The Maze Runner Actors: The Cast Behind the Dystopian Thriller

“The Maze Runner” film trilogy, based on the best-selling books by James Dashner, catapulted a group of young actors into the spotlight when it debuted in 2014. The films follow a group of teenagers trapped in a giant maze, their fight for survival, and their journey to uncover the truth about the dystopian world they find themselves in. The success of the films is due not only to the gripping storyline and intense action but also to the talented ensemble cast that brought the characters to life. This article takes a closer look at the actors who played key roles in “The Maze Runner” and their careers both before and after the film series.

Dylan O’Brien: The Heroic Thomas

At the center of the trilogy is Dylan O’Brien, who portrayed the lead character, Thomas. Thomas begins the series as an amnesiac who wakes up in the Glade, a mysterious area surrounded by a massive maze. Throughout the trilogy, Thomas transforms from a confused newcomer to a brave leader determined to save his friends from the sinister organization WCKD (World In Catastrophe: Killzone Experiment Department).

Before starring in “The Maze Runner,” O’Brien was best known for his role as Stiles Stilinski in the MTV series “Teen Wolf.” However, his portrayal of Thomas brought him to the attention of a much wider audience. His performance as the brave and resourceful Thomas was praised for its emotional depth and action-packed intensity, helping O’Brien secure his place as a rising star in Hollywood.

O’Brien’s career took a significant leap after the trilogy, but he faced a setback in 2016 when he was injured while filming “Maze Runner: The Death Cure” (2018). Despite the accident, O’Brien recovered and continued to work on the final film. Since then, he has appeared in action films like “American Assassin” (2017) and the adventure comedy “Love and Monsters” (2020).

Kaya Scodelario: The Mysterious Teresa

Kaya Scodelario played Teresa Agnes, the only female character among the initial group of Gladers. Teresa’s arrival in the Glade adds intrigue to the plot, and her connection to Thomas becomes one of the central mysteries of the series. Throughout the trilogy, Teresa’s character arc is filled with moral complexities, especially as she grapples with the truth about WCKD and the implications of their experiments on the Gladers.

Scodelario was already known to British audiences for her role as Effy Stonem in the teen drama “Skins,” where she portrayed a troubled but magnetic character. In “The Maze Runner,” she brought a combination of vulnerability and strength to Teresa, making her one of the more layered characters in the trilogy.

After “The Maze Runner” series, Scodelario’s career continued to soar. She appeared in “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” (2017) as the female lead and starred in the horror thriller “Crawl” (2019), further cementing her status as a versatile actress.

Thomas Brodie-Sangster: The Loyal Newt

One of the standout performances in the series came from Thomas Brodie-Sangster, who played Newt. As one of the original Gladers and second-in-command, Newt is a loyal and trusted ally to Thomas. Newt’s wisdom, compassion, and unwavering loyalty make him a fan favorite, especially as his character faces tragic circumstances in the final film, “The Death Cure.”

Brodie-Sangster had already made a name for himself before “The Maze Runner,” thanks to memorable roles in films like “Love Actually” (2003) and as the voice of Ferb in Disney’s animated series “Phineas and Ferb.” His performance as Jojen Reed in “Game of Thrones” also earned him critical acclaim.

Post-“Maze Runner,” Brodie-Sangster gained even more recognition for his role as Benny Watts in the Netflix miniseries “The Queen’s Gambit” (2020), a performance that earned him widespread praise and introduced him to a new generation of fans.

Will Poulter: The Intense Gally

Will Poulter portrayed Gally, the antagonist in the first film who later reappears in the final installment of the series. Gally is initially hostile to Thomas, believing that his arrival upsets the established order in the Glade. Throughout the first film, Gally’s opposition to Thomas creates tension, and his character evolves into one of the more morally complex figures in the series.

Poulter, known for his versatility, brought an intensity to Gally that made him stand out in the role. Before joining “The Maze Runner,” Poulter had already gained attention for his roles in “We’re the Millers” (2013) and “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” (2010). His ability to play both comedic and serious roles has made him one of the most sought-after young actors in Hollywood.

After “The Maze Runner,” Poulter’s career continued to flourish with roles in critically acclaimed films like “The Revenant” (2015) and the horror drama “Midsommar” (2019). His ability to take on challenging and diverse roles has positioned him as a standout talent in the industry.

Aml Ameen: The Courageous Alby

Aml Ameen played Alby, the original leader of the Gladers and one of the first characters to enter the maze. As the eldest and most experienced member of the group, Alby plays a pivotal role in maintaining order within the Glade. Ameen’s performance as Alby was commanding, showing a character burdened by responsibility and fear for the future of his fellow Gladers.

Ameen was known for his roles in films like “Kidulthood” (2006) and “The Butler” (2013) before taking on the role of Alby. His portrayal of a leader with deep emotional weight added gravitas to the film.

After his time in “The Maze Runner,” Ameen continued to build his career with notable roles in the Netflix series “Sense8” and the British drama “Yardie” (2018), which marked Idris Elba’s directorial debut.

Dexter Darden: The Reliable Frypan

Dexter Darden portrayed Frypan, the Gladers’ cook and one of Thomas’s close allies throughout the trilogy. While Frypan may not have been a central figure in the main narrative, Darden’s portrayal added a sense of camaraderie and levity to the intense atmosphere of the films. He was a reliable and loyal member of the group, providing support during the Gladers’ most dangerous moments.

Since “The Maze Runner,” Darden has continued to work in both film and television, with roles in projects like “Burden” (2018) and the Disney+ comedy series “The Binge” (2020).

Conclusion

The actors in “The Maze Runner” trilogy played a crucial role in bringing the dystopian world to life. From Dylan O’Brien’s fearless leadership as Thomas to Thomas Brodie-Sangster’s beloved portrayal of Newt, each actor contributed to the series’ emotional depth and success. For many of these actors, the trilogy was a launching pad that led to a diverse array of opportunities in Hollywood. As their careers continue to grow, the “Maze Runner” cast remains a defining part of the young adult dystopian film era.