‘Divergent 2′ Announced While ‘The Mortal Instruments 2′ Re-Signs Lily Collins
In the hierarchy of movies based on Young Adult novels, 'Divergent' and 'The Mortal Instruments' have pulled ahead in the ranks. The Shailene Woodley- and Lily Collins-led films are prepping for their respective premieres on March 21, 2014 and August 23, 2013, and already their sequels are in the works. Get ready for 'Divergent 2' (aka 'Insurgent') and 'The Mortal Instruments 2' (aka 'City of Ashes')!
'Divergent 2' was the most recently announced project with Brian Duffield ('Jane Got a Gun') to pen the script, but what's interesting about both sequels is the fact they were signed off on so early -- 'Divergent' barely a full month into production and 'The Mortal Instruments' a couple months away from its release date.
While it's assumed Shailene Woodley will return for a second installment, The Wrap reports that Lily Collins and Jamie Campbell Bower, both starring in 'City of Bones,' have officially signed for 'City of Ashes.' In addition, waves have already begun to bring a 'Mortal Instruments' prequel to the big screen, proving these two franchises are the ones to watch out for.
The 'Divergent' series, based on Veronica Roth's novels, takes place in an alternate future where people are divided up into factions based on human virtues. Woodley's Tris, who isn't selected for any group, discovers a plot to destroy anyone who doesn't fit the mold. 'The Mortal Instruments,' on the other hand, follows Collins' Fray as she discovers she's a half-angel warrior who needs to battle demons in order to save her mom.