Fans of the series were shocked and disappointed by the announcement that Lionsgate is abandoning the plan to create the fourth and last installment of the "Divergent" series. Originally dubbed as "Ascendant," the aspiration to create the film descended and slowed down to a screeching halt.
Perhaps the biggest reason why Lionsgate decided to make "Ascendant" a TV series instead of pushing through on the big screen is due to its upsetting performance in the box office. A comparison seen in The Numbers shows how big of a difference "Insurgent" and "Allegiant" was in terms of revenue. The illustration alone may have made the people behind Lionsgate scratch their heads with disenchantment and forget the fourth one altogether.
Divergent director Neil Burger expressed his dismay during an interview with the Hollywood Reporter. Burger simply said, "I don't think they feel like they should've split [the last book] into two [films]. If they hadn't, they would've been in much better shape, but at the time I'm sure they were excited and they saw some potential there."
No one is more disappointed than Divergent star, Shailene Woodley. She mentioned she signed up for Tris' character and that's where her heart is set up for. If the movie is going to be dialed down into a TV series, she will most probably be uninterested and will leave the production.
In other news, it seems like co-star Theo James is unfazed with the news and is not making any comments. According to the Inquisitr, Theo may not have even planned to return for "Divergent: Ascendant" as he might be planning his wedding with long-time fiancée Irish actress Ruth Kearney.
Whether the TV series is going to be a hit is yet to be seen. It still is a disappointment though for the movie's stars and it doesn't look like they will be open to reprising their roles in the toned-down project. "People show up if the project is good," Burger said.
