive-date=September 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140929012834/http://m.hollywoodreporter.com/entry/view/id/658894 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


===Critical response===
===Critical response===


Review aggregator [[Rotten Tomatoes]] assigns the film a score of 65% based on 170 reviews, with an average rating of 5.9/10. The site's consensus states: "With strong acting, a solid premise, and a refreshingly dark approach to its dystopian setting, ''The Maze Runner'' stands out from the crowded field of YA sci-fi adventures".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_maze_runner/ |title=The Maze Runner |work=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |accessdate=December 20, 2019}}</ref> [[Metacritic]] gives the film a score of 57 out of 100, based on 34 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-maze-runner |title=The Maze Runner Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=October 1, 2016}}</ref> Audiences surveyed by CinemaScore gave the film a grade of "A-" on an A+ to F scale.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-maze-runner-surges-734290 |title=Box Office: 'Maze Runner' Surges Friday Night for $30M-Plus Debut; 'Tombstones' Distant No. 2 |accessdate=September 20, 2014 |work=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> According to Tim Ryan of ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'', critics considered the film better than most young adult book-to-film adaptations due to its "strong performances and a creepy, mysterious atmosphere".<ref>{{cite news |last=Ryan |first=Tim |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2014/09/19/the-maze-runner-this-is-where-i-leave-you-a-walk-among-the-tombstones-tusk-review-revue/ |title='The Maze Runner,'This Is Where I Leave You,' 'Tusk': Review Revue |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |date=September 19, 2014 |accessdate=October 13, 2014}}</ref>
Review aggregator [[Rotten Tomatoes]] assigns the film a score of 65% based on 175 reviews, with an average rating of 5.9/10. The site's consensus states: "With strong acting, a solid premise, and a refreshingly dark approach to its dystopian setting, ''The Maze Runner'' stands out from the crowded field of YA sci-fi adventures".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_maze_runner/ |title=The Maze Runner |work=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |access-date=October 17, 2024 |archive-date=November 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118172205/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_maze_runner |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Metacritic]] gives the film a score of 57 out of 100, based on 34 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-maze-runner |title=The Maze Runner Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=October 1, 2016 |archive-date=November 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117062819/https://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-maze-runner |url-status=live }}</ref> Audiences surveyed by CinemaScore gave the film a grade of A− on an A+ to F scale.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-maze-runner-surges-734290 |title=Box Office: ''Maze Runner'' Surges Friday Night for $30M-Plus Debut; ''Tombstones'' Distant No. 2 |access-date=September 20, 2014 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-date=September 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140920182953/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-maze-runner-surges-734290 |url-status=live }}</ref> According to Tim Ryan of ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'', critics considered the film better than most young adult book-to-film adaptations due to its "strong performances and a creepy, mysterious atmosphere".<ref>{{cite news |last=Ryan |first=Tim |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2014/09/19/the-maze-runner-this-is-where-i-leave-you-a-walk-among-the-tombstones-tusk-review-revue/ |title=''The Maze Runner'', ''This Is Where I Leave You'', ''Tusk'': Review Revue |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |date=September 19, 2014 |access-date=October 13, 2014 |archive-date=July 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702042552/https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2014/09/19/the-maze-runner-this-is-where-i-leave-you-a-walk-among-the-tombstones-tusk-review-revue/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


Rafer Guzman of ''[[Newsday]]'' gave the film a three out of four and described it as "solid, well crafted and entertaining".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/movies/the-maze-runner-review-the-hunger-games-for-boys-1.9338758 |title='The Maze Runner' review: 'The Hunger Games' for boys |accessdate=September 18, 2014}}</ref> Christy Lemire of [[RogerEbert.com]] said she found the film intriguing, writing that "it tells us a story we think we've heard countless times before but with a refreshingly different tone and degree of detail".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-maze-runner-2014 |title=THE MAZE RUNNER: Review |accessdate=September 18, 2014}}</ref> The ''[[Seattle Times]]''{{'}}s Soren Anderson said the film was "vastly superior to the book that inspired it" and gave it a score of 3/4.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://seattletimes.com/html/entertainment/2024565097_mazerunnerxml.html?syndication=rss |title='The Maze Runner': Well-cast thriller outpaces the book |accessdate=September 18, 2014}}</ref> Tony Hicks of the ''[[San Jose Mercury News]]'' was "hooked by the combination of fine acting, intriguing premise and riveting scenery".<ref name="mercurynews.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/entertainment/ci_26552668/maze-runner-perks-up-tired-ya-action-formula?source=rss |title=Review: 'The Maze Runner' perks up tired YA action formula |accessdate=September 18, 2014}}</ref> Matthew Toomey of [[ABC Radio (Australia)|ABC Radio Brisbane]] gave the film a grade of A−, giving praise to its intriguing premise saying that "it held [his] attention for its full two hour running time".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thefilmpie.com/index.php/review/3296-review-the-maze-runner |title=Review: The Maze Runner |accessdate=September 18, 2014}}</ref> Justin Lowe of ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' said it was "consistently engaging",<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movie/maze-runner/review/731801 |title='The Maze Runner': Film Review |accessdate=September 18, 2014 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |first=Justin |last=Lowe}}</ref> and [[Ella Taylor]] of ''[[Variety Film Reviews|Variety]]'' wrote "as world-creation YA pictures go, ''The Maze Runner'' feels refreshingly low-tech and properly story-driven".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://variety.com/2014/film/reviews/film-review-the-maze-runner-1201301782/ |title=Film Review: 'The Maze Runner' |accessdate=September 18, 2014 |work=Variety |first=Ella |last=Taylor |date=September 10, 2014}}</ref>
Rafer Guzman of ''[[Newsday]]'' gave the film a three out of four and described it as "solid, well crafted and entertaining".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/movies/the-maze-runner-review-the-hunger-games-for-boys-1.9338758 |title=''The Maze Runner'' review: ''The Hunger Games'' for boys |access-date=September 18, 2014 |archive-date=April 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428011634/https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/movies/the-maze-runner-review-the-hunger-games-for-boys-1.9338758 |url-status=live }}</ref> Christy Lemire of [[RogerEbert.com]] said she found the film intriguing, writing that "it tells us a story we think we've heard countless times before but with a refreshingly different tone and degree of detail".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-maze-runner-2014 |title=THE MAZE RUNNER: Review |access-date=September 18, 2014 |archive-date=September 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140920041444/http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-maze-runner-2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[The Seattle Times]]''{{'}}s Soren Anderson said the film was "vastly superior to the book that inspired it" and gave it a score of 3/4.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/lsquothe-maze-runnerrsquo-well-cast-thriller-outpaces-the-book |title=''The Maze Runner'': Well-cast thriller outpaces the book |date=September 18, 2014 |access-date=April 10, 2021 |archive-date=July 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701080403/https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/lsquothe-maze-runnerrsquo-well-cast-thriller-outpaces-the-book/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Tony Hicks of the ''[[San Jose Mercury News]]'' was "hooked by the combination of fine acting, intriguing premise and riveting scenery".<ref name="mercurynews.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2014/09/17/review-the-maze-runner-perks-up-tired-ya-action-formula |title=Review: ''The Maze Runner'' perks up tired YA action formula |date=September 17, 2014 |access-date=April 10, 2021 |archive-date=January 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123020317/https://www.mercurynews.com/2014/09/17/review-the-maze-runner-perks-up-tired-ya-action-formula/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Matthew Toomey of [[ABC Radio (Australia)|ABC Radio Brisbane]] gave the film a grade of A−, giving praise to its intriguing premise saying that "it held [his] attention for its full two hour running time".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thefilmpie.com/index.php/review/3296-review-the-maze-runner |title=Review: The Maze Runner |access-date=September 18, 2014 |archive-date=April 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428011626/http://www.thefilmpie.com/index.php/review/3296-review-the-maze-runner |url-status=live }}</ref> Justin Lowe of ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' said it was "consistently engaging",<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movie/maze-runner/review/731801 |title=''The Maze Runner'': Film Review |access-date=September 18, 2014 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |first=Justin |last=Lowe |archive-date=September 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140918222330/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movie/maze-runner/review/731801 |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Ella Taylor]] of ''[[Variety Film Reviews|Variety]]'' wrote "as world-creation YA pictures go, ''The Maze Runner'' feels refreshingly low-tech and properly story-driven".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://variety.com/2014/film/reviews/film-review-the-maze-runner-1201301782/ |title=Film Review: ''The Maze Runner'' |access-date=September 18, 2014 |work=Variety |first=Ella |last=Taylor |date=September 10, 2014 |archive-date=September 11, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911040503/http://variety.com/2014/film/reviews/film-review-the-maze-runner-1201301782/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


