"The Death Cure" brings the stories of Thomas (Dylan O'Brien), Newt (Thomas Brodie-Sangster), Theresa (Kaia Scodelario), and Minho (Ki Hong Lee) to an end, but that may not have completely closed the door from the world of "The Maze Runner." There are speculations that the first trilogy could be followed with a new one, this time based on James Dashner's prequel novels.
While there is no post-credit scene teasing more films in the future, Screen Rant notes that "The Death Cure" actually had an epilogue of WCKD chancellor Ava Paige revealing the origin of the Flare virus which turns its victims to bloodthirsty "cranks."
After a solar flare devastated the Earth, the government decided there were not enough resources for the remaining population. They distributed the virus among humans to eliminate a large number quickly and humanely, but the virus ended up not becoming a threat to humankind.
The epilogue set up two prequel books titled "The Kill Order" and "The Fever Code." As the virus' origin has been excluded from the main trilogy, some assume it may be reserved for another series of big screen adaptations.
It is a possibility, but the publication says it is "incredibly unlikely" for 20<sup>th Century Fox to make such move at this point as Hollywood is moving on from the young adult, dystopian sci-fi trend. Dashner did bring up the idea of a prequel TV show on Twitter last week. So, if the franchise gets another treatment, it could be on the small screen this time.
Regardless, fans should not expect the participation of the original trilogy actors. Both books take place far enough before "The Maze Runner" and have almost nothing to do with Thomas nor any of his friends. In fact, they do not appear in "The Kill Order" and are still kids in "The Fever Code."
In the meantime, fans who have not watched "Death Cure" yet can still catch the Gladers on the big screen for the final time. Premiering last Friday, Jan. 26, the film is currently in theaters.
