Robert Schwentke to Direct 'Divergent' Sequel

[Batman1980]

Summit Entertainment has tapped Robert Schwentke to direct Insurgent, the studio's sequel to its upcoming YA adaptation Divergent, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.

The film is slated to hit theaters March 20, 2015, with Oscar-winning screenwriter Akiva Goldsman on board to rework the script. Divergent director Neil Burger had already decided not to return for the sequel because of scheduling conflicts.

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Schwentke's previous credits include 2010's Red.

Divergent is based on Veronica Roth's popular YA trilogy and stars Shailene Woodley as a teen living in a futuristic North America, where people are divided into groups based on certain values. Each citizen is allowed to select the group – or faction – they will live in once they turn 16. Theo James also stars.

Source - http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hea...-sequel-679671

[cornbread_1788]

I like how it didn't mention his last film, R.I.P.D.

[Thomas Guycott]

This is like, the third YA sequel to be already green-lit, and the first film isn't even out yet?

[spanky87]

I don't think Divergent will even make $80 million domestically. I predict 50-60 million tops overall.

It could have a good first weekend, but then it will drastically drop the next after all the devoted book fans have already seen it. None of the lead actors are a draw, and general audiences seem to care more about the Muppet sequel opening the same weekend.

[Monterey Jack]

If this tops $11 million opening weekend, I will be STUNNED.

[Scorpion Soldier]

In a lot of cases where they greenlight a sequel before release I understand (it's still a bit premature, but ok), but they should really wait out for the box office results of the first one. They may be in a bit over their heads atm in my opinion.

[Jennifer Lawrence Fan]

Originally Posted by Monterey Jack

If this tops $11 million opening weekend, I will be STUNNED.

Wow. You really hate Young Adult novel stuff don't you?

[detective392]

I think this franchise will become another BO hit. May not be the next Hunger Games or Twilight but I see it doing well enough to get all 3 books made into films.

[EricJ]

Originally Posted by Thomas Guycott

This is like, the third YA sequel to be already green-lit, and the first film isn't even out yet?

Like I said--The minute they get that deal with the publisher, they think they HAVE to go the Full Harry.

For those who actually read it, what's the last book in the YA series, and ten bucks says they make a two-parter out of it?

[Thomas Guycott]

Originally Posted by Monterey Jack

If this tops $11 million opening weekend, I will be STUNNED.

Originally Posted by Michael Bay Fan

Wow. You really hate Young Adult novel stuff don't you?

His prediction does have precedent: virtually every YA adaptation released in the past five years that isn't one of the Big Three has either failed or significantly under-performed at the box office.

[cornbread_1788]

It's is pretty much doomed to be honest. The trailer looks mediocre, but surpasses Twilight very easily. But with the lackluster performances of Beautiful Creatures, Mortal Instruments, and this past weekend.... Vampire Academy, Hollywood has run out of fresh YA material.

[Edword]

Originally Posted by detective392

I think this franchise will become another BO hit. May not be the next Hunger Games or Twilight but I see it doing well enough to get all 3 books made into films.

Same here. I think it will do decent, not outstanding, but enough to warrant a sequel. I'm sure it will do better than The Mortal Instruments.