Shailene Woodley not interested in TV spin-off 'Ascendant'
The success of the film adaptations based on the "Divergent" trilogy by Veronica Roth led Lionsgate to push for a film and a spinoff series. However, recent developments suggested that Shailene Woddley, who portrayed the lead character Beatrice Prior in the adaptations, isn't interested in reprising her role for the planned sequels.
According to Variety, the studio wanted to conclude the franchise with a fourth film called "Ascendant," and it is slated to premiere in June next year. Since the third film "Allegiant" wasn't as successful as its predecessors, the studio opted to change its plans. Hence, Lionsgate came up with a film for the small screen and a potential spinoff TV series.
It's unclear whether Woodley and costar Theo James, who portrayed Tobias Eaton in the films, will be reprising their roles. Again, Woodley has expressed disinterest in the TV series.
In an interview with Screen Rant, the actress stated, "Last I heard they were trying to make it into a television show. I didn't sign up to be in a television show. Out of respect to the studio and everyone involved, they may have changed their mind and may be doing something different, but I'm not necessarily interested in doing a television show."
Actors Miles Teller and Ansel Elgort shared Woodley's sentiments of disappointment.
Teller, who portrayed Peter Hayes, might have no intention of joining the small screen sequels as well. In an interview with Variety, he sounded unsure about the show's change of plans. He revealed that he found out about the planned TV finale 20 minutes before Variety broke the news. And it was pretty clear that the actor was disappointed.
Furthermore, Ansel Elgort, who portrayed Caleb Prior, suggested in an interview with Huffington Post that the cast of the original film would not be reprising roles for the TV adaptation. He said, "It's obviously sad because the cast all really like each other, but hopefully we can all work together on a different project."
