Robert Schwentke drops out of DIVERGENT franchise finale, ASCENDANT!
After helming Insurgent and Allegiant, Robert Schwentke has left Lionsgate in serious need of a new director for The Divergent Series: Ascendant.
Deadline reports that the director left the franchise because he needed a break after directing the second and third film back-to-back. There have been no reports of any other behind-the-scenes issues, despite the fact that Schwentke’s Insurgent did not fare well for the studio.
However, filming for The Divergent Series: Ascendant is currently set for this summer. That doesn’t give Lionsgate, the studio behind the franchise, much time to find a suitable replacement. This may be especially difficult because Ascendant is the second of two parts. With the Bureau and the world outside the fence already established by Robert Schwentke in Allegiant, his replacement may find their hands are creatively tied to his or her predecessor’s vision.
Reports do not suggest that Schwentke’s departure is related to the film’s release date being pushed back to June 9, 2017.
The director’s last film in the franchise, The Divergent Series: Allegiant, hits theaters on March 18, 2016.