'Maze Runner: Scorch Trials' releases dramatic new trailer

Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials released a dramatic new trailer starring Dylan O'Brien and Kaya Scodelario on Thursday.

The American actor and English actress, both 23, return as Thomas and Theresa, Gladers who escaped the Maze in the first movie. The preview sees the characters team up against Janson (Aidan Gillen) and WCKED as they attempt to survive the brutal Scorch.

The Scorch Trials is based on the James Dashner novel of the same name, and opens in theaters Sept. 18. The film was preceded by the 2014 movie The Maze Runner, which earned over $344 million at the box office.

The Maze Runner books take place in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a deadly disease called the Flare. The third and final novel, The Death Cure, will be adapted into a single film scheduled for release Feb. 17, 2017.