Divergent TV Series Ascendant In The Works

The Divergent film franchise is moving to television.

Per Deadline, cable network Starz and studio Lionsgate TV are developing a series entitled Ascendant, which was originally intended to be the fourth installment in the Divergent movie series.

The project is still in its early stages of development, but writer Adam Cozard (Tarzan) is on board to pen the script and executive produce along with Lee Toland Krieger (Age of Adaline). Both Cozard and Toland Krieger were slated to write and direct Ascendant when it was envisioned as a feature film set for released in June 2017. 

That project was scrapped last summer when Lionsgate decided not to proceed with the fourth movie, since its third installment Allegiant pulled a measly $66 million at the domestic box office (via Box Office Mojo). The studio ultimately chose to pursue different avenues to keep the franchise alive. 

It's currently unknown whether Ascendant will reunite Divergent series cast members Shailene Woodley (Tris Prior), Theo James (Four), and Ansel Elgort (Caleb Prior). The trio's appearance is considered a possibility, as it would close off their characters' story and kick off a new chapter in the series. 

For Woodley's part, she's previously stated she's open to finishing up the Divergent narrative. "I signed up to tell the whole story of Tris, and I would love to be able to do that," Woodley said last November (via The Hollywood Reporter). "Nothing would make me happier." 

News of the Divergent series getting the TV adaptation treatment comes shortly after the network picked up The Rook, a drama series created by Twilight author Stephenie Meyer. 

Representatives for both Starz and Lionsgate TV declined to comment on the Ascendant announcement. 

While we wait to learn more about the upcoming series, find out why the Divergent film series really fell apart.