Divergent: Ascendant TV Series Now In Development At Starz

Lionsgate and Starz are now in active partnership as both studios are now developing the “Divergent: Ascendant” TV series. The “Divergent” series is based on the novels of the same name by Veronica Roth. The franchise started off with the first film, “Divergent” and starred Shailene Woodley as Beatrice “Tris” Prior, Theo James as Tobias “Four” Eaton, Miles Teller as Peter Hayes, and Ansel Elgort as Caleb Prior.

“Divergent,” directed by Neil Burger, went on to receive mixed reviews from fans and critics but proved to be a worldwide box office hit with a total of $288.9 million earnings with a production budget of $85 million. The next installment, “Insurgent” was directed by Robert Schwentke. It received even more negative reviews and managed to earn roughly the same amount as the first one. Then came the third and supposed final installment, “Allegiant.” However, the studio decided to split the last novel into two parts, with “Ascendant” being the final film. When “Allegiant” came out, critical and commercial success wasn’t achieved, and so plans for “Ascendant” eventually came to a halt.

Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort in Allegiant (2016). Photo by Murray Close/Summit Entertainment

In a desperate turn of events, the studio decided to turn “Ascendant” into a TV movie—which will then lead to a TV series. Last year, Lionsgate acquired Starz for a sum total of $4.4 billion in cash and stock. With this in mind, it looks like Lionsgate still wants to capitalize on “Divergent” by bringing “Ascendant” to Starz as a series.

‘Divergent: Ascendant’ Gears Up For TV Movie and Series

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Starz is now in early developments on the “Divergent: Ascendant” TV series that’s being planned by the studio as the franchise’s concluding sequel. Adam Cozad (The Legend of Tarzan, Suicide Squad 2) to write the screenplay of the TV movie. However, if Starz decides to forget to make the movie and push through with the series instead, it might prove difficult for them as most of the cast are now busy with other projects and not committed to returning to their roles anymore.

Shailene Woodley and Theo James in Allegiant (2016). Photo by Murray Close/Summit Entertainment

Last year, Woodley expressed her disinterest in playing Tris Prior in the TV movie. This is also the same thought being shared by James and the other cast members. Because of this, the only viable solutions for the studio is to make the final story work without the main characters or to recast the roles entirely.

Whatever the case, “Divergent: Ascendant” is still in development, so there’s no way of telling how it will end up once it’s announced.