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History of Maze Runner Timeline
(2009 – Present)The Maze Runner is a young adult dystopian science fiction series written by James Dashner. Beginning with the publication of the first novel in 2009, the franchise expanded to include prequels and sequels, and was adapted into a successful film trilogy by 20th Century Fox starring Dylan O'Brien. The story follows Thomas and other teenagers trapped in the Glade, a mysterious place surrounded by an ever-changing maze, as they uncover the truth about the apocalyptic Flare virus and the organization WICKED. More Less
Book Series
James Dashner begins writing The Maze Runner
2005
Author James Dashner began drafting the story of Thomas and a group of boys trapped in a mysterious maze, drawing inspiration from Lord of the Flies and Lost. The manuscript would eventually become the debut of his dystopian series.
Image source: The Maze Runner
The Maze Runner is published by Delacorte Press
Oct 6, 2009
The first book in James Dashner's series was published in the United States, introducing readers to Thomas, WICKED, the Glade, and the deadly maze. It quickly gained a following among young adult dystopian fans.
The Scorch Trials is published
Oct 12, 2010
The second book in the series followed Thomas and the surviving Gladers as they crossed a scorched, disease-ravaged landscape after escaping the maze, revealing more about WICKED's trials and the Flare virus.
The Death Cure concludes the original trilogy
Oct 11, 2011
Dashner published the third book in the main trilogy, bringing Thomas's battle against WICKED to a climax and wrapping up the core storyline begun in the maze.
Image source: The Death Cure
The Kill Order prequel novel is published
Aug 14, 2012
Dashner released a prequel exploring the sun flares, the outbreak of the Flare virus, and the origins of the post-apocalyptic world that led to WICKED's creation.
Image source: The Kill Order
The Fever Code prequel novel is published
Sep 27, 2016
The second prequel detailed how Thomas and Teresa came to work with WICKED and how the maze trials were designed, completing the five-book arc of the series.
Image source: The Fever Code
Development and Production
20th Century Fox acquires film rights to The Maze Runner
2010
Twentieth Century Fox optioned the rights to Dashner's novel, setting in motion the development of what would become a major young adult film franchise.
Image source: Maze Runner (film series)
Wes Ball attached to direct The Maze Runner film
2011
Filmmaker Wes Ball, known for his short film Ruin, signed on to direct the adaptation, marking his feature directorial debut and shaping the franchise's gritty visual style.
Image source: Wes Ball
Casting of Dylan O'Brien as Thomas announced
Apr 2012
Teen Wolf star Dylan O'Brien was cast as the lead protagonist Thomas, a decision that proved central to the films' appeal and success with young audiences.
Image source: Dylan O'Brien
Principal photography begins on The Maze Runner
May 13, 2013 - Jul 12, 2013
Filming took place primarily in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where an elaborate practical set for the Glade and towering maze walls was constructed over roughly two months.
Image source: The Maze Runner (film)
Key Facts
- The Maze Runner novel by James Dashner was first published on October 6, 2009, and quickly became a bestseller in the young adult dystopian genre.
- The series consists of five books: The Maze Runner (2009), The Scorch Trials (2010), The Death Cure (2011), and two prequels, The Kill Order (2012) and The Fever Code (2016).
- The first film adaptation, directed by Wes Ball and starring Dylan O'Brien as Thomas, was released in September 2014 and grossed over $340 million worldwide.
- The Maze Runner was part of the early 2010s wave of dystopian YA franchises alongside The Hunger Games and Divergent, helping define the era's popular culture.
- The final film installment, Maze Runner: The Death Cure, released in January 2018, concluded the trilogy with over $288 million at the global box office.
Source
This History of Maze Runner timeline was generated with the help of AI, using information found on the internet.
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