Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials

Lore & Background

The plot begins immediately after the first film, with Thomas and the surviving Gladers escaping WCKD's facilities. They are taken to a facility run by Mr. Janson, who claims it is a haven from the infected Cranks. Thomas discovers Janson is working with WCKD and that Ava Paige is still alive. The group escapes into the Scorch, a desolate landscape, and seeks the Right Arm resistance group. Along the way, they encounter Brenda and Jorge, lose Winston to infection, and eventually reach the Right Arm's mountain outpost. Teresa betrays them by transmitting the camp's location to WCKD, leading to an attack that results in the capture of several Immunes. Thomas resolves to rescue them and fight WCKD.

Reader's Guide

Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials received mixed reviews, with critics praising its action sequences and performances but criticizing its lack of plot and character advancement. Despite this, it was a commercial success, grossing $312 million worldwide and debuting at number one at the US box office. The film expanded the cast with actors such as Giancarlo Esposito, Aidan Gillen, Barry Pepper, and Lili Taylor. It was released in 2D, 3D, 4DX, and Barco Escape formats, though its IMAX release was canceled except in Japan. The film set up the concluding entry, Maze Runner: The Death Cure, released in 2018.

Did You Know?

• Filming began in Albuquerque, New Mexico on October 27, 2014, and concluded on January 27, 2015, lasting 94 days.
• The film was originally set for IMAX release, but this was canceled except in Japan, as Everest had all worldwide IMAX screens booked.
• Creature designer Ken Barthelmey returned to design the 'Cranks' for the film.
• John Paesano returned to compose the score, with the soundtrack released on September 11, 2015.