February 9, 2016 - 11:33 AMT
Robert Schwentke exits final “Divergent” movie “Ascendant”

Robert Schwentke is no longer expected to direct Lionsgate's "The Divergent Series: Ascendant". As AceShowbiz reports citing Deadline, the filmmaker who helmed two films in the franchise, last year's "The Divergent Series: Insurgent" and the upcoming "The Divergent Series: Allegiant", won't be returning for the fourth and final installment.

According to the site, Schwentke decided to drop out of the project simply because he needed to take a break after making two entries back to back. Lionsgate must now find another director for the movie, which is still scheduled to start filming in Atlanta this summer before released Stateside on June 9, 2017.

"Ascendant", adapted from the YA books by Veronica Roth, will see Shailene Woodley reprising her role as Tris. Joining her in the cast are Theo James, Ansel Elgort, Miles Teller, Naomi Watts, Octavia Spencer, Jeff Daniels, Zoe Kravitz, Maggie Q and more.

The third "Divergent" movie, "Allegiant", is hitting U.S. theaters on March 18.