The premature cancellation of the Divergent film franchise leaves a significant void for fans, with the fourth book, Ascendant, never seeing its cinematic adaptation. While the theatrical release is no longer a possibility, understanding the planned trajectory and exploring alternative formats sheds light on what might have been and how the story could potentially continue.
The Aborted Ascent: What Ascendant Was Supposed To Be
The planned sequel to Allegiant, titled Ascendant, was initially envisioned as a theatrical release. The crucial change in this film was intended to deviate significantly from Veronica Roth’s source material, particularly regarding Tris Prior’s fate. Instead of Tris’s sacrifice, Ascendant was planned to show her surviving the events of Allegiant and actively working to build a better, more unified society. The filmmakers aimed to shift the narrative away from the faction system, focusing instead on a larger world outside of Chicago and the challenges of rebuilding. A television movie was initially proposed, aiming to conclude the series on a smaller screen, but this project ultimately stalled as well. This left the Divergent film series incomplete and, in a way, unresolved.
The proposed plot of Ascendant involved the Bureau of Genetic Welfare, the organization revealed in Allegiant, being presented not as malevolent manipulators but as flawed individuals striving to fix the world. Tris, alongside Four, Christina, and Caleb, would work with the Bureau to address genetic damage and societal divisions. The storyline aimed to provide a more hopeful and proactive resolution than the book’s tragic ending, prioritizing character development and reconciliation. The decision to drastically alter the plot was controversial, sparking debate among fans who valued the integrity of the source material versus those who appreciated the potential for a different, perhaps more optimistic, conclusion.
The Reasons Behind the Series’ Demise
The downfall of the Divergent movie series was a multi-faceted issue. The lackluster performance of Allegiant at the box office was undoubtedly a primary factor. Compared to the successes of Divergent and Insurgent, Allegiant failed to capture the same level of audience enthusiasm. Critically, it was also the most poorly reviewed of the three films. This decline in popularity was attributed to various reasons, including:
- Poor adaptation: Many fans felt Allegiant strayed too far from the book, diluting the essence of the story and character motivations.
- Franchise fatigue: The young adult dystopian genre had begun to lose its momentum, with similar franchises like The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner nearing their conclusions.
- Budget constraints: The decision to shift the final film to television, aiming to cut costs, further signaled a lack of confidence in the project’s viability.
- Actor discontent: Rumors circulated about the cast’s unhappiness with the decision to transition to television, potentially impacting their commitment and the project’s overall momentum.
Ultimately, the combination of financial underperformance, critical disappointment, and shifting industry trends led Lionsgate to abandon the Divergent film adaptation altogether.
The Lingering Possibilities: Could the Story Continue?
While a continuation of the Divergent film franchise seems unlikely in its original format, several alternative avenues remain theoretically possible:
- Reboot: A complete reboot of the series, with a new cast and creative team, could be attempted to reintroduce the story to a fresh audience. However, the previous failure might make studios hesitant.
- Animated Series: An animated adaptation could offer a visually distinct and potentially more faithful rendition of the books, appealing to both existing fans and a younger demographic.
- Audio Drama: An audio drama, similar to successful adaptations of other books, could explore the characters and storylines in a more intimate and character-driven way.
- Spin-off Series: A spin-off focusing on different characters or exploring the world outside of Chicago, perhaps focusing on the Bureau of Genetic Welfare, could offer a new perspective on the Divergent universe.
These options face significant hurdles, including securing funding, attracting a talented cast and crew, and convincing audiences that a new interpretation is worthwhile. However, the enduring popularity of the Divergent book series suggests that there might still be an audience eager to see the story continue in some form.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions surrounding the future of the Divergent series:
H3: 1. Why was Ascendant canceled?
The primary reasons were the poor box office performance and negative critical reception of Allegiant. This led to budget cuts and ultimately the abandonment of the theatrical release in favor of a TV movie, which also failed to materialize.
H3: 2. Was Shailene Woodley supposed to reprise her role as Tris in the TV movie?
It was heavily rumored that Shailene Woodley was not enthusiastic about the television movie format, and her participation was uncertain. This uncertainty likely contributed to the project’s eventual cancellation.
H3: 3. What major changes were planned for Ascendant compared to the book Allegiant?
The most significant change was Tris’s survival. In the book, she sacrifices herself. The movie planned to keep her alive and have her play a pivotal role in rebuilding society. The portrayal of the Bureau of Genetic Welfare was also intended to be more nuanced.
H3: 4. Will there ever be a Divergent reboot?
While not impossible, a reboot seems unlikely in the near future. The previous failure is a significant deterrent, but the popularity of the books means it remains a potential option down the line.
H3: 5. Is there any fan-made content that continues the story?
Yes, a significant amount of fan fiction and fan art exists online that explores various scenarios and continuations of the Divergent story. These can be found on platforms like Archive of Our Own and Wattpad.
H3: 6. Could the cast be reunited for a reunion special or a continuation of the story?
The possibility of a reunion is not entirely out of the question, especially if interest in the series is rekindled. However, coordinating schedules and securing funding for such a project would be challenging.
H3: 7. What are the chances of an animated adaptation of the Divergent books?
An animated adaptation could be a viable option, potentially offering a more faithful and cost-effective way to tell the story. The success of animated adaptations of other young adult novels could pave the way for a Divergent animated series.
H3: 8. Where can I watch the existing Divergent movies?
The Divergent movies are available for purchase or rental on various streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, and Google Play Movies & TV. They also occasionally appear on streaming services like Netflix.
H3: 9. Who owns the rights to the Divergent franchise?
Lionsgate owns the film rights to the Divergent series. Any future adaptations would require their involvement.
H3: 10. Has Veronica Roth, the author of the Divergent books, commented on the cancellation of the films?
Veronica Roth has publicly expressed her disappointment with the cancellation of the films but has also acknowledged the complexities involved in adapting books to the screen. She has stated that she prefers to focus on her writing and exploring new stories.
H3: 11. What is the lasting impact of the Divergent series on the young adult dystopian genre?
The Divergent series, despite its incomplete film adaptation, played a significant role in popularizing the young adult dystopian genre. It explored themes of identity, conformity, and societal control, resonating with a young audience grappling with similar issues.
H3: 12. Are there any related books or spin-offs from the Divergent universe?
While there are no direct spin-offs in book form, Veronica Roth has written short stories set in the Divergent world, offering glimpses into the lives of other characters. These short stories provide additional context and depth to the Divergent universe.
In conclusion, while the cinematic future of the Divergent series remains uncertain, the enduring appeal of Veronica Roth’s novels ensures that the conversation about what comes next will continue for years to come. Whether through fan-created content, potential reboots, or alternative adaptations, the story of Tris Prior and the Divergent community may yet find a way to resonate with audiences once more.