Michael O'Sullivan of ''[[The Washington Post]]'' said "''The Maze Runner'' unravels a few mysteries, but it spins even more", giving it a 3/4.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/the-maze-runner-movie-review-theres-no-escaping-a-thrilling-cliffhanger/2014/09/18/0aaa6b78-3dda-11e4-9587-5dafd96295f0_story.html |title='The Maze Runner' movie review: There's no escaping a thrilling cliffhanger |accessdate=September 18, 2014 |work=The Washington Post |first=Michael |last=Ou2019sullivan |date=September 18, 2014}}</ref> Stephen Whitty of the ''[[Newark Star-Ledger]]'' wrote "it does leave you wanting to see the next installment. And that's one special effect that very few YA movies ever pull off".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/09/the_maze_runner_review_lost_in_the_ya_labyrinth.html |title='The Maze Runner' review: Escaping the YA labyrinth |accessdate=September 18, 2014}}</ref> Isaac Feldberg of ''We Got This Covered'' awarded the film 8/10 stars, calling it "dark, dangerous and uncommonly thrilling", while extolling it as "one of the most engaging YA adaptations to hit theaters in quite some time."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://wegotthiscovered.com/movies/the-maze-runner-review/ |title=The Maze Runner Review |accessdate=September 23, 2014}}</ref> Rick Bentley of the ''[[Fresno Bee]]'' praised Wes Ball's direction, saying that he "created balance between a thin but solid script and first-rate action&nbsp;– and he doesn't waste a frame doing it".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fresnobee.com/2014/09/17/4129660/action-carries-the-maze-runner.html?sp=/99/1355/209/229/1182/ |title=Action carries 'The Maze Runner' |accessdate=September 18, 2014}}</ref> Bill Zwecker of the ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]'' called it "a well-acted and intelligent thriller/futuristic sci-fi romp".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://entertainment.suntimes.com/entertainment-news/maze-runner-satisfying-sci-fi-ride/ |title='THE MAZE RUNNER': A SATISFYING SCI-FI RIDE |accessdate=September 18, 2014 |work=Chicago Sun-Times |date=September 18, 2014}}</ref> [[Bilge Ebiri]] of ''[[New York (magazine)|New York]]'' magazine said he "was quite riveted".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ebiri |first1=Bilge |title=Not Knowing Anything About The Maze Runner Isn't a Bad Way to See It |url=https://www.vulture.com/2014/09/movie-review-the-maze-runner.html |accessdate=September 27, 2014 |work=vulture.com |date=September 18, 2014}}</ref> [[Michael Sragow]] of the ''[[Orange County Register]]'' gave it a grade of "B" and said, "Ball is deft, though, at evoking claustrophobia of every kind, whether in the open-air prison of the Glade or the actual tight spaces of the Maze. And he elicits a hair-trigger performance from O'Brien".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sragow |first1=Michael |title='Maze Runner' captures a young-adult dystopia |url=http://www.ocregister.com/articles/maze-635592-glade-thomas.html |accessdate=September 27, 2014 |work=ocregister.com |date=September 18, 2014}}</ref>
Michael O'Sullivan of ''[[The Washington Post]]'' said "''The Maze Runner'' unravels a few mysteries, but it spins even more", giving it a 3/4.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/the-maze-runner-movie-review-theres-no-escaping-a-thrilling-cliffhanger/2014/09/18/0aaa6b78-3dda-11e4-9587-5dafd96295f0_story.html |title=''The Maze Runner'' movie review: There's no escaping a thrilling cliffhanger |access-date=September 18, 2014 |newspaper=The Washington Post |first=Michael |last=Ou2019sullivan |date=September 18, 2014 |archive-date=December 5, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205163359/https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/the-maze-runner-movie-review-theres-no-escaping-a-thrilling-cliffhanger/2014/09/18/0aaa6b78-3dda-11e4-9587-5dafd96295f0_story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Stephen Whitty of the ''[[Newark Star-Ledger]]'' wrote "it does leave you wanting to see the next installment. And that's one special effect that very few YA movies ever pull off".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/09/the_maze_runner_review_lost_in_the_ya_labyrinth.html |title=''The Maze Runner'' review: Escaping the YA labyrinth |access-date=September 18, 2014 |archive-date=November 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117125428/http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/09/the_maze_runner_review_lost_in_the_ya_labyrinth.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Isaac Feldberg of ''We Got This Covered'' awarded the film 8/10 stars, calling it "dark, dangerous and uncommonly thrilling", while extolling it as "one of the most engaging YA adaptations to hit theaters in quite some time."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://wegotthiscovered.com/movies/the-maze-runner-review/ |title=The Maze Runner Review |date=September 19, 2014 |access-date=September 23, 2014 |archive-date=September 24, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924112954/http://wegotthiscovered.com/movies/the-maze-runner-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Rick Bentley of ''[[The Fresno Bee]]'' praised Wes Ball's direction, saying that he "created balance between a thin but solid script and first-rate action{{snd}}and he doesn't waste a frame doing it".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fresnobee.com/2014/09/17/4129660/action-carries-the-maze-runner.html?sp=%2F99%2F1355%2F209%2F229%2F1182%2F |title=Action carries ''The Maze Runner'' |access-date=September 18, 2014 |archive-date=September 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140918222924/http://www.fresnobee.com/2014/09/17/4129660/action-carries-the-maze-runner.html?sp=/99/1355/209/229/1182/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Bill Zwecker of the ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]'' called it "a well-acted and intelligent thriller/futuristic sci-fi romp".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://entertainment.suntimes.com/entertainment-news/maze-runner-satisfying-sci-fi-ride/ |title=''THE MAZE RUNNER'': A SATISFYING SCI-FI RIDE |access-date=September 18, 2014 |work=Chicago Sun-Times |date=September 18, 2014 |archive-date=October 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014144639/http://entertainment.suntimes.com/entertainment-news/maze-runner-satisfying-sci-fi-ride/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Bilge Ebiri]] of ''[[New York (magazine)|New York]]'' magazine said he "was quite riveted".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ebiri |first1=Bilge |title=Not Knowing Anything About The Maze Runner Isn't a Bad Way to See It |url=https://www.vulture.com/2014/09/movie-review-the-maze-runner.html |access-date=September 27, 2014 |work=vulture.com |date=September 18, 2014 |archive-date=September 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140923123014/http://www.vulture.com/2014/09/movie-review-the-maze-runner.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Michael Sragow]] of the ''[[Orange County Register]]'' gave it a grade of B and said, "Ball is deft, though, at evoking claustrophobia of every kind, whether in the open-air prison of the Glade or the actual tight spaces of the Maze. And he elicits a hair-trigger performance from O'Brien".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sragow |first1=Michael |title=''Maze Runner'' captures a young-adult dystopia |url=http://www.ocregister.com/articles/maze-635592-glade-thomas.html |access-date=September 27, 2014 |work=ocregister.com |date=September 18, 2014 |archive-date=March 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170324001910/http://www.ocregister.com/articles/maze-635592-glade-thomas.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


