Latest news with #Divergent
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- 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.
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Everdeen, everlasting
My first and only vacation abroad with my parents was special, and I was determined to round off the memorable trip by getting matching souvenirs for my friends back home. Little Me knew it had to be something related to the books the five of us had read, given that this was a time when Young Adult (YA) fiction was all anyone talked about. Only problem was, I wasn't big on Harry Potter like the rest of them. That's how I ended up purchasing four Deathly Hallows necklaces and a single Mockingjay one. Because, hey, we've all got to live up to the main-character dream at some point in our lives (no offence to the school buddies reading this; the gifts were still just as heartfelt). The Mockingjay pendant proved to be a worthwhile investment because next year, over a decade later, it accompanies me to the theatre for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. Expectations for the Haymitch Abernathy prequel have risen to an all-time high, and one can credit the cast announcements for that. It's not everyday that you see the cast for a film adaptation meet the fans' standards. But between book-accurate features and striking resemblances, Sunrise on the Reaping continues to impress. It's as if we can watch the film unfold while it's still in production. I mean, Kieran Culkin taking over Stanley Tucci's legacy? Name a better pick. Of course, there are always exceptions, but this isn't the first time The Hunger Games franchise has hit the mark with its cast. The previous batch belonged to the President Snow prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which stunned audiences by bringing Tom Blyth onboard as Donald Sutherland's young counterpart among other top-tier casting choices. And while the crews for each feature deserve every bit of the praise they rack up, it's hard to imagine a world where The Hunger Games films would be able generate this much fanfare without the enduring glory of the books. Dystopian yardstick The original Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins became a worldwide sensation during the 2010s, leading the way for YA dystopian novels that tailed the genre's success. The most prominent example that comes to mind is Divergent and its subsequent novels, which set up a world divided into five factions - like the 12 districts from The Hunger Games. In similar fashion as the latter, Divergent, too, has a young female protagonist, Tris, who finds herself in the centre of a budding revolution. The amount of similarities might have you squinting to find the differences between the universes, and that's true not just for Divergent but for the many novel series published after The Hunger Games. This is not an attempt to incite plagiarism debates, but to understand Collins' cultural impact and the formula it inspired. A teenage huntress entangled in an uprising much larger than her unsophisticated existence (and possibly, simultaneously a love triangle) because she is the chosen one destined to lead the people. How many stories come to mind? Except, the thing about Katniss Everdeen is that she's neither the ideal pick for the 'chosen one' archetype, nor is she qualified to lead anyone. Katniss is not a warrior but an underprivileged girl who is forced to match pace with her circumstances. She earns no medals because nobody wins in a war. Because even if you make it out of the arena alive, the Games never truly leave you. What Katniss represents Katniss is not, as the kids say, a girlboss. That's what drew Little Me and like-minded readers to her more than traditional heroes. She never sets out to be one. She doesn't aspire for greatness. She just wants to be left alone, safe and sound. But grief propels her actions, leading her to spark a blood-soaked revolution. She is a symbol by condition, not by choice. In a meta extension, the Girl on Fire also unintentionally shaped what readers now seek in female protagonists, just as in the books she's reluctantly coaxed into becoming the Mockingjay despite being just a kid reacting to life-or-death stakes. Even after all these years, as critics pick apart other franchises for relying on ambience over coherent plots, Katniss's flame still burns. Thanks to the position she's assigned in the story, she becomes a gateway for a deeper exploration of characters she inspired, even those she came in conflict with, allowing the author to effectively revisit the gruesome world of death trials. Coriolanus Snow's side of the story would not have seen the light of day, a decade after Mockingjay, were it not for the impact his nemesis had on the world. Here, too, Katniss went unknowingly meta by sparking a revolution of sorts, one motivated entirely by grief and no larger purpose. The impact of many other protagonists, who tried to emulate Katniss' charm, didn't land because this archer didn't set out to be charming. Or a standout. Because the real world is home to many Katniss Everdeens. Real-world implications Maturing with The Hunger Games is effective in making one realise that the dystopia we read about isn't situated too far into the future - that is, if it's not already here. In a world infused with humanitarian issues, growing up upset at endless conflict is still a privileged position to be in compared to what someone else your age might be going through. The world raises Katniss Everdeens, individuals who are morally compelled to take a stand if they desire safety, but it also has Coriolanus Snows, opportunists who have seen hardship only to chain it down with an unrelenting power-grab. The world also births Haymitch Abernathys, who pay a lifelong price for stepping out of line in hopes of putting an end to prejudice. While at the same time, it nurtures politically distant yet somehow well-meaning souls like Effie Trinket, who rectify their ways the older they get. That's why The Hunger Games has secured a mural in literary history. Because it's not merely a cautionary tale, but a community-focused narrative; not a story of one, but a story of many — prisoners of war, martyrs, dead-weight expendables, and people who are tragically buried in statistics. It is a story of people who fight the good fight versus people who don't. People who exploit their odds to reign on top versus people who don't. It's a cycle of heroes, villains, and everyone caught in between. It's a tale of unceasing collateral damage. And just as the arena of the Games doesn't let you escape once you're inside, The Hunger Games has seeped into every crevice of culture and conflict to the point that it has become difficult to ignore. And it will stay relevant as long as the flames of resistance burn, as long as the odds are ever in favour of change.
