Theo James and Shailene Woodley's 'The Divergent Series: Allegiant' disappoints fans and critics (Photo : Facebook/Divergent Series)
"The Divergent Series: Ascendant" will not be pursued for a film release but rather to a smaller screen like a TV series. Lead stars Shailene Woodley, Theo James and Ansel Elgort are rumored to be replaced with a new set of actors.
The decision was based on the performance of its last installment "The Divergent: Allegiant" which only garnered a $29-million opening domestically and a $172-million sales during its entire international run.
Fans who were able to read the book pointed out that there were several differences between the original book and the movie adaptation. This has been one of the reasons why the movie's performance did not turn out as expected. It was Lionsgate's plan to pattern their release of the famous franchise similar "Hunger Games." The said movie was a trilogy but the last part was split into two parts.
The supposed installment of the series is set for release next year, but due to some constraints and difficulties experienced by "Allegiant," the movie will be converted to a TV series. The main casts return is undetermined as of the moment. Lionsgate is trying to bring them back all together by reaching out to each star's team, The Variety reported.
The report added that Lionsgate was planning to have the film shot in Atlanta, but a sudden change in strategy was brought about by "Allegiant's" box office performance. One of the stars' representatives said, "They haven't come to us to discuss deals, but if they think they can skimp on actors' options, they can think again," Yahoo News reported.
The report added agents are expecting serious negotiations for their clients. They are thinking it would not be a right move for stars to just go with the shift. Though Lionsgate is expected to start negotiations will several TV networks, some of the actors signed for the fourth installment have not yet received word except for Woodley.
More details are expected to be revealed in the coming months. It is still unknown as of this writing if Woodley and co-stars will still star on the TV series, or another roster of actors will be set to debut.
For other insight surrounding the "Divergent" series, watch the video clip below.
