The Divergent series, adapted from Veronica Roth’s popular young adult novels, was originally intended to be a quartet of films. However, only three movies were released in the Divergent franchise, concluding with Allegiant.
The Rise and Fall of the Divergent Franchise
The dystopian world of Divergent, with its factions and intriguing characters, quickly captivated audiences. The first film, Divergent (2014), starring Shailene Woodley as Tris Prior and Theo James as Four Eaton, was a box office success, setting the stage for a promising franchise. Insurgent (2015) followed, further exploring the conflicts within the faction system. However, it was the third installment, Allegiant (2016), that marked a turning point, and ultimately, the demise of the film adaptations as intended.
The Allegiant Split and its Cancellation
Veronica Roth’s third book, Allegiant, was initially planned to be split into two films, following the trend of other successful young adult adaptations like Harry Potter and The Hunger Games. The first part, titled Allegiant, was released in 2016. The second part, initially titled Ascendant, was planned for a 2017 release. However, due to the disappointing box office performance and critical reception of Allegiant, the decision was made to cancel the theatrical release of Ascendant and instead reimagine it as a television movie or series. This plan ultimately fell through, leaving the Divergent film franchise incomplete.
The Unfulfilled Promise of Ascendant
The cancellation of Ascendant left fans disappointed and the storyline unresolved. While attempts were made to revive the project as a television series, they never materialized. This meant that crucial plot points and character arcs from the final book remained unexplored on screen, leaving a significant gap in the narrative. The franchise, once full of promise, ended abruptly, failing to deliver the complete story Roth intended.
Allegiant Movie FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the Allegiant situation:
FAQ 1: Why Was Ascendant Cancelled?
The primary reasons for Ascendant‘s cancellation were the poor box office performance of Allegiant and its negative critical reception. Lionsgate, the studio behind the franchise, decided the financial risk of producing another film was too high.
FAQ 2: What Was Ascendant Supposed to Be About?
Ascendant was intended to follow Tris and Four as they navigated the world outside of Chicago, uncovering the true purpose of the faction system. The plot would have delved deeper into the Bureau of Genetic Welfare’s experiments and Tris’s role as a genetically “pure” Divergent. It would also address the difficult choices and moral dilemmas Tris faces in the final book, including a major character death.
FAQ 3: Will There Ever Be Another Divergent Movie?
While there have been occasional rumors and discussions about rebooting the franchise, there are currently no concrete plans for another Divergent movie. The rights situation and the lukewarm reception to the later installments make a revival challenging.
FAQ 4: Was the Cast Aware That Ascendant Was Cancelled?
Yes, the main cast, including Shailene Woodley and Theo James, were informed of the cancellation. Many expressed disappointment, particularly due to their commitment to the roles and the story. Woodley, in particular, has stated her reluctance to participate in a television movie version.
FAQ 5: What Happens at the End of Allegiant (the Movie)?
The movie Allegiant concludes with Tris and Four reaching the Bureau of Genetic Welfare outside Chicago. They learn about the experiment that created the faction system and the organization’s intention to reset the population. Tris leads a mission to prevent the reset, setting the stage for the conflicts that would have been explored further in Ascendant. Note: the movie ending significantly deviates from the book’s ending.
FAQ 6: How Does the Book Allegiant End Differently?
The book Allegiant features a far more controversial and emotionally impactful ending. Tris sacrifices herself to prevent David, the head of the Bureau, from using a memory serum to erase the memories of the residents of Chicago. Four is left grappling with grief and loss, and the story concludes with the surviving characters attempting to rebuild their society. This ending is notably absent from the movie adaptation.
FAQ 7: Is Allegiant Worth Watching?
Whether Allegiant is worth watching depends on your expectations. As a standalone film, it’s considered weaker than the first two installments. It also leaves the story unresolved. If you’re a dedicated fan of the books, be prepared for significant deviations from the source material.
FAQ 8: Where Can I Watch the Divergent Movies?
The Divergent movies are available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies & TV, and Vudu. They may also occasionally be available for streaming on services like Netflix or Hulu, depending on regional availability and licensing agreements.
FAQ 9: What is the Correct Order to Watch the Divergent Movies?
The correct order to watch the Divergent movies is:
- Divergent (2014)
- Insurgent (2015)
- Allegiant (2016)
FAQ 10: Did Veronica Roth, the Author, Comment on the Cancellation?
Veronica Roth has publicly acknowledged the cancellation and expressed understanding of the studio’s decision. While disappointed that the story wasn’t fully adapted, she has remained supportive of the cast and crew.
FAQ 11: Are There Any Deleted Scenes or Extended Cuts of Allegiant?
Yes, some deleted scenes from Allegiant are available on home video releases. However, these scenes don’t significantly alter the overall narrative or address the unresolved plot points. They primarily offer additional character moments and world-building details.
FAQ 12: What are Some Similar Books or Movies to Divergent?
If you enjoyed the Divergent series, you might also enjoy other dystopian young adult novels and films such as The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner, The Giver, and Delirium by Lauren Oliver. These stories explore themes of societal control, rebellion, and individual identity in restrictive environments.
Conclusion: A Franchise Cut Short
While the Divergent series had the potential to become a major cinematic franchise, the disappointing reception of Allegiant and the subsequent cancellation of Ascendant left the story incomplete. Despite the dedicated fan base and the talented cast, the film adaptations failed to fully capture the essence of Veronica Roth’s novels. Therefore, while initially planned to be four movies, only three Divergent movies were released, concluding with Allegiant. The hope for a satisfying conclusion remains unfulfilled.