The final film of the Divergent series based on Veronica Roth’s dystopian young adult novels may not be released in theaters.
Lionsgate is currently in negotiations to have The Divergent Series: Ascendant to be released as a TV movie instead, according to Variety. The final installment could also kickoff a new spinoff television series set in the Divergent universe that features new characters.
The first Divergent film and its sequel Insurgent were fairly successful, grossing $288.9 million and $273.2 million worldwide, respectfully. However, the box office performance of the third installment Allegiant earlier this year was poorer than the other films, earning only $179.2 million worldwide.
Ascendant was originally slated to be released June 2017 and begin shooting this summer, but Lionsgate is altering that schedule after Allegiant bombed at the box office.
The plan for the TV movie is to wrap up the Divergent storylines, while also introducing new characters who will appear in the new television series. With news of a TV movie, it is now unclear if the film saga’s stars Shailene Woodley, Theo James, and Ansel Elgort will appear in Ascendant. Lee Toland Krieger will direct.
Deals for a TV movie release have reportedly not yet been made.