Claudia Puig of ''[[USA Today]]'' said "a sci-fi thriller set in a vaguely post-apocalyptic future must create a fully drawn universe to thoroughly captivate the viewer. But ''Maze Runner'' feels only partially formed", giving it a score of 2/4.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2014/09/18/the-maze-runner-review/15476845/ |title='Maze Runner' puzzles, and not in a good way |accessdate=September 18, 2014 |work=USA Today |date=September 18, 2014}}</ref> ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine's [[Richard Corliss]] said "like Jean-Paul Sartre's ''No Exit''-tentialism, but more crowded and with the musk of bottled-up testosterone".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Corliss |first1=Richard |title=Review: The Hunger Games Meets Lord of the Flies in The Maze Runner |url=http://time.com/3394382/the-maze-runner-movie-review/ |accessdate=September 27, 2014 |work=time.com |date=September 17, 2014}}</ref> [[Wesley Morris]] of the website [[Grantland]] said "I think I have a touch of apocalepsy&nbsp;– excessive sleepiness caused by prolonged exposure to three and four-part series in which adolescents rebel against oppressive governments represented by esteemed actors".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Morris |first1=Wesley |title=Small(er) Movie Roundup: Now Big Enough to Include America's YA Movie Flavor of the Week! |url=http://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/movie-review-maze-runner-zero-theorem-drop-skeleton-twins/ |accessdate=September 27, 2014 |work=grantland.com |date=September 24, 2014}}</ref> [[Steven Rea]] of ''[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]'' gave the film a 2.5 out of 4 rating and said "it's bleak business, and as it hurries toward its explosive, expository conclusion, the film becomes nonsensical, too".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rea |first1=Steven |title='The Maze Runner': Mixed-up, confused kids with no directions home |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/movies/20140919__The_Maze_Runner___Mixed-up__confused_kids_with_no_directions_home.html |accessdate=September 27, 2014 |work=philly.com |date=September 18, 2014}}</ref> Film critic [[Ethan Gilsdorf]] of ''[[The Boston Globe]]'' said "teens should eat up this fantasy's scenery-chewing angst and doom, and the hopeful tale of survival and empowerment (to be continued in the inevitable sequel or sequels)".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gilsdorf |first1=Ethan |title='The Maze Runner' comes to the screen |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/movies/2014/09/18/the-maze-runner-comes-screen/bYESg0Z1ROGgyuF9xyDHuI/story.html |accessdate=September 27, 2014 |work=bostonglobe.com |date=September 18, 2014}}</ref>
Claudia Puig of ''[[USA Today]]'' said "a sci-fi thriller set in a vaguely post-apocalyptic future must create a fully drawn universe to thoroughly captivate the viewer. But ''Maze Runner'' feels only partially formed", giving it a score of 2/4.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2014/09/18/the-maze-runner-review/15476845/ |title=''Maze Runner'' puzzles, and not in a good way |access-date=September 18, 2014 |work=USA Today |date=September 18, 2014 |archive-date=November 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171127221522/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2014/09/18/the-maze-runner-review/15476845/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine's [[Richard Corliss]] said "like [[Jean-Paul Sartre]]'s ''No Exit''-tentialism, but more crowded and with the musk of bottled-up testosterone".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Corliss |first1=Richard |title=Review: The Hunger Games Meets Lord of the Flies in The Maze Runner |url=https://time.com/3394382/the-maze-runner-movie-review/ |access-date=September 27, 2014 |work=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=September 17, 2014 |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201165142/http://time.com/3394382/the-maze-runner-movie-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Wesley Morris]] of the website [[Grantland]] said "I think I have a touch of apocalepsy{{snd}}excessive sleepiness caused by prolonged exposure to three- and four-part series in which adolescents rebel against oppressive governments represented by esteemed actors".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Morris |first1=Wesley |title=Small(er) Movie Roundup: Now Big Enough to Include America's YA Movie Flavor of the Week! |url=http://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/movie-review-maze-runner-zero-theorem-drop-skeleton-twins/ |access-date=September 27, 2014 |work=grantland.com |date=September 24, 2014 |archive-date=April 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418192129/http://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/movie-review-maze-runner-zero-theorem-drop-skeleton-twins/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Steven Rea]] of ''[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]'' gave the film a 2.5 out of 4 rating and said "it's bleak business, and as it hurries toward its explosive, expository conclusion, the film becomes nonsensical, too".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rea |first1=Steven |title=''The Maze Runner'': Mixed-up, confused kids with no directions home |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/movies/20140919__The_Maze_Runner___Mixed-up__confused_kids_with_no_directions_home.html |access-date=September 27, 2014 |work=philly.com |date=September 18, 2014 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006131418/http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/movies/20140919__The_Maze_Runner___Mixed-up__confused_kids_with_no_directions_home.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Film critic [[Ethan Gilsdorf]] of ''[[The Boston Globe]]'' said "teens should eat up this fantasy's scenery-chewing angst and doom, and the hopeful tale of survival and empowerment (to be continued in the inevitable sequel or sequels)".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gilsdorf |first1=Ethan |title=''The Maze Runner'' comes to the screen |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/movies/2014/09/18/the-maze-runner-comes-screen/bYESg0Z1ROGgyuF9xyDHuI/story.html |access-date=September 27, 2014 |work=bostonglobe.com |date=September 18, 2014 |archive-date=December 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202052459/http://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/movies/2014/09/18/the-maze-runner-comes-screen/bYESg0Z1ROGgyuF9xyDHuI/story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


