'Divergent Series' Update: Finale to be Released as TV Movie, Followed by Spinoff Series
Lionsgate has decided to close the "Divergent Series" and shift the movie into a TV series. Instead of "The Divergent Series: Ascendant" opening in the big screen next year, the studio has decided to have it wrapped up and go for the small screen. This will then make it into a standalone television series.
This is the fourth and final film for the Divergent series which was originally scheduled to be released in June 2017. Production will be handled by the Lionsgate television group, and the idea is to finalize first the cast and introduce new casts. This will then continue the series in either streaming or the traditional way.
The Trilogy
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The series is based on a trilogy by Veronica Roth which is set in a post-apocalyptic society. The personality of the people in society is the basis for them to be divided. The first three films were starred by Shailene Woodley, Theo James and Ansel Elgort. The first three films were Divergent, Insurgent and Allegiant.
The first two films were box-office hits, while the third was in a critical stage. The latest film's status after the release caused the production to rethink about the film and instead have it as a TV series.
In the fourth and final instalment of the film, Woodley has been approached regarding the studio's decision, though the other main characters have not received any word yet. However, at this time, there is no definite information on the cast of the series.
Furthermore, director Robert Schwentke dropped out of "Ascendant" before they even began to film it. Eventually, Lee Toland Krieger was taped to be the director and replace him. However, there is no finality as to Krieger will remain in the project if it heads to the small screen.
Actors to Do the TV Series
With regard to this decision, agents say that it needs a really serious negotiation for their clients. The will somehow be a dangerous precedent if actors just move right away from film to TV. There are reports though that Lionsgate has all the options for the main talents on the fourth and final film and that it had a theatrical requirement. Thus, this new arrangement will entail major and complete renegotiations of their contracts.
Furthermore, Lionsgate TV believes that the "Divergent Series" will be a good shot for the independent studio. The studio's other TV credits are Netflix's "Orange Is the New Black" and the "Dear White People" adaptation. It also includes E!'s "The Royals."
