The Divergent Series: Ascendant finds a new director in Lee Toland Krieger

After helming both the INSURGENT and ALLEGIANT installments of THE DIVERGENT SERIES, it was expected that Robert Schwentke would be returning to conclude the story of Tris (Shailene Woodley), Four (Theo James), Peter (Miles Teller), Caleb (Ansel Elgort), and all the rest in THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ASCENDANT. However, Schwentke dropped out earlier this month which led to Lionsgate having to scramble in order to find a replacement if they wanted to keep their previously announced release date.

Lionsgate worked quickly, as THR reports that Lee Toland Krieger (AGE OF ADALINE) is in talks to helm THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ASCENDANT. Production on this fourth and final film in THE DIVERGENT SERIES is expected to kick off in Atlanta this summer, which is part of the reason why Schwentke dropped out of the project; after filming the last two films back to back, he wanted a break to spend more time with his family in Los Angeles rather than spending another extended production back in Atlanta.

A synopsis for THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT:

After the earth-shattering revelations of INSURGENT, Tris must escape with Four and go beyond the wall enclosing Chicago. For the first time ever, they will leave the only city and family they have ever known in order to find a peaceful solution for their embroiled city. Once outside, old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless with the revelation of shocking new truths. Tris and Four must quickly decide who they can trust as a ruthless battle ignites beyond the walls of Chicago which threatens all of humanity. In order to survive, Tris will be forced to make impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice and love.

THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT will hit theaters on March 18, 2016 while the grand finale, ASCENDANT, is set for a June 9, 2017 release.