'Ascendant' Series in the Works at Starz, as 'Divergent' Franchise Heads to TV

Lionsgate

Starz is in early development on a TV series based on the “Ascendant,” as the”Divergent” franchise moves to the small screen, TheWrap has learned.

“Ascendant” was originally planned to be the fourth entry in the Lionsgate film series starring Shailene Woodley and Theo James, but the plan was scrapped after a poor box office performance by the third movie in the series, “Allegiant.”

It is unclear whether any of the original movie’s cast will return for a potential TV adaptation.

Also Read: Final 'Divergent' Movie to Skip Theaters for TV Movie and Spinoff Series

“Tarzan’s” Adam Cozad is attached to write the script and executive produce alongside Lee Toland Krieger. Both Starz and Lionsgate declined to comment.

News of the potential series comes after Lionsgate’s acquisition of Starz was completed last December. The studio and network recently announced a partnership on another genre series “The Rook,” from Stephenie Meyer and Stephen Garrett.

Deadline first reported the news.

7 TV Shows to Watch Right Now Based on Books, From 'Game of Thrones' to 'Handmaid's Tale' (Photos)

Some of the hottest spring and summer shows this year are based on books. Scroll through and to find some inspiration for your beach reading.
HBO
"13 Reason Why"

This buzzy Netflix teen drama is based on Jay Asher's novel of the same name, which came out in 2007. The show drew out the story and added backstory to more characters, but otherwise stayed pretty true to the book.
Netflix
"A Series of Unfortunate Events"

Millennial nostalgia strikes again. Netflix brings Lemony Snicket's stories of the Baudelaire children to life starring Patrick Warburton and Neil Patrick Harris.
Netflix
"American Gods"

The Starz show is an adaptation of the 2001 novel by Neil Gaiman starring Ricky Whittle and Emily Browning.
Starz
"The Handmaid's Tale"

Hulu's original series starring Elizabeth Moss is based off Margaret Atwood's 1985 dystopian novel about a future in which women's rights are taken away.
Hulu
"Big Little Lies"

HBO's adaptation of Liane Moriarty's novel of the same name stars Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman and Shailene Woodley.
HBO
"Orange Is the New Black"

"OITNB" Season 5 premieres June 9, and the series is based off of Piper Kerman's memoir that tells the story of her time in prison. The show has expanded far past the book by now.
Netflix
"Game of Thrones"

Winter is finally here in the show, but the sixth book still isn't. HBO's epic show is based on a series of fantasy novels by George R.R. Martin. Five of the seven anticipated books have been published. The premiere of Season 7 is July 16.
HBO