Unfulfilled Franchise Dreams: Dylan O'Brien's Journey from Maze Runner to American Assassin

The Maze Runner Phenomenon

In the vast landscape of Hollywood, there are few actors who can seamlessly blend charisma with action-packed performances. Dylan O'Brien, known for his role in the Maze Runner trilogy, emerged as a rising star in the realm of young adult adaptations. The Maze Runner movies, spanning from 2014 to 2018, propelled O'Brien into the spotlight, showcasing his ability to embody the resilient character of Thomas.

Dylan O'Brien holding a gun in American Assassin

The success of the Maze Runner series, which grossed nearly $1 billion worldwide, hinted at O'Brien's potential to carry a major action franchise on his shoulders. Hollywood whispered with anticipation, speculating on the next big leap for the talented actor. The stage was set for O'Brien to delve into a new realm of cinematic adventures, and all eyes were on his next move.

The munies standing together in The Maze Runner Film

American Assassin: The Promising Next Chapter

As the final chapter of Maze Runner drew to a close, Dylan O'Brien found himself at a crossroads, poised to embark on a new cinematic journey. American Assassin, released in 2017, presented itself as the torchbearer for O'Brien's action movie career post-Maze Runner. Starring alongside the seasoned Michael Keaton, O'Brien stepped into the shoes of Mitch Rapp, a covert CIA operative with a lethal skill set.

Dylan O'Brien as Mitch Rapp holding a gun in American Assassin

The allure of American Assassin lay in its potential to evolve into a long-standing franchise, drawing from Vince Flynn's extensive book series. With a rich tapestry of source material at his disposal, O'Brien saw an opportunity to delve into a more mature, gritty world of espionage and intrigue. The promise of American Assassin beckoned, offering O'Brien a chance to hone his craft in a new light.

Mitch Rapp aiming a gun in American Assassin

The Rise and Fall of a Franchise Hope

Despite the grand ambitions and the fervent hopes pinned on American Assassin, the reality painted a different picture. The box office reception of the film fell short of expectations, casting a shadow over the budding franchise dreams. With lukewarm reviews and modest earnings of $67.2 million globally, American Assassin failed to ignite the spark needed to sustain a franchise.

American-Assassin-Dylan-O'Brien-Michael-Keaton

The fallout from American Assassin's underwhelming performance left Dylan O'Brien at a crossroads once again, grappling with the remnants of a missed opportunity. The envisioned franchise that could have elevated O'Brien's status in the action genre crumbled before it could fully take flight. The echoes of what could have been lingered, as O'Brien sought a new path in the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood.