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Lionsgate’s odd decision to take the final film of the ‘Divergent’ series and spin it off into a television project has met with a lot of skepticism in the industry, and a lot of backlash from the cast and crew of the film itself, many of whom it seems are not that interested in continuing on with the series if it transitions into television. The move came after the third film in the franchise only made about $66 million at the box office, and the studio buckled at the future plans they had made, wherein they had decided to split the final book of the series into two separate movies, which would be expensive flops if the third movie’s box office profits were any indications of future success.

When speaking to the Hollywood Reporter at the New York Film Festival, Neil Burger, who helmed the first ‘Divergent’ film, had the following to say about the situation:

“I think it’s sad…I was just talking to the people at Lionsgate about something else recently, and it’s just that they got themselves into a difficult bind through various circumstances. … I don’t think they feel like they should’ve split [the last book] into two [films]. If they hadn’t, they would’ve been in much better shape, but at the time I’m sure they were excited and they saw some potential there…It’s just too bad because I love all those actors, and they were very loyal to it. They’re still really trying to figure out what they’re gonna do with it.”

And this, of course, goes along with recent comments by Shailene Woodley, who was also displeased with the move to television, saying that she “didn’t sign up to be in a television show.” And who can blame her? As an actor there is nothing more exciting than signing on for your own movie franchise, and when it does not fare well in theaters it can really be disappointing. And then to be told that it did so poorly that the final installment has been shifted to television, I mean, why even bother?

What are your thoughts on the situation? Is it even worth it to finish the series if its just gonna be on TV with a new cast? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below!

Source: Hollywood Reporter

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Nick is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles, who belongs to the privileged few who enjoyed the ending to ‘Lost.’ For more of Nick’s thoughts and articles, follow him on Twitter.