Currently, three movies based on Veronica Roth’s “Divergent” young adult dystopian novel series have been released: Divergent (2014), Insurgent (2015), and Allegiant (2016). Plans for the final film, Ascendant, were ultimately scrapped.
Understanding the Divergent Film Universe
The Divergent film series, adapting the best-selling novels, captured the imaginations of audiences with its portrayal of a future Chicago divided into five factions: Abnegation (selflessness), Amity (peacefulness), Candor (honesty), Dauntless (bravery), and Erudite (intelligence). Individuals are tested to determine which faction they best fit into, but some, known as Divergents, possess aptitudes for multiple factions, making them a threat to the established social order. The films follow the journey of Beatrice “Tris” Prior as she discovers her Divergence and fights to uncover a deeper conspiracy that threatens the future of her world.
The success of the first two films, Divergent and Insurgent, indicated a promising future for the franchise, mirroring the popularity of other young adult adaptations like The Hunger Games. However, the third film, Allegiant, proved to be a critical and commercial disappointment, ultimately leading to a change in strategy for the planned finale.
Why Only Three Divergent Movies?
The original plan was to adapt the third book, Allegiant, into two separate films, similar to other successful YA adaptations. The first half, Allegiant, was released in 2016. However, due to its poor performance, Lionsgate decided to abandon the theatrical release of the second half, Ascendant.
The Shift to Television
Instead of a theatrical release, plans were made to conclude the series with a television movie and potential spin-off series. This strategy was intended to offer a more cost-effective way to wrap up the storyline and potentially explore other aspects of the Divergent universe. However, this plan was also ultimately scrapped due to various factors, including reported budget constraints and casting difficulties as the main stars were reluctant to commit to a television project.
Unresolved Storylines
The cancellation of Ascendant left many storylines unresolved, disappointing fans who were eager to see a proper conclusion to Tris’s journey and the overarching conflict in the Divergent world. Characters’ fates remain unknown, and crucial plot points from the third book were never brought to the screen.
The Impact of the Unfinished Series
The incomplete Divergent film series serves as a cautionary tale within the world of Hollywood adaptations. It highlights the risks associated with splitting final books into two parts, especially when the initial installment performs poorly. The abrupt ending left a significant void in the dystopian genre and raised questions about the future of young adult adaptations.
Lessons Learned
The experience highlighted the importance of maintaining consistent quality and satisfying the expectations of the core fan base. While splitting final books can be financially lucrative, it also carries the risk of alienating audiences if the pacing and narrative suffer as a result. Furthermore, it underscored the importance of securing cast commitments before committing to ambitious multi-part adaptations.
The Future of Divergent
Despite the cancellation of Ascendant, the possibility of reviving the Divergent franchise remains. With the resurgence of interest in dystopian fiction and the availability of streaming platforms, there’s potential for a reboot or continuation of the story in the future. Whether this takes the form of a new film series, a television show, or even an animated adaptation, remains to be seen. However, the enduring appeal of the Divergent world suggests that it could one day return to the screen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: What are the names of the three Divergent movies that were released?
The three Divergent movies released are: Divergent (2014), Insurgent (2015), and Allegiant (2016).
FAQ 2: Why was the fourth Divergent movie, Ascendant, never made?
Ascendant was never made due to the poor critical and commercial performance of Allegiant. Lionsgate decided to shift to a television movie and spin-off series, but those plans were ultimately scrapped.
FAQ 3: Will there ever be a complete ending to the Divergent story on screen?
As of now, there are no concrete plans to complete the Divergent story on screen. However, given the ever-changing landscape of the entertainment industry, a reboot or continuation remains a possibility in the future.
FAQ 4: Where can I watch the existing Divergent movies?
The Divergent movies are available for purchase or rental on various streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube Movies, and Google Play Movies. They are also often available on demand through cable providers. Check your local listings for availability.
FAQ 5: Are the Divergent movies faithful to the books?
While the movies capture the overall essence of the Divergent series, they do deviate from the source material in some significant ways. Character arcs, plot points, and even the ending differ between the books and the films. Allegiant in particular has major differences.
FAQ 6: Who are the main actors in the Divergent movie series?
The main actors in the Divergent movie series include Shailene Woodley as Tris Prior, Theo James as Four (Tobias Eaton), Ansel Elgort as Caleb Prior, Zoe Kravitz as Christina, Miles Teller as Peter Hayes, and Kate Winslet as Jeanine Matthews.
FAQ 7: What are the Factions in the Divergent universe?
The five factions in the Divergent universe are: Abnegation (selflessness), Amity (peacefulness), Candor (honesty), Dauntless (bravery), and Erudite (intelligence).
FAQ 8: What does it mean to be Divergent?
Being Divergent means possessing aptitudes for multiple factions, making individuals unpredictable and a threat to the established social order, as the factions are supposed to keep a balance in society.
FAQ 9: Why were Divergents considered a threat?
Divergents were considered a threat because they defied the faction system, which was designed to maintain control and stability in society. Their ability to think independently and act outside the established norms made them difficult to control.
FAQ 10: What happened to Four’s character in the canceled Ascendant movie?
The plans for Ascendant were never fully realized, so the intended fate of Four’s character remains unknown. The book offers a resolution to his storyline, but it’s unclear how the television movie would have adapted it.
FAQ 11: Are there any Divergent spin-off books or other related media?
While there are no Divergent spin-off novels directly following the main storyline, Veronica Roth has written short stories set in the Divergent universe from Four’s perspective, collectively known as “Four: A Divergent Collection”. There are no other officially produced spin-off media at this time.
FAQ 12: What are some other dystopian movie series that fans of Divergent might enjoy?
Fans of Divergent might enjoy other dystopian movie series such as The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner, The Giver, and Ender’s Game. Each of these series explores similar themes of societal control, rebellion, and the fight for freedom in a dystopian world.