'Maze Runner 3' release date: Sequel pushed back to 2018 as lead star Dylan O'Brien recovers

Dylan O'BrienWikimedia Commons via Gage Skidmore

Speculations suggest that the release of the third installment of the "Maze Runner" franchise is now indefinite. This is understandable, though, as lead star Dylan O'Brien still needs time to recuperate from his accident.

O'Brien suffered an injury while filming "Maze Runner 3." In the meantime, the production is suspended because of the accident. Aside from O'Brien recovering, it seems that Fox is in hot water because of the mishap since the actor injured himself while filming, with the set failing to ensure O'Brien's safety.

According to CBC News, O'Brien was rigged to a moving vehicle atop another moving one when he was injured. However, it seems that the sequence was not the original one, so production on the set was rushed. In the findings report by WorkSafeBC, British Columbia's worker safety agency, it was stated that, "when the change was made to the sequence, there was no meeting held to review the changes with all involved."

However, Fox reiterated that the production team followed procedures even with the changes, saying in the report that the sequence was "thoroughly rehearsed and successfully completed approximately five times prior to the accident." The production company added, "The pre-viz and storyboards were thoroughly discussed shot-by-shot by relevant production personnel" ... and "additionally a safety meeting was held with cast and crew prior to the sequence."

Meanwhile, there are also rumors that O'Brien has quit being the lead star for the third installment. This is highly speculative though, since 20th Century Fox only delayed the premiere. "Maze Runner: The Death Cure" now has a release date of Jan. 12, 2018. Originally, the third installment was supposed to be released in February next year.

The franchise is the film adaptation of the original dystopian sci-fi book series from author James Dashner. The previous films are "The Maze Runner" and "Maze Runner: the Scorch Trials."