A major title in Lionsgate’s movie library is being eyed as a TV series adaptation at the company’s new subsidiary, Starz. The cable network is developing Ascendant, a drama TV series based on the Summit/Lionsgate movie franchise.
The project, which is in early stages, is being written/executive produced by Adam Cozad (Tarzan, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit) and directed/executive produced by Lee Toland Krieger (The Age Of Adaline). The two were previously attached to write and direct Ascendant when it was envisioned as a feature and fourth installment in the Divergent film series.
Lionsgate ultimately last summer opted not to proceed with a fourth movie, instead opting to continue to franchise on television, with a TV movie and a spinoff series with new characters being discussed as possibilities. Poor critical & box office returns for the third film also played into the decision.
There are no details about the Ascendant TV series at Starz. It is unclear whether the cast from the movie, led by Shailene Woodley, Theo James and Ansel Elgort, would appear on the series though that is considered a possibility as a way to wrap their characters’ story and jump-start the series. Reps for Starz and Lionsgate TV declined comment. I suspect new deals would have to be struck for them to make some kind of appearance and I imagine it would be pretty expensive.
The Divergent films, based on Veronica Roth’s bestselling books, are set in a futuristic society where people are broken up into social and personality-related factions.
