Naomi Watts Joining Shailene Woodley in 'Insurgent,' 'Allegiant'

By Dave McNary

Naomi Watts is in final negotiations to join Liongate’s “Insurgent” and its two “Allegiant” sequels.

She will portray Evelyn, a leader of the Factionless in the three films, based on Vernoica Roth’s “Divergent” trilogy.

Shooting began recently in Atlanta on “Insurgent,” with Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Ansel Elgort, Kate Winslet and Miles Teller reprising their roles from “Divergent.” Robert Schwentke is directing “Insurgent” from a screenplay by Brian Duffield and Akiva Goldsman.

Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher are producing through their Red Wagon banner with Pouya Shahbazian.

Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer forecasted last week that “Insurgent” will gross between $350 million and $400 million worldwide. That would represent an increase of 27% to 40% above the estimated final gross of around $275 million expected for “Divergent,” which opened March 21 and has grossed $266 million thus far.

“Insurgent” will open March 20 with Lionsgate splitting “Allegiant” into two films that will open in 2016 and 2017.

Watts will be seen next in Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s “Birdman,” The Weinstein Co.’s “St. Vincent” and Noah Baumbach’s “While We’re Young.” She is repped by CAA and Untitled.

News was first reported by THR.com.