So what else is there to reveal here that wasn’t already seen in the first trailer? While the first’s attention was focused squarely on Dylan O’Brien’s Thomas, this trailer allows us to meet our other protagonists, from leaders Alby and Newt, to runner Minho and troublesome Gally. We also get more of a look at Kaya Scodelario’s Theresa, and at just how much of a game-changer she is for life in the Glade. The threat of the Grievers, the malevolent force that resides in the maze, is even more present, with tantalising glimpses of what horrors they can inflict.
Far more action-packed than the first trailer, we also get to explore the rules and politics of the Glade with some expository dialogue that is nonetheless effective in establishing this world. There’s also more opportunity to study the architecture of the maze, which has been stunningly created and is full of twists and turns which could put our heroes in mortal danger. The stakes certainly seem much higher in this trailer.
Of course, all of this is anchored on the leading man, Dylan O’Brien, which shows all the signs of giving a terrific central performance if his appearance in this trailer is anything to go by. On the strength of what is presented here, The Maze Runner may end up more Hunger Games and less Mortal Instruments.