Film Dystopia Done Right

Maze Runner stars explain why this movie is no Hunger Games lite

If you didn't know any better, you might dismiss The Maze Runner as yet another book-to-film adaptation set in a future dystopian world. But that would be a mistake.

The story uses a unique setting to build its own brand of drama and suspense, making it measure up favorably to any of its forebears.

Actors Will Poulter, Dylan O'Brien and Kaya Scodelario sat down with us in advance of the film's opening on Friday, September 19. The stars discuss why the film isn't just riding the coattails of The Hunger Games, what it was like for Scodelario as the only woman on a male-dominated set, and why they would be okay if this was the only film in the series to be made.

Waterpark fun

Hurricane Harbor Arlington slides into summer with 2026 opening date

Splash Island at Hurricane Harbor Arlington

Photo courtesy of Hurricane Harbor Arlington

Hurricane Harbor Arlington opens for the 2026 season on May 16.

Dallas-Fort Worth's largest waterpark, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Arlington, will officially open for the summer on Saturday, May 16, bringing a variety of new offerings for park attendees.

Chief among them will be a new Fast Lane program that allows guests to bypass standard ride wait lines. Guests who purchase a Fast Lane Pass online or at the park can redeem a wristband at any participating Fast Lane location within the park. Fast Lane wristbands are valid for use at participating rides and attractions throughout the park.

Hurricane Harbor has also undergone a series of park-wide improvements and upgraded attractions. They include ride upgrades on Sea Wolf, Raging Rapids, and the Wave Pool; a new Life Floor addition to the Splash Island play structure; new and improved shade sails throughout the park; and more.

In 2025, the park unveiled a new signature attraction, Splash Island, a 58,000 square-foot family area featuring a three-story play structure with 110 interactive water features, 17 slides, and a Texas-sized tipping bucket carrying 1,000 gallons of water.

“This season opening marks an exciting new chapter for Hurricane Harbor Arlington, with Splash Island continuing to stand out as the park’s largest and most expansive addition in recent years,” said Heather Blair, park manager, in a statement.

Season passes are now on sale, with a Gold Pass offering access to Hurricane Harbor Arlington, Six Flags Over Texas, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Schlitterbahn Waterparks, Frontier City, and other Hurricane Harbor locations in Texas and Oklahoma.

For a limited time, guests can purchase a 2026 Gold Membership for as little as $8 a month. For more information on passes, tickets and park hours, visit sixflags.com/hurricaneharbortexas.

Hurricane Harbor Arlington is also now hiring a variety of seasonal positions. Applicants must be at least 15 years old, and positions are filled on a rolling basis as available. Interested candidates can apply online at jobs.sixflags.com.

Hurricane Harbor's opening-date announcement comes on the heels of another local waterpark chain reopening its two DFW locations this month: Hawaiian Falls in Roanoke and Mansfield will open their doors for the summer season on Saturday, May 9.

kids families summer waterparks entertainment

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