Latest news with #Divergent
USA Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Your 'Twilight' refresher as the series turns 20
What is it about paranormal romance that's oh-so swoon-worthy? 'Twilight' is among the most popular vampire love stories across books and movies – generations are still debating Edward Cullen vs. Jacob Black. The fandom persists two decades later, inspiring scores of die-hard readers, fanfic (we're looking at you, 'Fifty Shades of Grey') and still-relevant quotes like 'Bella! Where the hell have you been, loca?' The series also showed that female-led stories could be blockbusters, paving the way for fantasy favorites like 'The Hunger Games' and 'Divergent.' As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first book's publication, here's your definitive guide to the Stephenie Meyer universe. How many books are in the 'Twilight' series? There are four books in the 'Twilight' series, but technically seven in the world of 'Twilight' as Meyer wrote two companion novels and a novella that reimagine or dive deeper into the story. 'Life and Death' is 'Twilight' reimagined. This gender-swapped novel turns Bella and Edward's story into Beaufort and Edythe, letting a female vampire take the lead. 'Midnight Sun,' Meyer's latest release, is 'Twilight' from Edward's perspective. 'The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner' is a novella told from the perspective of one of the newborn vampires in Victoria's coven, introduced in 'Eclipse.' It follows her friendships, romance and the mysteries of vampire life beyond hunting Bella and the Cullens. When did the 'Twilight' books come out? 'Twilight' books in order Here are all the 'Twilight' books by Stephenie Meyer in order of release: Who wrote 'Twilight'? Stephenie Meyer wrote 'Twilight.' She was inspired by a dream about a girl and a sparkly vampire talking in a meadow. Meyer would eventually become USA TODAY's Author of the Year in 2008 after she captured the top four spots on our Best-selling Booklist, something no author had done before. She's written two other books outside of "Twilight": "The Host" and "The Chemist." Clare Mulroy is USA TODAY's Books Reporter, where she covers buzzy releases, chats with authors and dives into the culture of reading. Find her on Instagram, subscribe to our weekly Books newsletter or tell her what you're reading at cmulroy@
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Theo James looks suave in a black suit as he attends Dolce & Gabbana runway show during Milan Fashion Week amid 'leading odds' to become the next James Bond
Theo James looked suave as he stepped out for the Dolce & Gabbana fashion show during the Milan Menswear Spring/Summer 2026 Fashion Week on Saturday. The actor, 40, who is rumoured to be in the running for the next James Bond, cut a dapper figure in a sleek black suit for the occasion. He paired the look with a black shirt and classic black loafers, finishing it off with a pair of striking tortoiseshell sunglasses. Theo looked relaxed and in high spirits as he posed for photos at the glamorous event in the heart of the Italian city. It comes after it was revealed that Theo James is currently the bookies' favourite to step into the iconic role of James Bond, with odds of 5/2. The Divergent star has surged ahead of other contenders, including Superman actor Henry Cavill, Tom Hardy, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and James Norton. The actor, 40, who is rumoured to be in the running for the next James Bond, cut a dapper figure in a sleek black suit for the occasion. The legendary 007 character was first brought to life by Sean Connery in 1962's Dr. No and has since been portrayed by several leading men. Most recently, Daniel Craig fronted the franchise, starring in five Bond films from 2006 to 2021. Ever since No Time to Die marked Craig's final outing, speculation has been rife about who will take up the mantle next - and it seems Theo is firmly in the lead. The Brit has previously impressed while playing rogue, morally ambiguous characters somewhat similar to Bond in both The White Lotus and and Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen. But James has played down speculation linking him to the part, telling The Guardian last year that it 'probably wouldn't be me'. While she was planning the new Bond movie, Barbara Broccoli's favourite was thought to be The Divergent star Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 34. He momentarily moved down bookies' lists after Amazon's purchase of the franchise, but recently soared back up them after signing a deal with Omega, the official watch provider of Bond. He was also endorsed by former 007 PIerce Brosnan, 72, during an appearance on The Jonathan Ross show last month. It comes after it was revealed that Theo is currently the bookies' favourite to step into the iconic role of James Bond, with odds of 5/2 'I think he (Aaron) would make a very fine Bond,' Brosnan said. 'He was actually in one of the movies I made called The Greatest. This young man we cast as The Greatest. 'He was so impressive then. He just had this charisma, he had this presence... he would be so good. But there's many men on the list, I'm sure.' As The Daily Mail reported, the plan is for the new Bond to be a 'straight up' reboot. There is reportedly set to be no explanation of how the special agent is still alive, no multiverse of Bonds and no attempt to go back to the 1960s for a vintage Bond. Amazon bosses are currently said to be considering locations in which to set the much-anticipated new film, which experts predicted is likely to be released at the end of next year or in 2027. Due to a filming ban being imposed in Central London next year, new locations are reportedly being considered - with Liverpool a frontrunner, according to The Sun. An insider told the publication: 'This will no doubt irk Bond purists who already fear Amazon taking over the 007 franchise may lead to them making big changes. 'But Liverpool is a well-known alternative to London for film-makers. 'It has appeared in everything from The Batman to Captain America and Harry Potter movies, doubling up as international cities.' The source added that it doesn't necessarily mean the story will be set in Liverpool - though eagle-eyed Merseysiders will no doubt spot their city centre in the background.