===Accolades===
===Accolades===
Line 161: Line 145:
|-
|-
| 2014
| 2014
| [[International Film Music Critics Association|IFMCA Awards]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://filmmusiccritics.org/awards-archive/ifmca-awards-2014/ |title=IFMC Awards 2014 |publisher=IFMCA: the International Film Music Critics Association |accessdate=July 10, 2016}}</ref>
| [[IFMCA Award]]s<ref>{{cite web |url=http://filmmusiccritics.org/awards-archive/ifmca-awards-2014/ |title=IFMC Awards 2014 |date=February 20, 2015 |publisher=IFMCA: the International Film Music Critics Association |access-date=July 10, 2016 |archive-date=October 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031075523/https://filmmusiccritics.org/awards-archive/ifmca-awards-2014/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| Best Original Score for an Action/Adventure/Thriller Film
| Best Original Score for an Action/Adventure/Thriller Film
| data-sort-value="Paesano, John" | [[John Paesano]]
| data-sort-value="Paesano, John" | [[John Paesano]]
| {{nom}}
| {{nom}}
|-
|-
| rowspan="9" |2015
| rowspan="10" |2015
| rowspan="4" |[[MTV Movie Awards]]<ref>{{cite web |first=Madeline |last=Boardman |title=MTV Movie Awards Winners 2015: Complete List |url=http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/mtv-movie-awards-winners-2015-complete-list-2015124 |work=Us Weekly |date=April 12, 2015 |accessdate=May 26, 2016}}</ref>
| rowspan="4" |[[MTV Movie Awards]]<ref>{{cite web |first=Madeline |last=Boardman |title=MTV Movie Awards Winners 2015: Complete List |url=http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/mtv-movie-awards-winners-2015-complete-list-2015124 |work=Us Weekly |date=April 12, 2015 |access-date=May 26, 2016 |archive-date=June 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604124847/http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/mtv-movie-awards-winners-2015-complete-list-2015124 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| [[MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Performance|Best Breakthrough Performance]]
| [[MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Performance|Best Breakthrough Performance]]
| data-sort-value="O'Brien, Dylan" | [[Dylan O'Brien]]
| data-sort-value="O'Brien, Dylan" | [[Dylan O'Brien]]
Line 177: Line 161:
|-
|-
| [[MTV Movie Award for Best Hero|Best Hero]]
| [[MTV Movie Award for Best Hero|Best Hero]]
| data-sort-value="O'Brien, Dylan" |Dylan O'Brien
| data-sort-value="O'Brien, Dylan" | Dylan O'Brien
| {{won}}
| {{won}}
|-
|-
|[[MTV Movie Award for Best Scared-As-S**t Performance|Best Scared-As-S**t Performance]]
|[[MTV Movie Award for Best Scared-As-Shit Performance|Best Scared-As-Shit Performance]]
| data-sort-value="O'Brien, Dylan" |Dylan O'Brien
| data-sort-value="O'Brien, Dylan" |Dylan O'Brien
| {{nom}}
| {{nom}}
|-
|-
| rowspan="5" |[[Teen Choice Awards]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/teen-choice-awards-winners-2015-full-list-1201571268/ |title=2015 Teen Choice Award Winners – Full List |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation]] |date=August 16, 2015 |accessdate=August 17, 2015}}</ref>
| rowspan="5" |[[Teen Choice Awards]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/teen-choice-awards-winners-2015-full-list-1201571268/ |title=2015 Teen Choice Award Winners – Full List |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation]] |date=August 16, 2015 |access-date=August 17, 2015 |archive-date=January 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110215656/http://variety.com/2015/tv/news/teen-choice-awards-winners-2015-full-list-1201571268/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|[[Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie - Action|Choice Movie: Action/Adventure]]
|[[Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Action|Choice Movie: Action/Adventure]]
| data-sort-value="Maze Runner, The" | ''The Maze Runner''
| data-sort-value="Maze Runner, The" | ''The Maze Runner''
| {{nom}}
| {{nom}}
Line 204: Line 188:
| data-sort-value="Scodelario, Kaya" | [[Kaya Scodelario]]
| data-sort-value="Scodelario, Kaya" | [[Kaya Scodelario]]
| {{nom}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[World Soundtrack Awards]]<ref>{{cite web|last1=World Soundtrack Awards|title=Winners of the 15th World Soundtrack Awards|url=http://www.worldsoundtrackawards.com/en/music-blog/winners-of-the-15th-world-soundtrack-awards/24-10-2015/2087|publisher=[[World Soundtrack Academy]]|date=October 24, 2015|accessdate=February 16, 2024|author1-link=World Soundtrack Awards|archive-date=October 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024122953/http://www.worldsoundtrackawards.com/en/music-blog/winners-of-the-15th-world-soundtrack-awards/24-10-2015/2087|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| [[World Soundtrack Award – Public Choice|Public Choice Award]]
| data-sort-value="Paesano, John" | John Paesano
| {{won}}
|-
|-
| 2016
| 2016
| [[Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kids-choice-awards-complete-winners-783761 |title=Kids' Choice Awards 2015: The Complete Winners List |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=March 28, 2015 |accessdate=May 26, 2016}}</ref>
| [[Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kids-choice-awards-complete-winners-783761 |title=Kids' Choice Awards 2015: The Complete Winners List |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=March 28, 2015 |access-date=May 26, 2016 |archive-date=February 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160209001551/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kids-choice-awards-complete-winners-783761 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| Favorite Book
| Favorite Book
| data-sort-value="Dashner, James" | [[James Dashner]]
| data-sort-value="Dashner, James" | [[James Dashner]]
Line 214: Line 203:
==Sequels==
==Sequels==
{{main|Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials|Maze Runner: The Death Cure}}
{{main|Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials|Maze Runner: The Death Cure}}
On October 11, 2013, it was reported that Twentieth Century Fox had acquired the rights to the second book, ''[[The Scorch Trials]]''. A screenplay was written by T. S. Nowlin, with director Wes Ball supervising the scriptwriting.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://collider.com/maze-runner-sequel-movie-scorch-trials/ |title=Fox Hires Writer to Start Work on MAZE RUNNER Sequel THE SCORCH TRIALS |last=Chitwood |first=Adam |date=October 11, 2013 |work=Collider |accessdate=October 11, 2013}}</ref> The sequel was released on September 18, 2015.<ref name="Ryan Kristobak">{{cite web |url=http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/5857998 |title='Maze Runner' Sequel 'The Scorch Trials' Scheduled For 2015 Premiere |first=Ryan |last=Kristobak |work=The Huffington Post |date=September 21, 2014 |accessdate=September 22, 2014}}</ref><ref name="Brent Lang">{{cite news |url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/maze-runner-sequel-september-2015-1201310235/ |title='Maze Runner' Sequel to Hit Theaters in Summer 2015 |first=Brent |last=Lang |work=Variety |date=September 21, 2014 |accessdate=September 22, 2014}}</ref> On July 25, 2014, Ball announced at [[San Diego Comic-Con International]] that filming for the sequel would commence sometime between March and May 2015, should ''The Maze Runner'' become a success when it hits the theaters.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/maze-runner-sequel-the-scorch-trials-concept-art/ |title=The Maze Runner Sequel The Scorch Trials Concept Art Revealed [Comic Con 2014] |last=Sciretta |first=Peter |date=July 25, 2014 |work=slashfilm.com |accessdate=July 26, 2014}}</ref> However, two weeks prior to the film's release [[20th Century Fox]] decided to move ahead with the sequel and pre-production began in early September 2014 in [[New Mexico]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/jarettwieselman/a-maze-runner-sequel-is-already-in-pre-production?s=mobile |title=A "Maze Runner" Sequel Is Already In Pre-Production |first=Jarett |last=Wieselman |date=September 4, 2014 |accessdate=September 6, 2014 |website=Buzzfeed}}</ref> Cast members [[Dylan O'Brien]], [[Kaya Scodelario]], [[Thomas Brodie-Sangster]], [[Ki-Hong Lee]] and [[Patricia Clarkson]] reprised their roles for the sequel, as did director Wes Ball. It was announced that [[Aidan Gillen]] would be joining the film to play Janson ("Rat-Man"),<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/game-thrones-actor-play-villain-734722 |title='Game of Thrones' Actor to Play Villain in 'Maze Runner' Sequel (Exclusive) |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=September 26, 2014 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |accessdate=September 26, 2014}}</ref> as was [[Rosa Salazar]] who portrayed Brenda,<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/rosa-salazar-nabs-key-female-736918 |title=Rosa Salazar Nabs Key Female Role in 'Maze Runner' Sequel (Exclusive) |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=September 30, 2014 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |accessdate=September 30, 2014}}</ref> [[Jacob Lofland]] who starred as Aris Jones,<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/mud-actor-joins-maze-runner-737285 |title='Mud' Actor Joins 'Maze Runner' Sequel (Exclusive) |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=October 1, 2014 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |accessdate=October 1, 2014}}</ref> and [[Giancarlo Esposito]] who played Jorge Gallaraga.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/breaking-bad-actor-joins-maze-737805 |title='Breaking Bad' Actor Joins 'Maze Runner' Sequel 'Scorch Trials' (Exclusive) |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=October 2, 2014 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |accessdate=October 2, 2014}}</ref>
On October 11, 2013, it was reported that Twentieth Century Fox had acquired the rights to the second book, ''[[The Scorch Trials]]''. A screenplay was written by T. S. Nowlin, with director Wes Ball supervising the scriptwriting.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://collider.com/maze-runner-sequel-movie-scorch-trials/ |title=Fox Hires Writer to Start Work on MAZE RUNNER Sequel THE SCORCH TRIALS |last=Chitwood |first=Adam |date=October 11, 2013 |work=Collider |access-date=October 11, 2013 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112003728/https://collider.com/maze-runner-sequel-movie-scorch-trials/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The sequel was released on September 18, 2015.<ref name="Ryan Kristobak">{{cite web |last=Kristobak |first=Ryan |date=September 21, 2014 |title=''Maze Runner'' Sequel ''The Scorch Trials'' Scheduled For 2015 Premiere |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/maze-runner-sequel-premiere_n_5857998 |url-status=live |access-date=April 10, 2021 |work=The Huffington Post |archive-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124141951/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/maze-runner-sequel-premiere_n_5857998 }}</ref><ref name="Brent Lang">{{cite news |url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/maze-runner-sequel-september-2015-1201310235/ |title=''Maze Runner'' Sequel to Hit Theaters in Summer 2015 |first=Brent |last=Lang |work=Variety |date=September 21, 2014 |access-date=September 22, 2014 |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111194304/https://variety.com/2014/film/news/maze-runner-sequel-september-2015-1201310235/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On July 25, 2014, Ball announced at [[San Diego Comic-Con]] that filming for the sequel would commence sometime between March and May 2015, should ''The Maze Runner'' become a success when it hits the theaters.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/maze-runner-sequel-the-scorch-trials-concept-art/ |title=The Maze Runner Sequel The Scorch Trials Concept Art Revealed [Comic Con 2014] |last=Sciretta |first=Peter |date=July 25, 2014 |work=slashfilm.com |access-date=July 26, 2014 |archive-date=August 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809063534/https://www.slashfilm.com/maze-runner-sequel-the-scorch-trials-concept-art/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, two weeks prior to the film's release [[20th Century Fox]] decided to move ahead with the sequel and pre-production began in early September 2014 in [[New Mexico]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/jarettwieselman/a-maze-runner-sequel-is-already-in-pre-production |title=A "Maze Runner" Sequel Is Already In Pre-Production |first=Jarett |last=Wieselman |date=September 4, 2014 |access-date=April 10, 2021 |website=Buzzfeed |archive-date=April 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410125952/https://www.buzzfeed.com/jarettwieselman/a-maze-runner-sequel-is-already-in-pre-production |url-status=live }}</ref> Cast members [[Dylan O'Brien]], [[Kaya Scodelario]], [[Thomas Brodie-Sangster]], [[Ki-Hong Lee]], and [[Patricia Clarkson]] reprised their roles for the sequel, as did director Wes Ball. It was announced that [[Aidan Gillen]] would be joining the film to play Janson ("Rat-Man"),<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/game-thrones-actor-play-villain-734722 |title=''Game of Thrones'' Actor to Play Villain in ''Maze Runner'' Sequel (Exclusive) |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=September 26, 2014 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=September 26, 2014 |archive-date=September 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923094539/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/game-thrones-actor-play-villain-734722 |url-status=live }}</ref> as was [[Rosa Salazar]] who portrayed Brenda,<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/rosa-salazar-nabs-key-female-736918 |title=Rosa Salazar Nabs Key Female Role in ''Maze Runner'' Sequel (Exclusive) |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=September 30, 2014 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=September 30, 2014 |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111203925/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/rosa-salazar-nabs-key-female-736918 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Jacob Lofland]] who starred as Aris Jones,<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/mud-actor-joins-maze-runner-737285 |title=''Mud'' Actor Joins ''Maze Runner'' Sequel (Exclusive) |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=October 1, 2014 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=October 1, 2014 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112012208/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/mud-actor-joins-maze-runner-737285 |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Giancarlo Esposito]] who played Jorge Gallaraga.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/breaking-bad-actor-joins-maze-737805 |title=''Breaking Bad'' Actor Joins ''Maze Runner'' Sequel ''Scorch Trials'' (Exclusive) |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=October 2, 2014 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=October 2, 2014 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112032809/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/breaking-bad-actor-joins-maze-737805 |url-status=live }}</ref>


A second sequel, ''[[Maze Runner: The Death Cure]]'' was released on January 26, 2018.
A second sequel, ''[[Maze Runner: The Death Cure]]'' was released on January 26, 2018.
Line 220: Line 209:
==In pop culture==
==In pop culture==


On February 27, 2020, South Korean [[boy band]] [[BTS]] released their music video "On", which referenced set pieces from ''The Maze Runner''. The homage was noted by source book author Dashner on Twitter.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/bts-on-music-video-watch-maze-runner-reference-easter-egg-jungkook-dylan-obrien-army-a9367306.html |title='BTS: Maze Runner author reacts to reference in ON music video |last=Stolworthy |first=Jacob |date=March 2020 |work=The Independent |accessdate=March 13, 2020}}</ref>
On February 27, 2020, South Korean [[boy band]] [[BTS]] released their music video "On", which referenced set pieces from ''The Maze Runner''. The homage was noted by source book author Dashner on Twitter.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/bts-on-music-video-watch-maze-runner-reference-easter-egg-jungkook-dylan-obrien-army-a9367306.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302130110/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/bts-on-music-video-watch-maze-runner-reference-easter-egg-jungkook-dylan-obrien-army-a9367306.html |archive-date=March 2, 2020 |url-status=live |title=BTS: ''Maze Runner'' author reacts to reference in ON music video |last=Stolworthy |first=Jacob |date=March 1, 2020 |work=The Independent |access-date=March 13, 2020}}</ref>

