As far as the last chapter of “The Divergent Series: Ascendant” is concerned, nothing much has developed. Much of this is tied up to the fact that previous director Robert Schwentke stepped down to take some time off.
Schwentke opted to spend more time with his family last month. The director opted to make up lost time with his loved ones in Los Angeles rather than travel to Atlanta where “The Divergent Series Ascendant” starts filming in the Summer per The Hollywood Reporter.
With no one officially taking the director’s chair for now, the vacancy could be filled up soon. Entertainment Weekly bares that Lee Toland Krieger is undergoing negotiations with Lionsgate/ Summit Films for “The Divergent Series: Ascendant”.
It remains to be seen if Krieger would end up as the new director for “The Divergent Series: Ascendant." However, taking over from Schwentke will mean that Krieger will get the biggest project thus far.
Krieger has been credited for his work behind “Celeste & Jesse Forever," “The Vicious Kind" and “Age of Adaline." Of the mix, “Age of Adaline” was one of his notable works, racking in $42.5 million despite getting heavy criticism.
Krieger gets the chance to top that if he agrees to direct “The Divergent Series: Ascendant." This will be the finale for the best-selling trilogy authored by Veronica Roth.
Expected to return for “The Divergent Series: Ascendant” are Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Ansel Elgort, Miles Teller and Naomi Watts.
With the third installment, “Allegiant," gaining heavy criticism, Krieger (should he accept) may have his work cut out for him.
Could that include a possible twist that would break up the on-screen chemistry of Woodley and James?
“It seems like the on-screen couple will have to gear up as some changes will be implemented on the franchise’ final film, ‘Ascendant,’” per CSN.
Before going that far, it would be best to see if Krieger and Lionsgate/Summit can come to terms first, hopefully before filming starts in the Summer.