Daily Mail
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Jonathan Bailey responds to James Bond rumours in awkward exchange with BBC Radio 2 host Scott Mills - after new favourite for the role emerged
Jonathan Bailey responded to rumours linking him to the iconic tux of James Bond during an awkward exchange with Scott Mills on BBC Radio 2. Speculation about the forthcoming movie has been heating up in recent weeks with film-lovers desperate to discover who will be following in the footsteps of Daniel Craig. He relinquished his 'license to kill' with the 2021 film No Time To Die, which also proved to be the last masterminded by Bond producer of 30 years Barbara Broccoli after Amazon took over 'creative control' of the franchise. Having spent a reported $1billion on sealing the deal, the company are said to be fast-tracking the new movie with Hollywood producers David Heyman and Amy Pascal hired to bring in the new era of Bond. They're likely to want to put their own spin on 007, with Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey, 37, said to be one of the names in the running. And during an appearance on Scott Mills's BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show on Tuesday, Jonathan was asked about the possibilty of him becoming Bond. Pressed by Scott about the rumours, the 37-year-old responded: 'That's an amazingly flattering ask. I mean, it would be hard to say no.' While Bailey stopped short of confirming anything official, he teased: 'I don't know, I really honestly... I mean it would be hard to say no.' The actor then joked with Scott: 'I could imagine you as James Blonde,' to which the host replied: 'Well swerved!' 'I know that it's going to be exciting whatever they do,' Bailey then affirmed. It came after the Brit - who played the starring role in Bridgerton - was tipped for the part of 007 by Harris Dickinson, 28, who had been a bookies' favourite. Harris had been in attendance at a BFI event in Cannes last month when he was asked who he thought would be the best Bond with the questioner saying that he was their 'second choice' for the role. 'Jonathan Bailey is your first choice, so lets go with that,' said Harris. 'That sounds like a good idea.' Both Bailey and Dickinson are however pipped at the top of bookies' odds lists by a number of household names. The current bookies' favourite to become the next Bond is none other than the Divergent series star Theo James, 40, who is currently 6/4. The Brit has previously impressed while playing rogue, morally ambiguous characters somewhat similar to Bond in both The White Lotus and and Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen. But James has played down speculation linking him to the part, telling The Guardian last year that it 'probably wouldn't be me'. While she was planning the new Bond movie, Barbara Broccoli's favourite was thought to be The Divergent star Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 34. He momentarily moved down bookies' lists after Amazon's purchase of the franchise, but recently soared back up them after signing a deal with Omega, the official watch provider of Bond. He was also endorsed by former 007 PIerce Brosnan, 72, during an appearance on The Jonathan Ross show last month. 'I think he (Aaron) would make a very fine Bond,' Brosnan said. 'He was actually in one of the movies I made called The Greatest. This young man we cast as The Greatest. 'He was so impressive then. He just had this charisma, he had this presence... he would be so good. But there's many men on the list, I'm sure.' Second favourite to become the latest actor 'with a license to kill' however, according to Ladbrokes, is Superman star Henry Cavill (3/1), ahead of Aaron in third (7/2). While Coral's list of candidates comes in as Theo James at 6/4, Henry Cavill (3/1), Aaron Taylor-Johnson (7/2), James Norton (6/1) and Jack Lowden (12/1). After Daniel Craig's James Bond died at the end of No Time To Die, speculation has been rife as to how the next film will begin. As The Daily Mail reported, the plan is for the new Bond to be a 'straight up' reboot. There is reportedly set to be no explanation of how the special agent is still alive, no multiverse of Bonds and no attempt to go back to the 1960s for a vintage Bond. Amazon bosses are currently said to be considering locations in which to set the much-anticipated new film, which experts predicted is likely to be released at the end of next year or in 2027. Due to a filming ban being imposed in Central London next year, new locations are reportedly being considered - with Liverpool a frontrunner, according to The Sun. An insider told the publication: 'This will no doubt irk Bond purists who already fear Amazon taking over the 007 franchise may lead to them making big changes. 'But Liverpool is a well-known alternative to London for film-makers. 'It has appeared in everything from The Batman to Captain America and Harry Potter movies, doubling up as international cities.' The source added that it doesn't necessarily mean the story will be set in Liverpool - though eagle-eyed Merseysiders will no doubt spot their city centre in the background.
