Shailene Woodley Chose Director For 'Allegiant' Movie Sequel 'Ascendant'?
The Eye
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"Allegiant," the third movie in the "Divergent" movie franchise, did not fare well at the box office. Considering the dismal turnout, Lionsgate has decided to cut the budget for its follow-up, "Ascendant," according to The Hollywood Reporter.
"The budget for the next one will be reduced [compared to the previous film]," a source reportedly said about the upcoming movie starring Shailene Woodley and Theo James.
The source added that the amount has not been confirmed, but there have been talks that it will amount to several millions of dollars.
Box-office analyst Jeff Bock said the low turn-out may have been led by the splitting of the third book in Veronica Roth's series into two films.
"It comes down to this: The core of the story is being hollowed out by splitting the final novel [into two parts] and spiraling out of control," Bock said. "Not only is story momentum being truncated, but this type of corporate greed has caused something even more dire than declining grosses - it's completely destroying the brand name. Ding dong, dystopia is dead. At least in the YA genre."
Related: Shailene Woodley Talks 'Allegiant' Movie Sequel 'Ascendant', New Director
Another insider said "Allegiant" was released half-baked because executives at Lionsgate likes churning out films in order to hit monetary quotas instead of looking after quality.
The last film in the franchise will be helmed by a different director. Robert Schwentke, who directed "Divergent," "Insurgent" and "Allegiant," has been replaced by "Age of Adaline"director Lee Toland Krieger.
Schwentke said he wanted to take a break and spend more time with his family that's why he quit, but there are rumors saying his exit was influenced by Woodley's "dissatisfaction" for his work.
"She was complaining about him, but she was equally complaining about the speed of the movies and not taking the time to get a script right," a source said.
The source added that Krieger's hiring was subject to Woodley's approval.
"The different contestants were discussed with her and we knew he was someone who was sensitive to actors," the source said.
Woodley has opened up about the new director in an interview with E! News, saying: "I'm looking forward to seeing how the story is going to be constructed because I have no idea. And we have a new director. You know, that's actually another exciting thing - working with someone new and seeing what visions he brings to the table."
"Ascendant" is expected to hit theaters June 9, 2017.
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Source: http://www.fashionnstyle.com/articles/83315/20160410/shailene-woodley-chose-director-for-allegiant-movie-sequel-ascendant.htm
