'Divergent:' Final Book, 'Allegiant,' In Veronica Roth's Thriller Series, Will Be Split Into Two Films By Lionsgate
“Allegiant,” the final book in Veronica Roth’s “Divergent” trilogy, will be made into two films, following in the footsteps of the “Twilight” and “The Hunger Games” franchises, Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. (NYSE:LGF) announced Friday.
The studio announced that "Allegiant: Part 1" is set to be released on March 18, 2016, and its second part a year later on March 24, 2017. The Shailene Woodley-starring “Divergent,” released last month, grossing $117 million so far at the U.S. box office. Pre-production for “Insurgent,” based on the second book in the series, is underway slated for release on March 20, 2015.
"Veronica Roth brings her captivating story to a masterful conclusion in 'Allegiant,' a rich, action-packed book with material that is ideally suited to two strong and fulfilling movies,” Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-Chairmen Rob Friedman and Patrick Wachsberger said in a joint statement.
"The storytelling arc and world of the characters lend themselves perfectly to two films, a storytelling strategy that has worked very well for us on the two 'Twilight: Breaking Dawn' films, and about which we're tremendously enthusiastic for the two upcoming 'Mockingjay' films of 'The Hunger Games' franchise.”
Lionsgate will release the final two installments of "The Hunger Games" franchise, "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1" starring Jennifer Lawrence, on Nov. 21, 2014, followed by the second part on Nov. 20, 2015. The series has grossed more than $1.5 billion in worldwide box office so far, while the “Twilight” series grossed $3.3 billion over five films.
The first “Divergent” film in the franchise was directed by Neil Burger and starred Woodley, Theo James, Kate Winslet, Ashley Judd, Jai Courtney, Zoë Kravitz, Miles Teller, Mekhi Phifer, Tony Goldwyn, Maggie Q and Ansel Elgort. Some of these actors will reprise their roles in “Insurgent,” directed by Robert Schwentke.
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