Last weekend The Maze Runner crew headed to to WonderCon to promote the film and release a new clip for fans to enjoy.
Although there are multiple interviews and press articles coming from the WonderCon arena, the main event of the weekend was undoubtedly the Maze Runner panel with Wes Ball, James Dashner, Dylan O’Brien, and Will Poulter. Thanks to some dedicated fans, you can watch the full panel below.
‘The Maze Runner’ Panel at WonderCon 2014
At the panel we got some new insight into how the actors responded to their characters not having memories and how that affected their portrayal. O’Brien said, “You realize who you are along the way – you see what your instincts are and you see what’s inside you – and for Thomas it was courage.”
In fact, a reoccurring theme within the panel was about character and performance. Poulter seemed really pleased that director Wes Ball made the film into a strong character-driven piece: “Wes allowed us an opportunity to really kind of explore our characters, and he was keen to put character at the forefront in the movie and really make the emotional relationships the core of this film.” Poulter goes on to say, “All of that stuff — the memory loss, the notion that we might have families somewhere, the notion that we must have come from somewhere at some point — all of these questions that you would naturally wrestle with are all in the movie. It’s a real exploration of character above a thing else.”
For the fans attending WonderCon, the fun didn’t stop at the Q&A panel. The lucky individuals attending the event not only got to view a slightly extended trailer, they also got to preview a new clip from the film as well.
Unfortunately, neither the trailer nor the clip has found its way online yet, but we have received a few details about both from those at the event.
Page to Premiere shares in their detailed recap that the new trailer contains a voiceover from Thomas as the boy rises up towards the Glade. They also mention a new scene where Thomas begs the other Gladers to allow him to escape: “You can’t just keep me here!” Alby responds, “We can’t let you leave.” Along with some additional footage from Teresa and a few new lines pertaining to Thomas, we can’t help but hope the new trailer debuts online soon!
Ball set up the new clip during his time at the panel. “When I read the book, one of the more fascinating things about the world James created was the fact that this giant maze changes. And so when I was reading it I had to see that maze change.” Ball continues, “So I inserted a little scene into the movie that’s not in the book. It follows a little adventure with Thomas and Minho when they go out into the maze, and their world changes.”
Apparently the moment is action-packed and consists of the two boys running through an actively moving maze. As soon as the video footage arrives online, you can bet we will be sharing it here at Hypable!
‘I think our biggest special effect really was the emotional performances that our cast gives.’ — Wes Ball
Since there are quite a few interviews and articles released from the convention this week, we thought we would list some of the most interesting ones for you to explore here.
You can watch the entire Maze Runner Press Conference from WonderCon here.
Collider talks extensively about what it was like working in a natural environment, and the challenges and risks that come with it.
In an interview from Shine on Media, Poulter shares how his character Gally has transformed from book to screen: “I feel like the one change that takes place with Gally is that I feel like it’s clearer he’s a villain in the book. Whereas with the film that we have, he’s sort of more of a conflicted character. Gally is halfway between good and bad and you don’t quite know where you stand with him and you don’t know where he stands with you. It transpires that his motives are sort understandable and I think rational for the most part. But you don’t just hate him – hopefully.”
We also learned that James Dashner has a cameo in the film from the folks over at Page to Premiere.