[[Anson Lo]] said the opening of his 2022 song "King Kong" music video paid tribute to ''The Maze Runner''. He is the director of the music video.<ref>{{cite news |title=《King kong》點擊衝200萬 Anson Lo千字文講感想 MV原稿胎死腹中 |url=https://www.mpweekly.com/entertainment/focus/local/%E3%80%8Aking-kong%E3%80%8B%E9%BB%9E%E6%93%8A%E8%A1%9D200%E8%90%AC-anson-lo%E5%8D%83%E5%AD%97%E6%96%87%E8%AC%9B%E6%84%9F%E6%83%B3-mv%E5%8E%9F%E7%A8%BF%E8%83%8E%E6%AD%BB%E8%85%B9%E4%B8%AD |publisher=Ming Pao Weekly |date=June 13, 2022 |access-date=November 15, 2022 |archive-date=November 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115182644/https://www.mpweekly.com/entertainment/focus/local/%E3%80%8Aking-kong%E3%80%8B%E9%BB%9E%E6%93%8A%E8%A1%9D200%E8%90%AC-anson-lo%E5%8D%83%E5%AD%97%E6%96%87%E8%AC%9B%E6%84%9F%E6%83%B3-mv%E5%8E%9F%E7%A8%BF%E8%83%8E%E6%AD%BB%E8%85%B9%E4%B8%AD |url-status=live }}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 227: Line 218:
==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category||The Maze Runner}}
{{commons category||The Maze Runner}}
* {{wikiquote inline||''The Maze Runner''}}
* {{wikiquote-inline||''The Maze Runner''}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{IMDb title}}
* {{IMDb title}}
Line 234: Line 225:
{{The Maze Runner}}
{{The Maze Runner}}
{{Wes Ball}}
{{Wes Ball}}
{{MTV Movie Award for Best Fight}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Maze Runner, The}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Maze Runner (film), The}}
[[Category:2014 films]]
[[Category:2014 films]]
[[Category:2014 action thriller films]]
[[Category:2014 action thriller films]]
[[Category:2010s adventure films]]
[[Category:2010s science fiction adventure films]]
[[Category:2010s mystery films]]
[[Category:2014 science fiction action films]]
[[Category:2014 science fiction action films]]
[[Category:2010s science fiction thriller films]]
[[Category:2010s teen films]]
[[Category:2010s teen films]]
[[Category:American films]]
[[Category:American action thriller films]]
[[Category:American action thriller films]]
[[Category:American science fiction action films]]
[[Category:American science fiction action films]]
[[Category:American science fiction thriller films]]
[[Category:American science fiction thriller films]]
[[Category:English-language films]]
[[Category:2010s English-language films]]
[[Category:The Maze Runner]]
[[Category:The Maze Runner]]
[[Category:IMAX films]]
[[Category:IMAX films]]
[[Category:Films based on American novels]]
[[Category:Films based on American novels]]
[[Category:Films based on science fiction novels]]
[[Category:Films based on science fiction novels]]
[[Category:Post-apocalyptic films]]
[[Category:Films set in North America]]
[[Category:Science fiction adventure films]]
[[Category:American post-apocalyptic films]]
[[Category:American science fiction adventure films]]
[[Category:Gotham Group films]]
[[Category:Temple Hill Entertainment films]]
[[Category:TSG Entertainment films]]
[[Category:TSG Entertainment films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Wes Ball]]
[[Category:Films directed by Wes Ball]]
[[Category:Running films]]
[[Category:20th Century Fox films]]
[[Category:20th Century Fox films]]
[[Category:2014 directorial debut films]]
[[Category:2014 directorial debut films]]
[[Category:Films produced by Wyck Godfrey]]
[[Category:Films scored by John Paesano]]
[[Category:Teen science fiction films]]
[[Category:2010s American films]]
[[Category:Films based on young adult literature]]
[[Category:English-language science fiction adventure films]]
[[Category:English-language science fiction action films]]
[[Category:English-language action thriller films]]

Latest revision as of 19:52, 26 December 2024

The Maze Runner
Theatrical release poster
Directed byWes Ball
Screenplay by
Based onThe Maze Runner
by James Dashner
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyEnrique Chediak
Edited byDan Zimmerman
Music byJohn Paesano
Production
companies
Distributed by20th Century Fox
Release date
  • September 19, 2014 (2014-09-19) (United States)
Running time
113 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$34 million[1][2]
Box office$348.3 million[1]

The Maze Runner is a 2014 American dystopian science fiction film directed by Wes Ball, in his feature directorial debut, based on James Dashner's 2009 novel of the same name. The film is the first installment in The Maze Runner film series and was produced by Noah Oppenheim, Grant Pierce Myers, and T. S. Nowlin. The film stars Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Will Poulter and Patricia Clarkson. The story follows sixteen-year-old Thomas, portrayed by O'Brien, who awakens in a rusty elevator with no memory of who he is, only to learn that he has been delivered to the middle of an intricate maze, along with many other boys, who have been trying to find their way out of the ever-changing labyrinth – all while establishing a functioning society in what they call the Glade.

Development of The Maze Runner began in January 2011 when Fox purchased the film rights to Dashner's novel with Gotham Group, Temple Hill Entertainment, TSG Entertainment as producers and Catherine Hardwicke intended to direct. In 2012, Ball was hired to direct the film adaptation after presenting an animated short film titled Ruin with a similar tone and was initially considered for a feature-length adaptation. Principal photography began in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on May 13, 2013, and officially concluded on July 12, 2013.

The Maze Runner was released on September 19, 2014, in the United States by 20th Century Fox. The film received positive reviews, with praise for Ball's direction, the actors' performances and the film's tone. Critics considered it to be better than most young adult book-to-film adaptations. The film was first at the box office in its opening weekend, grossing $32.5 million, making it the seventh-highest-grossing debut in September. The film earned over $348 million worldwide at the box office, against its budget of $34 million. A sequel, Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, was released on September 18, 2015, in the United States. A third and final film, Maze Runner: The Death Cure, was released on January 26, 2018.

Plot

[edit]

A teenage boy awakens in an underground elevator with no memory of his identity. He is greeted by a large group of male youths in a large grassy area, called the "Glade", enclosed by massive stone walls. The "Gladers" have formed a rudimentary society with each taking on specialized roles. The boy learns that a vast maze encircles the Glade and is their only means of escape. During the day, designated "Runners" search the maze for an exit and return before its gate closes at sunset. After a fight with Gally, the boy remembers his name is Thomas.

Thomas is attacked by Ben, a Runner who was stung and left delirious by a Griever, one of the biomechanical creatures that roam the maze at night. Ben is forced into the maze by the Gladers, as there is no cure for his condition, and is left to die.

The next morning, Alby, the Glade's leader, and Minho, the lead Runner, retrace Ben's steps inside the maze. However, as the sun begins to set, Minho reappears near the gate, dragging a badly injured Alby who has been stung. Unable to reach the Glade in time, Thomas runs into the maze to help, leaving all three trapped. Thomas is chased by a Griever, which he manages to lure into a closing passageway, crushing it. The three survive the night and return the next morning.

A girl arrives in the elevator with two syringes of Griever anti-venom and a note saying she is the last to enter the Glade. She recognizes Thomas, but he does not remember her. Gally accuses Thomas of disrupting the peace between the Gladers and the Grievers and insists he be punished. However, Newt, Alby's second-in-command, designates Thomas as a Runner instead. Thomas, Minho, Frypan, Winston, and Zart enter the maze to locate the Griever's corpse and retrieve a mechanical device from inside it. Minho later shows Thomas a model of the maze based on previous explorations and explains that numbered sections open and close in a fixed sequence. Thomas realizes that the device corresponds to a specific section of the maze. One of the anti-venom syringes is used on Alby, who recovers quickly. Minho and Thomas venture back into the maze with the device and discover a potential exit. However, a series of traps activate, forcing them to retreat.

Later that night, the maze entrance does not close, and additional gates open, allowing Grievers to invade the Glade. Alby, Zart, and many other Gladers are killed; Gally blames Thomas for the chaos. Thomas, who has been experiencing fragmented memory flashes since his arrival, stabs himself with a severed Griever's stinger to recover his memories before receiving the last dose of the anti-venom. While unconscious, Thomas remembers that he and Teresa once worked for WCKD, the organization behind the maze, and that all the Gladers are being used as test subjects for an experiment. He awakens and reveals his past.

