'Divergent: Ascendant' release date, cast news 2016: Shailene Woodley and Theo James not reprising their roles? Movie confirmed as TV series?

The "Divergent" movie franchise based on Veronica Roth's best-selling book series started out strong but by the third installment, it ended up losing steam. Now, even original lead star Shailene Woodley doesn't know what's happening to the purported fourth installment, "Divergent: Ascendant."

"Divergent" and "Divergent: Insurgent" were massive successes, but the last film released in March 2016, "Divergent: Allegiant" had a less than stellar box office performance. Now, there are rumors that "Divergent: Ascendant" might end up as a TV-movie or TV series. However, not even the cast members are aware of what's going on with the movie.

"They haven't finalized any decisions, so it's actually a moot point to talk about it now, out of respect to Lionsgate and everyone involved. I'm not exactly sure where they stand so we are kind of all in a limbo game," Woodley says, as quoted by Cinema Blend. "I signed up to tell the whole story of Tris, and I would love to be able to do that. Nothing would make me happier."

Speculations that Lionsgate has opted to turn "Divergent: Ascendant" into a TV series are rife, and apparently, this is something Woodley and co-star Theo James opted out from. According to the grapevine, the two lead stars said they did not sign up for a TV series, believing from the get-go that all parts of the "Divergent" series will be in movie form.

Some fans believe both Woodley and James, who are still making a name for themselves in the industry, don't want to be associated with a flop, which is why they have opted out of the TV project. The last installment they starred in was an epic disappointment both in ratings and in sales, so the two definitely need something to put them back on the map, so to speak.

"Divergent: Ascendant" was scheduled to hit theaters in June 2017, but currently, the fate of the movie still hangs in the balance.

In the meantime, keep coming back to find out whether Lionsgate pushes through with the "Divergent: Ascendant" movie or if it will end up as a TV series.