"Divergent: Ascendant," the supposed fourth film in the "Divergent" franchise is now being faced with uncertainty as many of its cast members expressed disappointment after Lionsgate announced that it would be converted into a movie instead of having a theatrical release.
Shailene Woodley, who plays the movie's main protagonist Tris Prior, has stated that she is not interested in doing a "Divergent: Ascendant" TV movie. The actress, who confirmed that she was not personally contacted by the studio about its decision, said that she "did not sign up to be in a television show."
"Out of respect to the studio and everyone involved, they may have changed their mind and may be doing something different, but I'm not necessarily interested in doing a television," Screen Rant quoted Woodley as saying.
Other "Divergent" cast members also expressed their shock at Lionsgate's announcement. Miles Teller and Ansel Elgort, in particular, also hinted that they are not interested in working on a "Divergent: Ascendant" TV movie.
The cancellation of a "Divergent: Ascendant" theatrical film means that fans would not be able to see Woodley and Theo James together as Tris and Four on the big screen. It is rumored that James' fiancée, Ruth Kearney, is pleased that the two are no longer working together, after reports suggest of romantic relations between the two co-stars on set.
Lionsgate TV Group Chairman Kevin Beggs told Variety that the studio is planning an "Ascendant: Divergent" TV movie which would then pave the way for a "Divergent" TV series that would comprise 10 to 13 episodes. The studio is also looking at expanding the TV series into multiple seasons.
As to why the studio pulled the plug on the supposed fourth and final installment of the movie franchise, Beggs cited the lackluster performance of "Divergent: Allegiant" in the box office as the main reason.
"The performance of the last segment of the theatrical didn't really create a situation where we could commit the production resources necessary to really make the production we needed," Beggs explained. "Divergent's" transition to television is expected to call for a new cast list, similar to the move made by Freeform when it transformed "The Mortal Instruments" from a movie to a television series retitled "Shadowhunters."