Gally, having taken command overnight, plans to sacrifice Thomas and Teresa to the Grievers, believing it will restore peace. However, several Gladers free them and enter the maze, while Gally and a few others stay behind. Jeff and several other Gladers are killed by Grievers as the rest escape through the maze exit.

The Gladers eventually reach a laboratory strewn with corpses. In a video recording, WCKD scientist Ava Paige explains that a massive solar flare followed by a pandemic caused by the Flare virus has devastated the planet, and the Gladers were part of an experiment aimed at finding a cure. The recording ends with Paige shooting herself as armed personnel storm the lab. Gally, having been stung by a Griever while following the group, declares that they will never be free and fires a gun at Thomas. Minho spears Gally, but not before he fatally shoots Chuck. As Thomas mourns Chuck, masked soldiers arrive and escort them to a helicopter, which flies over a vast desert wasteland toward a ruined city.

Later, the supposedly dead scientists gather in a room with Paige, who remarks that the experiment was a success and that the survivors are now entering Phase Two.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

On January 4, 2011, it was announced that 20th Century Fox had obtained the rights to a film adaptation of The Maze Runner by James Dashner, with Catherine Hardwicke attached to direct.[3] On August 23, 2012 Wes Ball was confirmed to direct the film, with Gotham Group as producers.[4] Ball produced an animated science fiction post-apocalyptic short film, titled Ruin, and presented the short in 3D to 20th Century Fox. The studio initially considered a film adaptation of the short film, as it had the same tone of The Maze Runner novel they already planned to bring to the screen. Ball was then offered the chance to direct the novel adaptation.[5]

Griever design

[edit]

In late 2012, director Wes Ball hired creature designer Ken Barthelmey to design the Grievers. Impressed by Barthelmey's test design, Ball asked him to add a mechanical scorpion tail. Barthelmey's inspirations for the Grievers included coconut crabs, caterpillars and piranhas. Barthelmey also worked on several Maze, Beetle Blade (cut from the film), and Crank designs.[6]

Casting

[edit]

For the role of Teresa, Kaya Scodelario was Ball's first choice as she was "fantastic" and because he loved her in the TV show Skins. Dylan O'Brien, the lead role, was initially rejected by Ball. Ball recounts, "Dylan was actually... I saw him early on, very early on and I overlooked him. It was a big learning experience there because I overlooked him because of his hair. He had Teen Wolf hair and I couldn't see past that and so we were looking for our Thomas and it's a tough role to make because he comes in as a boy and he leaves as a man, so it can't be like this badass action star that comes into this movie. It's about vulnerability upfront and then he comes out of it and comes into his own and then the next movies are about the leader that emerges from the group. So finally Fox says 'We just did this movie, The Internship. There's this kid that's in this thing. He's like 20 years old. We think he's kind of got something.' So I watched his tape and was like 'Wait a minute, I've seen this kid before.' I looked him up online and there was one picture of him with a totally shaved head and it's this sweet vulnerable-looking kid and I was like 'Whoa, interesting.' I said, 'Wait a minute, he's just so familiar and I looked back at my old audition tapes, which we had thousands of, and there's Dylan. That guy I said 'No, definitely not him.' So we brought him back in and we started to talk with him and I'm like 'he's the coolest dude ever.'" Blake Cooper entered the film via Twitter. Ball revealed a lot on Twitter, and many kids wanted to be Chuck. Cooper constantly bugged Ball, until Ball told him to give his tape to his casting director, and Ball was impressed by Cooper's tape and cast him.[5]

Filming

[edit]

Principal photography started in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on May 13, 2013,[7] and officially ended on July 12, 2013.[8] Post-production on the film was completed in June 2014.

Soundtrack

[edit]

Composed by John Paesano, the soundtrack consists of 21 tracks and was released on September 16, 2014.[9]

Release

[edit]

The film was originally set to be released on February 14, 2014.[10] On October 5, 2013, the film was pushed back.[11] IMAX theaters released the film on September 19, 2014.[12]

Marketing

[edit]
Kaya Scodelario and Dylan O'Brien at a panel for the film at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2014

Eleven character cards for the film were released in July 2013. Starting in January 2014, director Wes Ball released one image from the film once a week, leading up to the film's first trailer released on March 17, 2014.[13] A viral marketing campaign launched by 20th Century Fox began on April 16, 2014. The campaign is a website featuring the main characters while focusing on WCKD, an organization in Dashner's novel series of the same name. The website has the domain wckdisgood.com.[14]

On June 26, 2014, O'Brien tweeted that the original The Maze Runner book would be re-released with a new book cover based on the film's poster.[15] On July 29, 2014, the second trailer for the film was released exclusively on Yahoo! Movies.[16]

Reception

[edit]

Box office

[edit]

The film grossed $102,427,862 in North America and more than $245.8 million in other territories for a worldwide total of $348.3 million.[17]

Prior to its release in the U.S. and Canada, box office analysts predicted the film would be a box office success, citing effective marketing, good word-of-mouth publicity and a solid release date. Preliminary reports predicted the film would open with takings of over $30–32 million in North America.[18][19][20][21] According to movie-ticket sale website Fandango, The Maze Runner was the biggest seller accounting for more than 50% of early tickets sales.[22] The film was released on September 19, 2014, in the United States and Canada across 3,604 locations and over 350 IMAX theaters.[23][24] It earned $1.1 million from Thursday night shows,[25] and $11.25 million on its opening day.[26] It topped the box office on its opening weekend with $32.5 million of which 9% of the gross came from IMAX theaters.[27] Its opening weekend gross is the seventh highest for a film released in September,[28][29] and the 18th highest for a young-adult book adaptation.[30] The film earned a total of $102,272,088 at the North American box office becoming the 26th-highest-grossing film of 2014 in the U.S. and Canada.[31]

Outside North America, the film debuted in five countries a week prior to its North American release and earned a total of $8.3 million.[32] The film had a similar success overseas during its wide-opening second weekend earning $38 million from 7,547 screens in 51 markets. It opened in South Korea with $5.5 million – higher than the openings of The Hunger Games and Divergent,[33] the UK, Ireland and Malta with $3.4 million behind Gone Girl,[34][35] and China with $14.58 million behind Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.[36] Other high openings were witnessed in Russia and the CIS ($5.75 million), France ($5.2 million), Australia ($3.4 million), Mexico ($2.6 million), Taiwan ($2.2 million) and Brazil ($2 million).[32][33][37]

It became the third-highest-grossing film of all time in Malaysia for Fox (behind Avatar and X-Men: Days of Future Past).[38][39][40]

Critical response

[edit]

Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes assigns the film a score of 65% based on 175 reviews, with an average rating of 5.9/10. The site's consensus states: "With strong acting, a solid premise, and a refreshingly dark approach to its dystopian setting, The Maze Runner stands out from the crowded field of YA sci-fi adventures".[41] Metacritic gives the film a score of 57 out of 100, based on 34 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[42] Audiences surveyed by CinemaScore gave the film a grade of A− on an A+ to F scale.[43] According to Tim Ryan of The Wall Street Journal, critics considered the film better than most young adult book-to-film adaptations due to its "strong performances and a creepy, mysterious atmosphere".[44]

Rafer Guzman of Newsday gave the film a three out of four and described it as "solid, well crafted and entertaining".[45] Christy Lemire of RogerEbert.com said she found the film intriguing, writing that "it tells us a story we think we've heard countless times before but with a refreshingly different tone and degree of detail".[46] The Seattle Times's Soren Anderson said the film was "vastly superior to the book that inspired it" and gave it a score of 3/4.[47] Tony Hicks of the San Jose Mercury News was "hooked by the combination of fine acting, intriguing premise and riveting scenery".[48] Matthew Toomey of ABC Radio Brisbane gave the film a grade of A−, giving praise to its intriguing premise saying that "it held [his] attention for its full two hour running time".[49] Justin Lowe of The Hollywood Reporter said it was "consistently engaging",[50] and Ella Taylor of Variety wrote "as world-creation YA pictures go, The Maze Runner feels refreshingly low-tech and properly story-driven".[51]

Michael O'Sullivan of The Washington Post said "The Maze Runner unravels a few mysteries, but it spins even more", giving it a 3/4.[52] Stephen Whitty of the Newark Star-Ledger wrote "it does leave you wanting to see the next installment. And that's one special effect that very few YA movies ever pull off".[53] Isaac Feldberg of We Got This Covered awarded the film 8/10 stars, calling it "dark, dangerous and uncommonly thrilling", while extolling it as "one of the most engaging YA adaptations to hit theaters in quite some time."[54] Rick Bentley of The Fresno Bee praised Wes Ball's direction, saying that he "created balance between a thin but solid script and first-rate action – and he doesn't waste a frame doing it".[55] Bill Zwecker of the Chicago Sun-Times called it "a well-acted and intelligent thriller/futuristic sci-fi romp".[56] Bilge Ebiri of New York magazine said he "was quite riveted".[57] Michael Sragow of the Orange County Register gave it a grade of B and said, "Ball is deft, though, at evoking claustrophobia of every kind, whether in the open-air prison of the Glade or the actual tight spaces of the Maze. And he elicits a hair-trigger performance from O'Brien".[58]

