Variety reports that The Divergent Series: Ascendent will no longer be released in theaters. Instead, Lionsgate, who has distributed the adaptations of the hit book series, is in early negotiations to instead adapt the second half of the final book as a television movie. Not only that, but a spin-off series is reportedly in the works.
The idea for this is that it will be directed by Lee Toland Krieger, the director of Age of Adeline and the film will end setting up a new cast for the spin-off series. It's unknown if any of the cast from the previous films is set to return.
Well, keep in mind this is in early negotiatiations. Sources say no official dead and that Lionsgate has yet to pitch the project to any network. But why pull it from theaters. Well, there are some theories. See, the first two Divergent films, Divergent and Insurgent got mixed reviews and were decent hits. The third film, Allegiant, bombed and was critically panned. Plus, the next film would be based on the second half of the last book, which had a very controversial ending among fans. Plus, the film was set to open against stiff competition, like World War Z 2 and The Mummy. So, some assume Lionsgate are doing this to try and make this movie successful without having the pressure of a higher budget.
So what do you think of this news? Is it a good idea. Is it a ridiculous idea? And what did you think of the previous Divergent films? Comment below.