The “Divergent” franchise is once again following in the footsteps of “The Twilight Saga” and the “Hunger Games” series.
“Allegiant,” the third title in the YA series adapted from Veronica Roth's novels, will be split into two parts, following the 2015 release of the second film, “Insurgent.”
“Allegiant: Part 1” will arrive March 18, 2016, with “Part 2” following on March 24, 2017.
Lionsgate previously had success with the formula with the last installment of “Twilight,” and will likely score again with the two-part The Hunger Games: Mockingjay.”
Likewise, Warner Bros. broke box office records by splitting “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” into two parts.
“Divergent” has so far grossed over $177 million domestically and helped make a star out of Shailene Woodley. It also stars Theo James, Kate Winslet, Maggie Q and Miles Teller.
The sequel, “Insurgent,” starts shooting next month, and will be released March 20, 2015.
“Veronica Roth brings her captivating story to a masterful conclusion in 'Allegiant,' a rich, action-packed book with material that is ideally suited to two strong and fulfilling movies,” said Lionsgate Co-Chairmen Rob Friedman and Patrick Wachsberger in a release. “The storytelling arc and world of the characters lend themselves perfectly to two films, a storytelling strategy that has worked very well for us on the two 'Twilight Breaking Dawn' films and about which we”re tremendously enthusiastic for the two upcoming 'Mockingjay' films of 'The Hunger Games' franchise.”