Claudia Puig of USA Today said "a sci-fi thriller set in a vaguely post-apocalyptic future must create a fully drawn universe to thoroughly captivate the viewer. But Maze Runner feels only partially formed", giving it a score of 2/4.[59] Time magazine's Richard Corliss said "like Jean-Paul Sartre's No Exit-tentialism, but more crowded and with the musk of bottled-up testosterone".[60] Wesley Morris of the website Grantland said "I think I have a touch of apocalepsy – excessive sleepiness caused by prolonged exposure to three- and four-part series in which adolescents rebel against oppressive governments represented by esteemed actors".[61] Steven Rea of The Philadelphia Inquirer gave the film a 2.5 out of 4 rating and said "it's bleak business, and as it hurries toward its explosive, expository conclusion, the film becomes nonsensical, too".[62] Film critic Ethan Gilsdorf of The Boston Globe said "teens should eat up this fantasy's scenery-chewing angst and doom, and the hopeful tale of survival and empowerment (to be continued in the inevitable sequel or sequels)".[63]

Accolades

[edit]
List of awards and nominations
Year Award Category Nominee(s) Result
2014 IFMCA Awards[64] Best Original Score for an Action/Adventure/Thriller Film John Paesano Nominated
2015 MTV Movie Awards[65] Best Breakthrough Performance Dylan O'Brien Won
Best Fight Dylan O'Brien and Will Poulter Won
Best Hero Dylan O'Brien Won
Best Scared-As-Shit Performance Dylan O'Brien Nominated
Teen Choice Awards[66] Choice Movie: Action/Adventure The Maze Runner Nominated
Choice Movie: Breakout Star Thomas Brodie-Sangster Nominated
Choice Movie: Chemistry Dylan O'Brien and Thomas Brodie-Sangster Nominated
Choice Movie Actor: Action/Adventure Dylan O'Brien Nominated
Choice Movie Actress: Action/Adventure Kaya Scodelario Nominated
World Soundtrack Awards[67] Public Choice Award John Paesano Won
2016 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards[68] Favorite Book James Dashner Nominated

Sequels

[edit]

On October 11, 2013, it was reported that Twentieth Century Fox had acquired the rights to the second book, The Scorch Trials. A screenplay was written by T. S. Nowlin, with director Wes Ball supervising the scriptwriting.[69] The sequel was released on September 18, 2015.[70][71] On July 25, 2014, Ball announced at San Diego Comic-Con that filming for the sequel would commence sometime between March and May 2015, should The Maze Runner become a success when it hits the theaters.[72] However, two weeks prior to the film's release 20th Century Fox decided to move ahead with the sequel and pre-production began in early September 2014 in New Mexico.[73] Cast members Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Ki-Hong Lee, and Patricia Clarkson reprised their roles for the sequel, as did director Wes Ball. It was announced that Aidan Gillen would be joining the film to play Janson ("Rat-Man"),[74] as was Rosa Salazar who portrayed Brenda,[75] Jacob Lofland who starred as Aris Jones,[76] and Giancarlo Esposito who played Jorge Gallaraga.[77]

A second sequel, Maze Runner: The Death Cure was released on January 26, 2018.

In pop culture

[edit]

On February 27, 2020, South Korean boy band BTS released their music video "On", which referenced set pieces from The Maze Runner. The homage was noted by source book author Dashner on Twitter.[78]

