The first trailer for the Young Adult adaptation of THE MAZE RUNNER has arrived, featuring a post-apocalyptic/dystopian society where a group of teenagers struggle to survive in a maze structure that is guarded by hideous creatures called Grievers. Based on the best-selling book by author James Dashner, the pic is directed by Wes Ball (BEGINNERS) and stars a host of up-and-coming teen stars, including Dylan O'Brien, Will Poulter, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, and veteran actress Patricia Clarkson. It's got all the makings of a futuristic YA yarn, but dispenses with the romance angle that seems to plague the genre as a whole.
Get lost in the maze:
Here's the synopsis:
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, young Thomas is deposited in a community of boys after his memory is erased, soon learning they're all trapped in a maze that will require him to join forces with fellow "runners" for a shot at escape.
I'd never even heard of this until a few months back, but now, after seeing the trailer, I'm actually inclined to pick up the book. It seems to have a pretty solid cult following and is, of course, the first part of a trilogy (with a prequel tossed in for good measure). So, there's more to mine from this potential franchise-maker, but that will ultimately be decided on how well this first entry does. Looks promising so far.
THE MAZE RUNNER opens on September 19, 2014.