From rumbling with Tom Cruise in “Jack Reacher” to trading quips with Dad Willis in “A Good Day To Die Hard,” Jai Courtney has been enjoying blockbuster gigs, but still hasn’t penetrated the pop culture consciousness. Perhaps a part in potential tween franchise will do the trick.
The actor has joined the brewing “Divergent,” which is being led by rising “The Descendants” star Shailene Woodley, who is hot off “The Spectacular Now” wowing at Sundance and SXSW, and is currently filming “The Amazing Spider-Man 2.” Based on the book by Veronica Roth, the plot is set in a dystopian future where people are divided in factions separated by their qualities — selflessness, intelligence, honesty, peacefulness and bravery — and focuses on a girl, Tris, who discovers she’s a Divergent, caught between multiple traits. Courtney will play Eric, the leader of the Dauntless faction.
It’s a supporting role, and the film is still seeking a young hunk for the male lead to play love interest Tobias/Four. Jeremy Irvine, Lucas Till and Alex Pettyfer were testing last we heard, but it seems no decisions have been made yet. And the movie will feature some classy experience by Kate Winslet, who also has a role.
The Neil Burger-directed movie shoots this year and will open on March 21, 2014. [Variety]