‘Divergent Series: Ascendant’: Lionsgate to cut final film’s budget following weak ‘Allegiant’ sales

'Divergent Series: Ascendant' is an upcoming action-adventure and fantasy film intended as the concluding film in the series based on Veronica Roth's novels of the same name. Lionsgate is allegedly planning to cut the upcoming film's budget following the weak performance of 'Allegiant' in the box office. However, it will remain scheduled for a June 2017 release date.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, sources revealed that Lions Gate Entertainment is planning to cut the budget for Lee Toland Krieger's upcoming installment in the 'Divergent' cinematic series following the poor performance of 'Allegiant' in the box office. The two are back-to-back installments intended as the conclusion to the trilogy based on Veronica Roth's bestselling young adult novels.

A source close to production said, "The budget for the next one will be reduced [compared to the previous film]... They haven't said by how much." The concrete numbers for the budget cut have not been elaborated as the last film is still currently in pre-production.

Although the first two live-action adaptations were commercial and critical successes, 'Allegiant' failed to match up to expectations. According to the Wall Street Journal, it underperformed at the box office, grossing only $29 million upon its release on March in the United States. The figures revealed that the third film struggled in comparison to its predecessor, which earned 44 percent more.

It was reported that the budget for 'Allegiant' came to $110-120 million. As of the present, it has earned $137 million - $57 million in domestic markets and $79 million in international markets as stated in Box Office Mojo.

'Allegiant' was also heavily panned by critics, with some condemning the unnecessary split of one final film into two parts. The Hollywood trend of splitting the last film in young adult franchises did not spell trouble for the some major companies in the past. Lionsgate's 'Hunger Games' and 'Twillight' series did considerably well in the box office as did Warner Bros.' 'Harry Potter' series.

Despite the franchise's commercial struggles, 'Ascendant' will push through with its scheduled June 2017 release date. According to Variety, this may put it in competition with two potential blockbuster films, 'World War Z 2' starring Brad Pitt and 'The Mummy' reboot starring Tom Cruise.

'Divergent Series: Ascendant' is an upcoming action-adventure and fantasy film directed by Lee Toland Krieger. It stars Shailene Woodley and Theo James in the lead roles. It is scheduled to be released on June 9, 2017.

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Divergent Series Ascendant, film adaptations, 2017 movie releases, Allegiant

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