'The Maze Runner' franchise getting rebooted

20th Century Studios is rebooting 'The Maze Runner', with plans for a new story that honours the original's spirit.

'The Maze Runner' is heading back to the Glade. 20th Century Studios is developing a reboot of the popular science fiction action-adventure franchise that spanned three films from 2014 to 2018.

Jack Paglen ('Transcendence') is in negotiations to write the script, with the original trilogy's producers returning. Wes Ball, the director of the original films, will also serve as a producer.

Based on James Dashner's bestselling books, 'The Maze Runner' introduced a group of teens trapped in a mysterious walled environment called the Glade. Facing deadly creatures within a giant maze, their survival depended on unravelling its secrets.

The reboot won't be a direct remake or sequel but aims to continue the story while recapturing the thrilling elements of the first film.  Its success at the box office paved the way for more expansive sequels.

This reboot strategy mirrors 20th Century's approach with the upcoming 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes', also directed by Ball.  The new 'Apes' film connects to the franchise by featuring a new story set generations after the previous movies.

Paglen's writing credits include 'Alien: Covenant' and he co-produced Netflix's 'Magic Order' series.