LOS ANGELES - “Allegiant,” the third book in Veronica Roth’s massively successful “Divergent” trilogy, will get a two-part big-screen adaptation, Summit Entertainment and Lionsgate announced Friday.
“Allegiant - Part 1” will be released in theaters on March 18, 2016, and “Allegiant - Part 2” on March 24, 2017.
The Shailene Woodley-starring “Divergent,” based on Roth’s first book in the dystopian adventure series, has earned more than $116 million at the domestic box office since opening three weeks ago, and is set to open in France, Germany, Russia, Australia and other markets this weekend.
Pre-production for “Insurgent,” based on the second book in the series, is underway, with Robert Schwentke taking the reins from “Divergent” director Neil Burger. That film is set to open March 20, 2015.
In splitting the final installment into two parts, Summit is following a formula proved successful by the “Twilight” and “Harry Potter” film franchises. Lionsgate is applying the same tactic to “The Hunger Games” franchise, with “Mockingjay - Part 1” due out in November and “Part 2” in 2015.
The “Divergent” book series, which has sold nearly 20 million copies worldwide, is set in a future version of Chicago, where people are tested and sorted into five factions based on personality. Young heroine Tris Prior (Woodley) finds out she is divergent, meaning she has an aptitude for multiple factions and doesn’t fall neatly into one category - a dangerous trait in the rigidly divided society. She hides her divergence and decides to join the faction based on bravery, where she meets a group of tattooed warriors including love interest Four, played by Theo James.
“Insurgent,” which tracks Tris’ journey as war between the factions looms, will be shot in Atlanta and Chicago.
“Allegiant - Parts 1 and 2? will see the young protagonists in a world they no longer recognize, where they find truths about the past and future.
About the Author
