Final ‘Divergent’ Sequel ‘Allegiant’ Will Be Split Into Two Films
In a move that should surprise approximately no one, the 'Divergent' film franchise will now be four films instead of three, with 'Allegiant,' the third book in Veronica Roth's best-selling series, now being adapted into two films. Just when you thought young-adult dystopic science-fiction stories were on the way out ...
... And suddenly, Shailene Woodley's is very glad she doesn't have to worry about future 'Spider-Man' movies.
It's a strategy that's been utilized by several major YA franchises in the past few years, beginning with the 'Harry Potter' series, which set the trend by splitting its final film into 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1' and 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2.' The 'Twilight' films followed suit, concluding the series with a two-part adaptation of 'Breaking Dawn,' and 'The Hunger Games' will end with a two-movie adaptation of 'Mockingjay.' So if you're surprised that 'Allegiant' has now become 'Allegiant, Part 1' and 'Allegiant, Part 2,' you really haven't been paying attention.
While this was undoubtedly a monetary decision, the track record for these two-part conclusions have actually been pretty solid so far. 'Harry Potter' and 'Twilight' fans were very pleased with their beloved series' sprawling conclusions. If the studio can please the fans and take one more admission price out of their pocket, everybody wins!
The news of a two-part 'Allegiant' comes while 'Divergent' is still in theaters, churning out very strong (if not necessarily spectacular) box office numbers. The first sequel, 'Insurgent,' will begin filming under director Robert Schwentke next month for a March 20, 2015 release. The only news we have for 'Allegiant, Part 1' and 'Allegiant, Part 2' so far is that they will arrive on March 18, 2016 and March 24, 2017.