The Hunger Games franchise has already chosen to adapt the third back as a two-part film: Mockingjay - Part 1 and Mockingjay Part 2. The Divergent Series will also be doing the same with it's third adaptation. However, a newer franchise won't be following the same trend.

Maze Runner 3: The Death Cure, the final installment of The Maze Runner series, will not be turned into two separate films.

Exhibitor Relations reports that 20th Century Fox has scheduled a February 17, 2017 release date for the third film adaptation of The Maze Runner Series, a trilogy of novels written by James Dasher. That's right, just the one film.

The Maze Runner, starring Dylan O'Brien and Kaya Scodelario, hit theaters in September of last year and was successful enough that a sequel was quickly announced for a 2015 release date. Since then, director Wes Ball has spoken about not wanting to split the third book in two for the big screen.

Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials images & details

The debate over whether or not a popular franchise should turn a trilogy into four films is ongoing. On one hand, people feel that additional movies is a good thing as it keeps the series going and keeps fans entertained; on the other hand, some people believe that a trilogy should stick to the format and bring things to a close with three films.

But putting aside the obvious box office incentive that an additional film has to offer - it's obvious that these enormous franchises bring in huge numbers because people genuinely love the stories. So is it possible that more films can be a good thing? Sure there's a chance that some installments might be a bit slower than others and lack some of the action, but fans still get the opportunity to spend more time with characters they love.

Additionally, since the beginning of cinematic adaptations of novels, a common critique is that - while the film version may be good - there are usually a bunch of important details in the novel that aren't translated from page to screen. So it would stand to reason that a four-film-trilogy potentially has a lot to offer, as an extra film means extra information.

But if you are of the opinion that a trilogy should be no more than three films, you'll be happy with the decision made in regards to The Maze Runner series - though you probably shouldn't get used to it with future blockbusters.

The Maze Runner: Scorch Trials opens in U.S theaters on September 18th, 2015, followed by The Maze Runner: The Death Cure in February 17th, 2017.

Source: Exhibitor Relations