Anson Lo said the opening of his 2022 song "King Kong" music video paid tribute to The Maze Runner. He is the director of the music video.[79]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "The Maze Runner (2014)". Box Office Mojo. September 19, 2014. Archived from the original on July 26, 2019. Retrieved February 3, 2015.
  2. ^ Bahr, Lindsey (September 18, 2014). "Box office preview: Maze Runner teens prepare to battle Liam Neeson". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on December 21, 2014. Retrieved September 24, 2014.
  3. ^ Zeitchik, Steven (January 4, 2011). "Young-adult sensation The Maze Runner gets ready to run the movie gantlet (Updated)". The Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on November 14, 2012. Retrieved February 5, 2012.
  4. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (August 23, 2012). "Fox Sets Wes Ball To Helm 'Maze Runner'". Deadline. Archived from the original on December 4, 2021. Retrieved December 4, 2021.
  5. ^ a b "Director Wes Ball Talks How He Landed the Job, Finding His Cast, Mixing LORD OF THE FLIES with LOST, and More on the Set of THE MAZE RUNNER". collider.com. May 3, 2014. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved October 5, 2014.
  6. ^ "The Maze Runner". Archived from the original on May 5, 2015. Retrieved May 29, 2022.
  7. ^ "Maze Runner Movie Set". jamesdashner.com. Archived from the original on September 24, 2014. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
  8. ^ "The Maze Runner Movie Release Date, News, and Updates: 2 New Clips Released in Anticipation of The Premiere". hallels.com. Archived from the original on September 13, 2014. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
  9. ^ "The Maze Runner [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]". AllMusic. Archived from the original on March 15, 2016. Retrieved March 4, 2016.
  10. ^ Fleming, Mike (April 23, 2013). "Tweets Lead Blake Cooper To Maze Runner Role". Deadline. Archived from the original on August 27, 2014. Retrieved May 25, 2016.
  11. ^ "Fault in Our Stars Gets Release Date, Maze Runner Pushed Back - ComingSoon.net". October 5, 2013. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  12. ^ Vlessing, Etan (August 26, 2014). "Imax to Release Fox's The Maze Runner". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on August 27, 2014. Retrieved August 27, 2014.
  13. ^ Zalben, Alex (March 17, 2014). "The Maze Runner: Watch The Full Trailer Now". mtv.com. Archived from the original on March 18, 2014. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
  14. ^ "All Star Coffee". www.wckdisgood.com. Archived from the original on April 17, 2018. Retrieved September 13, 2014.
  15. ^ @dylanobrien (June 25, 2014). "Congratulations @jamesdashner on the new book cover! Thank you for creating this story brother :)" (Tweet). Retrieved September 13, 2014 – via Twitter.
  16. ^ "Check Out the Exclusive New Trailer for The Maze Runner". July 29, 2014. Archived from the original on September 16, 2017. Retrieved July 29, 2014.
  17. ^ "The Maze Runner (2014)". The Numbers. Archived from the original on November 20, 2020. Retrieved September 8, 2015.
  18. ^ Busch, Anita (September 20, 2014). "Box Office Friday: Maze Runner Over $30M; Liam's Leisurely Walk To $14M; Where I Leave You Stays Put At No. 3". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on September 21, 2014. Retrieved September 21, 2014.
  19. ^ Mendelson, Scott (September 20, 2014). "Box Office: Maze Runner Sprints To $11.25M Friday, $30M+ Weekend". Forbes. Archived from the original on November 11, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2014.
  20. ^ Khatchatourin, Maane (September 20, 2014). "Box Office: Maze Runner Outpaces Liam Neeson on Way to $31 Million Debut". Variety. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2014.
  21. ^ Subers, Ray (September 20, 2014). "Friday Report: Maze Runner Quick Out of the Gate". Box Office Mojo. Archived from the original on May 28, 2019. Retrieved September 21, 2014.
  22. ^ Pomerantz, Dorothy (September 19, 2014). "Does The Maze Runner Mark The Beginning Of The End Of The YA Movie Craze?". Forbes. Archived from the original on March 11, 2018. Retrieved September 21, 2014.
  23. ^ Lang, Brent (September 17, 2014). "Box Office: Maze Runner Will Outrace Walk Among the Tombstones". Variety. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved September 19, 2014.
  24. ^ Busch, Anita (September 18, 2014). "Box Office Preview: Maze Runner To Put Tombstones In Ground; This Is Where I Leave You Debuts". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on December 5, 2019. Retrieved September 19, 2014.
  25. ^ Busch, Anita (September 19, 2014). "Box Office Late Nights: Maze Runner Off To Good Start With $1.1M, Tombstones Takes In $480K". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved September 19, 2014.
  26. ^ Busch, Anita (September 20, 2014). "Box Office Friday: Maze Runner Over $30M; Liam's Leisurely Walk To $14M; Where I Leave You Stays Put At No. 3". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on September 21, 2014. Retrieved September 20, 2014.
  27. ^ Mendelson, Scott (September 21, 2014). "Box Office: Maze Runner Races To $32.5M Weekend, Kevin Smith's Tusk Bombs". Variety. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2014.
  28. ^ Busch, Anita (September 21, 2014). "Box Office Sunday: Maze Runner Finds $32.5M; Liam's Walk Limps In; Where I Leave You No. 3". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on September 21, 2014. Retrieved September 21, 2014.
  29. ^ "Top Opening Weekends by Month". Archived from the original on July 26, 2019. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  30. ^ "Young-Adult Book Adaptations (Opening Weekends)". Archived from the original on May 28, 2019. Retrieved September 25, 2014.
  31. ^ "2014 Domestic Grosses". Box Office Mojo. Archived from the original on July 21, 2019. Retrieved December 31, 2014.
  32. ^ a b Lang, Brent (September 15, 2014). "Maze Runner Off to Fast Start at Foreign Box Office". Variety.com. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved September 15, 2014.
  33. ^ a b Tartaglione, Nancy (September 21, 2014). "Maze Runner Adds $38M Internationally With No. 1s In 50 Countries; Apes Crosses $100M In China". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on August 9, 2020. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
  34. ^ Kay, Jeremy (October 12, 2014). "Dracula Untold grossed $33.9m from 42 territories as the early tally climbed to $62.6m. Separately Fox International executives said the company's box office has amassed more than $3bn for the year-to-date". Screen Daily. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  35. ^ Tartagloine, Nancy (October 12, 2014). "Annabelle Wins Over Gone Girl At Overseas Box Office In Hair-Pulling Race; Dracula Drinks Up $34M+; Guardians Strong In China; More – Int'l B.O. Final". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on October 13, 2014. Retrieved October 13, 2014.
  36. ^ Tartaglione, Nancy (November 2, 2014). "Turtles, Maze Runner Top Int'l Box Office Ahead Of Interstellar Start: FINAL". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 20, 2020. Retrieved November 3, 2014.
  37. ^ Tartagloine, Nancy (October 19, 2014). "Int'l Box Office Update: Guardians Now 3rd Biggest Marvel Movie Ever; Dracula Untold, Gone Girl, Annabelle Hold Well; Local Action In France, Mexico; More". Archived from the original on October 22, 2014. Retrieved October 21, 2014.
  38. ^ Tartagloine, Nancy (September 28, 2014). "Int'l Box Office Update: The Equalizer Clocks $17.8M In Debut; Maze Runner Races To $91M Cume; More". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on September 23, 2020. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
  39. ^ Lang, Brent (September 28, 2014). "The Maze Runner Tops Foreign Box Office for Second Week". Variety. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
  40. ^ McClintock, Pamela (September 29, 2014). "International Box Office: Maze Runner Beats Equalizer; Lucy Nears $400M Globally". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on September 29, 2014. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
  41. ^ "The Maze Runner". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on November 18, 2020. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  42. ^ "The Maze Runner Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on November 17, 2020. Retrieved October 1, 2016.
  43. ^ "Box Office: Maze Runner Surges Friday Night for $30M-Plus Debut; Tombstones Distant No. 2". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on September 20, 2014. Retrieved September 20, 2014.
  44. ^ Ryan, Tim (September 19, 2014). "The Maze Runner, This Is Where I Leave You, Tusk: Review Revue". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on July 2, 2018. Retrieved October 13, 2014.
  45. ^ "The Maze Runner review: The Hunger Games for boys". Archived from the original on April 28, 2018. Retrieved September 18, 2014.
  46. ^ "THE MAZE RUNNER: Review". Archived from the original on September 20, 2014. Retrieved September 18, 2014.
  47. ^ "The Maze Runner: Well-cast thriller outpaces the book". September 18, 2014. Archived from the original on July 1, 2022. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  48. ^ "Review: The Maze Runner perks up tired YA action formula". September 17, 2014. Archived from the original on January 23, 2021. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  49. ^ "Review: The Maze Runner". Archived from the original on April 28, 2018. Retrieved September 18, 2014.
  50. ^ Lowe, Justin. "The Maze Runner: Film Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on September 18, 2014. Retrieved September 18, 2014.
  51. ^ Taylor, Ella (September 10, 2014). "Film Review: The Maze Runner". Variety. Archived from the original on September 11, 2014. Retrieved September 18, 2014.
  52. ^ Ou2019sullivan, Michael (September 18, 2014). "The Maze Runner movie review: There's no escaping a thrilling cliffhanger". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on December 5, 2017. Retrieved September 18, 2014.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  53. ^ "The Maze Runner review: Escaping the YA labyrinth". Archived from the original on November 17, 2017. Retrieved September 18, 2014.
  54. ^ "The Maze Runner Review". September 19, 2014. Archived from the original on September 24, 2014. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  55. ^ "Action carries The Maze Runner". Archived from the original on September 18, 2014. Retrieved September 18, 2014.
  56. ^ "THE MAZE RUNNER: A SATISFYING SCI-FI RIDE". Chicago Sun-Times. September 18, 2014. Archived from the original on October 14, 2014. Retrieved September 18, 2014.
  57. ^ Ebiri, Bilge (September 18, 2014). "Not Knowing Anything About The Maze Runner Isn't a Bad Way to See It". vulture.com. Archived from the original on September 23, 2014. Retrieved September 27, 2014.
  58. ^ Sragow, Michael (September 18, 2014). "Maze Runner captures a young-adult dystopia". ocregister.com. Archived from the original on March 24, 2017. Retrieved September 27, 2014.
  59. ^ "Maze Runner puzzles, and not in a good way". USA Today. September 18, 2014. Archived from the original on November 27, 2017. Retrieved September 18, 2014.
  60. ^ Corliss, Richard (September 17, 2014). "Review: The Hunger Games Meets Lord of the Flies in The Maze Runner". Time. Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved September 27, 2014.
  61. ^ Morris, Wesley (September 24, 2014). "Small(er) Movie Roundup: Now Big Enough to Include America's YA Movie Flavor of the Week!". grantland.com. Archived from the original on April 18, 2018. Retrieved September 27, 2014.
  62. ^ Rea, Steven (September 18, 2014). "The Maze Runner: Mixed-up, confused kids with no directions home". philly.com. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved September 27, 2014.
  63. ^ Gilsdorf, Ethan (September 18, 2014). "The Maze Runner comes to the screen". bostonglobe.com. Archived from the original on December 2, 2017. Retrieved September 27, 2014.
  64. ^ "IFMC Awards 2014". IFMCA: the International Film Music Critics Association. February 20, 2015. Archived from the original on October 31, 2020. Retrieved July 10, 2016.
  65. ^ Boardman, Madeline (April 12, 2015). "MTV Movie Awards Winners 2015: Complete List". Us Weekly. Archived from the original on June 4, 2016. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
  66. ^ "2015 Teen Choice Award Winners – Full List". Variety. Penske Media Corporation. August 16, 2015. Archived from the original on January 10, 2016. Retrieved August 17, 2015.
  67. ^ World Soundtrack Awards (October 24, 2015). "Winners of the 15th World Soundtrack Awards". World Soundtrack Academy. Archived from the original on October 24, 2016. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  68. ^ "Kids' Choice Awards 2015: The Complete Winners List". The Hollywood Reporter. March 28, 2015. Archived from the original on February 9, 2016. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
  69. ^ Chitwood, Adam (October 11, 2013). "Fox Hires Writer to Start Work on MAZE RUNNER Sequel THE SCORCH TRIALS". Collider. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
  70. ^ Kristobak, Ryan (September 21, 2014). "Maze Runner Sequel The Scorch Trials Scheduled For 2015 Premiere". The Huffington Post. Archived from the original on January 24, 2021. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  71. ^ Lang, Brent (September 21, 2014). "Maze Runner Sequel to Hit Theaters in Summer 2015". Variety. Archived from the original on November 11, 2020. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
  72. ^ Sciretta, Peter (July 25, 2014). "The Maze Runner Sequel The Scorch Trials Concept Art Revealed [Comic Con 2014]". slashfilm.com. Archived from the original on August 9, 2020. Retrieved July 26, 2014.
  73. ^ Wieselman, Jarett (September 4, 2014). "A "Maze Runner" Sequel Is Already In Pre-Production". Buzzfeed. Archived from the original on April 10, 2021. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  74. ^ Kit, Borys (September 26, 2014). "Game of Thrones Actor to Play Villain in Maze Runner Sequel (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on September 23, 2020. Retrieved September 26, 2014.
  75. ^ Kit, Borys (September 30, 2014). "Rosa Salazar Nabs Key Female Role in Maze Runner Sequel (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on November 11, 2020. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  76. ^ Kit, Borys (October 1, 2014). "Mud Actor Joins Maze Runner Sequel (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
  77. ^ Kit, Borys (October 2, 2014). "Breaking Bad Actor Joins Maze Runner Sequel Scorch Trials (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
  78. ^ Stolworthy, Jacob (March 1, 2020). "BTS: Maze Runner author reacts to reference in ON music video". The Independent. Archived from the original on March 2, 2020. Retrieved March 13, 2020.
  79. ^ "《King kong》點擊衝200萬 Anson Lo千字文講感想 MV原稿胎死腹中". Ming Pao Weekly. June 13, 2022. Archived from the original on November 15, 2022. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
[edit]