Finally, Veronica Roth’s Divergent movie has cast its Four: Theo James.
The 28-year-old actor has been seen in various television projects over the past few years including Downton Abbey (a smaller role in the show’s third episode) and Golden Boy.
“As a fan of Divergent, I am thrilled to have been chosen for the role of Four and to be a part of such a phenomenal story,” James told Entertainment Weekly. “As an actor, I am excited to explore and play this incredibly complex and mysterious character. Director Neil Berger is a remarkably visionary filmmaker. Along with the incredibly talented Shailene Woodley, we are looking forward to the fantastic adventure of bringing this beloved book to life on the big screen for all the fans.”
UPDATE: Kate Winslet will play Jeanine Matthews, the leader of the Erudite faction.
Lionsgate brass chimed in about today’s Four announcement in a press release. In a joint statement, Rob Friedman and Patrick Wachsberger, Co-Chairmen of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said, “Theo is not only an incredibly talented actor, he is also who we envisioned as Four when reading Veronica’s novel which has taken the world by storm. As we continue to develop the film, the studio remains committed to providing fans with a movie adaptation that stays as true to the book as possible and we are confident that we have done so with our selection of Shailene and Theo in the leading roles.”
“We took our time to find the right actor to fill the role of Four, and Theo is definitely the perfect fit,” said Erik Feig, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group’s President of Production. “Veronica has crafted a truly iconic character in Four and we cannot wait to begin production and bring him and this story to life for millions of fans around the world.”
Author Veronica Roth chimed in on today’s news as well: “Recently I saw Theo James’ screen test with Shailene Woodley, and I was sure within seconds: this was ‘Four,’ no question. Theo is able to capture ‘Four’s’ authority and strength, as well as his depth and sensitivity. He is a perfect match for Shailene’s incredibly strong presence as Tris. I’m thrilled!”
James’ casting is the latest in a slew of announcements this week. Jai Courtney will play Eric (Divergent leader), Maggie Q will play Tori (the tattoo artist), Zoe Kravitz will play Christina (Tris’ eventual friend), and Ansel Elgort will play Caleb (Tris’ brother). Shailene Woodley will play Tris.
Deals with Aaron Eckhart (The Dark Knight), Ray Stevenson (Thor: The Dark World, Dexter, The Book of Eli) and Miles Teller (21 & Over, Project X) are in the process of closing. Their characters are yet to be revealed.
Divergent opens March 21, 2014.
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