The sequel to this fall’s The Maze Runner continues to add cast, as Lili Taylor (The Conjuring) has joined the production of The Maze Runner Chapter II: The Scorch Trials in the role of doctor Mary Cooper.

Fans of the series will remember that Cooper helped Dylan O’Brien’s character, Thomas, after the group of captive boys and one girl escaped from the maze in the first book and movie. The Scorch Trials will follow the Gladers as they navigate their new freedom outside the maze. Actors returning from the first movie include Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, and Patricia Clarkson. Taylor has had a prolific and somewhat eclectic career, appearing in everything from the indie I Shot Andy Warhol (1996), to last year’s horror hit, The Conjuring.

The YA series from James Dashner features a post-apocalyptic world as well as science fiction elements, including a pandemic that killed most of the population as well as global problems created by increasing solar radiation. The Maze Runner book series also includes two prequels – one of which has yet to be released – perhaps creating the opportunity to create a richer backstory within the movies themselves. The Maze Runner received generally positive reviews upon its release, particularly the film’s darker tone and the premise created by James Dashner.

The Maze Runner Chapter II: The Scorch Trials is slated to premiere in theaters on September 18th, 2015.