Daily Record
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Sci-fi fans have just days to watch huge film before it leaves BBC iPlayer for good
A beloved dystopian saga is slipping away from BBC iPlayer soon, leaving fans with a fleeting chance to revisit a world where society's rigid lines blur. A gem of dystopian cinema that had a legion of fans in the 2010s is leaving BBC iPlayer in the next few days, giving audiences a last chance to catch up on a beloved film series. Insurgent (2015) is the second instalment of the Divergent trilogy - based on Veronica Roth's book in which society is divided into factions based on human virtues, and teenagers must choose which faction to join. Tris Prior, a member of the selfless Abnegation faction, discovers she is Divergent, meaning she possesses traits of multiple factions and is a threat to the rigid system. She joins Dauntless, learns to trust the mysterious Four, and uncovers a conspiracy to destroy Divergents, leading her to question her identity and loyalty as she fights for survival against a powerful system. Insurgent follows Tris and Four as the faction system is crumbling. They then must uncover what Tris' family sacrificed to protect and why the Erudite faction is so determined to stop them. Tris grapples with her past, confronts her inner demons, and embraces her "Divergence" in the face of escalating conflict and new discoveries. The books were already an established success among young adult audiences when Divergent, Insurgent and Allegiant were adapted into films. With a cast led by Golden Globes, Emmy and BAFTA-nominated actress Shailene Woodley and Emmy nominee Theo James, Insurgent also boasts names like Kate Winslet, Miles Teller, Ansel Elgort, Octavia Spencer, Zoe Kravitz, Naomi Watts, Suki Waterhouse and Ashley Judd in its cast list. Critics on reviewing platform Rotten Tomatoes generally criticise Insurgent for not holding up the hype built up by its predecessor, but also point out some of the film's strong suits. 'I liked the series from the beginning and the development of the characters and turns in the story', one wrote. 'Moments that the protagonists faced seem fresh and new with innocence contrasted by grief, loss, yet fierce pursuit for justice against a system that is oppressive. The scenery, cinematography, music seemed so futuristic and non-time based to be transported to a different place'. 'I started to watch this series again and it still holds up today', another commented. 'This second instalment of the series builds off the first in a great and unique way'. Insurgent is followed by Allegiant (2016), and, collectively, the three films have grossed over $765 million in box offices worldwide. If you plan on binge-watching the Divergent series, Insurgent (2015) will be available on BBC iPlayer until June 9th.
Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Priyanka Chopra almost made her Hollywood debut with Divergent, reveals Neil Burger: 'She auditioned, but...'
Neil Burger's latest film, Inheritance, was partially filmed in India. The filmmaker, known for edgy thrillers like Limitless, was in India in 2022 with his star Phoebe Dynevor for the 'guerrilla-style' shoot. Even as it was shot in India, the film didn't feature many Indian actors, and certainly no known names. But in an interaction with HT ahead of the film's India release, the director revealed that he had come close to working with an Indian star. When asked if he would like to work with Indian actors in the future, having filmed in the country, Neil said, "It's funny but I was just looking at the poster of Divergent here (in the Lionsgate office in Mumbai where we met him), and Priyanka Chopra auditioned for it." Divergent, a 2014 thriller based on the book series by Veronica Roth, starred Shailene Woodley. But Neil revealed that Priyanka was also in the running for the role at a time. "That was the time when she had just moved to the US and was trying out for something in Hollywood. So she came in and auditioned for the lead role, but that did not work out, for a number of reasons," he said. When pressed on elaborating, the filmmaker said, "I'd rather not get into that, but yes, she auditioned and impressed everyone. Pity, it didn't work out. But, in the future if things fall into place, I would love to work with her or any of the so many talented Indian actors." Priyanka Chopra eventually made her international debut with the series Quantico in 2015. She went on to appear in supporting roles in Baywatch, The White Tiger, and The Matrix Resurrections, before starring in the Prime Video series Citadel alongside Richard Madden. Priyanka will next star in Heads of State, an action film that also stars Idris Elba and John Cena. Inheritance, Neil's latest work, also stars Rhys Ifans, Ciara Baxendale, and Kersti Bryan. The film was released in the US in January this year and made its way to the Indian audiences on May 23 to largely positive reviews. It is streaming on Lionsgate Play.
