“Divergent” bestseller adaption hits $250 million at worldwide box office

PanARMENIAN.Net - Lionsgate’s franchise “Divergent” starring Shailene Woodley and Theo James, has broken the $250 million mark at the worldwide box office, Variety reported.

The film has grossed $142.7 million at the domestic box office and another $108.3 million at the international box office in 55 markets. Remaining territories still to open include Japan (July 12) and China.

The studio also received an upgrade in its ratings outlook from Standard and Poors to “positive” from “stable,” pointing to increased revenues and cash flows. The agency affirmed its B-plus corporate credit rating.

“We believe the company’s strategy of focusing on selected larger budget film franchises, moderate cost productions, low cost film acquisitions and foreign output deals while prelicensing certain rights to reduce the financial risk to the company, improves visibility into its future earnings,” the agency said.

Lionsgate toppers Patrick Wachsberger and Rob Friedman noted that the studio will start production this month on “Insurgent,” the second installment of the “Divergent” franchise.

“Our ‘Divergent’ franchise is off to a great start, and the film’s strong holds domestically and internationally are a good indication that momentum is continuing to build,” they said.

The company noted that book sales of Veronica Roth’s “Divergent” have increased by 4 million to 21 million copies worldwide since the film’s March 21 release. “Insurgent” opens March 20 and the two “Allegiant” films open on March 18, 2016, and March 24, 2017, respectively.