‘Divergent’ franchise kicks off with $56 million box-office, shy of some expectations

CP27701008
This photo released by Summit Entertainment, LLC shows Maggie Q, left, as Tori and Shailene Woodley as Beatrice "Tris" Prior, in the film, "Divergent." The film releases Friday, March 21, 2014. (AP Photo/Summit Entertainment, Jaap Buitendijk)

NEW YORK, N.Y. – The teen science-fiction franchise “Divergent” debuted with $56 million at the box office, one of the year’s biggest openings, but one shy of some expectations.

Lionsgate’s adaptation of Veronica Roth’s bestselling young-adult novels, starring Shailene Woodley, didn’t reach the heights of the studio’s other teen franchises. “Twilight” opened with $69.6 million in 2008, and “The Hunger Games” debuted with $152.5 million in 2012.

But “Divergent” is still the second largest opening of 2014, following “The Lego Movie.” A sequel is already planned.

Disney’s Muppets sequel “Muppets Most Wanted” fared poorly, earning $16.5 million over the weekend. In 2011, “The Muppets” opened notably better with $29.2 million.

Last weekend’s box-office leader, the animated “Mr. Peabody and Sherman,” slid to third place in its third week of release with $11.7 million.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles