The fourth and final chapter of the “Divergent” series was supposed to be released in June 2017, but the project was suddenly scrapped after “The Divergent Series: Allegiant’s” poor box-office performance. The final chapter of the film, which is based on Veronica Roth’s book trilogy, may not be seen on the big screen but it may still get its conclusion through the small screen. According to Deadline, Starz is reportedly working on a new TV Series that is based on “The Divergent Series: Ascendant.”
What to expect from the new TV series
The “Ascendant” TV series, which is still in its early stages, is being penned/executively produced by the “Legend of Tarzan” writer Adam Cozad and will be helmed/co-executively produced by “Riverdale” director Lee Toland Krieger.
Both Cozad and Krieger were initially attached to work on the film version; however, since Lionsgate acquired Starz not too long ago, the media company decided to just keep Krieger and Cozad to work for the upcoming “Ascendant” TV series.
Although there’s not many details about the potential plot of the upcoming TV series, rumor has it that it may wrap up the original characters’ story and may introduce new faces to start afresh. It is unclear yet whether the original cast of the movie franchise, such as Theo James, Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort and Miles Teller, will do cameos or will reunite to work on the project. As of this writing, both Lionsgate and Starz have been tight-lipped about the casting or any deals made related to the TV series.
To recall, Shailene Woodley, who plays Tris Prior in the movie franchise, initially rejected the idea of the franchise transitioning to a spinoff TV show. However, according to Hollywood Reporter, the actress seems to change her mind in 2016 and is open to completing the story. Although this was the case, it was announced earlier this year that Woodley backed out from the project, while other casts like Miles Teller were still hesitant on doing the TV spinoff series.
Why was the film transitioned to a TV series?
It can be remembered that the third installment of the franchise, titled “Allegiant,” ended with a big cliffhanger. Due to this, it was expected that everything will be explored once “Ascendant” hits its theatrical release, but a lot of fans were disappointed when Lionsgate announced that the movie will not push through.
According to reports, the reason why Lionsgate and Summit Entertainment scrapped the franchise was because of “Allegiant’s” failed box office performance. The third installment had a larger budget compared to the first “Divergent” movie and “The Divergent Series: Insurgent,” but “Allegiant” was poorly accepted in the box office compared to the first 2 movies. “Allegiant” only grossed $179.2 million against “Divergent’s” $288.9 million and “Insurgent’s” $297.3 million box office.
Because of “Allegiant’s” poor performance, “Ascendant’s” budget was slashed and the latter was eventually scrapped, leaving the “Divergent” franchise unfinished.
