The Maze Runner reboot is in development and fans are very confused

The Maze Runner, the dystopian teen drama franchise, is getting the reboot treatment — but a lot of people aren’t sure why it needs one.

The Maze Runner is gearing up for another dash to the big screen, as the franchise is getting a new start with an upcoming reboot. Well, reboot being a loose term, since it’s a little uncertain exactly what purpose the new movie will serve. It’s all a little confusing, and the responses to the news seem to think so, too.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the futuristic YA franchise — which was first adapted from the series of novels by James Dashner in 2014 — is currently the subject of negotiations between 20th Century Studios and Jack Paglen (who’s being eyed to pen the screenplay) for what they describe as “a new installment.”

However, the term “reboot” is causing a lot of confusion with fans, who are very curious to know why The Maze Runner, which is only just a decade old, is getting a do-over.

As one X user wrote: “That movie is barely 10 years old, why do we need to reboot it?” Over on Reddit, one user said: “Reboot?? These movies aren’t even that old,” with another adding: “It’s barely even been 10 years since the first film and six since the last one.”

“Why, barely been a decade, what a stupid idea,” said another.

What’s more, the reboot is being described as “not a redo of the story nor is it a direct sequel to the original trilogy… The hope is to make a sort of continuation of the story yet also return to the elements that made the first movie connect with its audience.” That’s not the clearest of intentions, and this sequel-reboot mutation has attracted even more annoyance.

“So what the hell does that actually mean cause y’all just contradicting yourselves and pissing everyone off with the word ‘reboot’,” said one X comment.

Overall, the vagueness of the premise and the quick-fire new take on a recent franchise could be forgiven, if it weren’t for the fact that there are countless YA stories out there that are simply waiting on adaptations.

“I get we want to revive the dystopian era but there’s sooo many dystopian/fantasy-like books that have yet to be touched,” one X user wrote. Others followed a similar train of thought, including one who wrote: “Can they put this energy into adapting books that haven’t been made into films or at least ones who deserve a better adaptation?”

For more, check out our list of the best movies to watch on streaming this month.