Maze Runner The Scorch Trials is based on James Dashners novel "The Scorch Trials". Directed by Wes Ball, Maze Runner The Scorch Trials follows Thomas and his fellow Gladers find themselves in trouble after uncovering a diabolical plot from WCKD, the mysterious and powerful organization. Their journey takes them to a desolate landscape filled with unimaginable obstacles and crawling with the virus-infected Cranks. Teaming up with resistance fighters, the Gladers take on WCKD's vastly superior forces and uncover its shocking plans for them all.