Indian Express
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Who is the Next James Bond? Theo James, Henry Cavill, and Bridgerton stars lead the top 7 frontrunners to replace Daniel Craig as 007
After the iconic Daniel Craig's 007 era wrapped up with the 2021 film No Time to Die, marking his fifth and final appearance in the globally famous spy franchise, the hunt for the face to replace him has intensified, given the next James Bond movie eyes a 2027 release window. For months now, the oddsmakers have been betting big on Hollywood A-listers like Henry Cavill, Harris Dickinson, Callum Turner, etc., as a potential hero in a black tux with a license to kill. However, according to Daily Mail, a new name has suddenly captured the makers' eyes, and it's none other than The White Lotus and Divergent star Theo James. Since the character has to be British to continue the legacy of the character, a few Bridgerton stars are also being considered. Check out the frontrunners. Also read: How James Bond films' creative control went to Amazon, what this means Reportedly, both Ladbrokes and Coral, the betting websites, now have Theo James as the leading face, placing him at 6/4 odds, ahead of Superman fame Henry Cavill, former top choice Callum Turner, and others who've been bouncing up and down the list. But contrary to being the popular choice, the actor once dismissed the idea of playing Bond, calling the role 'terrifying.' Speaking to The Guardian earlier, James said, 'Everyone's interested in [playing Bond] because it's a big part of British cultural identity, but that probably wouldn't be me.' He labelled signing up for the character as 'opening Pandora's box.' Before James shot to the top, Henry Cavill, who is no stranger to playing superhero roles, was the most popular choice. The website places him second. What's even more interesting is that during Daniel Craig's audition, the makers were most impressed by Cavill, who also auditioned for the role but was rejected only because of his young age. Fans believe the actor could finally land the role. Also read: Explained: The enduring legacy of James Bond The 34-year-old Aaron fits the younger Bond mould. Rumours were rife last year that he'd even filmed a Bond screen test. He was once seen as Barbara Broccoli's pick, but with new producers on board, nothing's locked. 'Aaron went for a screen test to be the next Bond in September, and producers and Barbara loved him. He is now one of the front-runners.' The actor has earlier impressed with his roles in films like Action Man in Avengers: Age of Ultron, Godzilla and Tenet. Norton exploded to fame with the release of 2016's Happy Valley, and his winning streak continued with films like War and Peace, Grantchester, and more. Being a Cambridge alum with strong backing from the industry, rooting for his 007 role, Norton has a high probability of taking over the next Bond film. 'He's got everything that you need. First of all, he's extremely attractive, very smart, he's well-educated, and he's a fantastic actor. And he's sexy, right? I'm not wrong, I mean, women are gonna love him,' said Diane Keaton while pitching for the actor's role in the film. Considered a dark horse in the race, Lowden's been steadily climbing the popularity list. He's delivered solid performances in war dramas and thrillers, but whether he can carry a billion-dollar franchise is still being viewed through a sceptical lens. What gives him an edge is that he's played a spy in Apple TV's hit franchise Slow Horses for four seasons and is set to return for more. Lowden's Bond stock stands at 5/1 on Betfred, while he's at 7/1 on Paddy Power. Fresh off Babygirl's success, Harris, 28, was once in the bookies' top three but has since slipped to a much lower position. The actor recently made it to the Cannes red carpet last week and later for an interview with the BFI, where he was pressed on the rumour he playfully downplayed the hype: 'Jonathan Bailey is your first choice, so let's go with that.' Another British heartthrob, Turner, has the classic look and rising star power, but hasn't yet broken through in the way that others have. Pierce Brosnan, Tom Hiddleston, Tom Holland, Joseph Quinn, and Idris Elba are just a handful of names adding to the popularity list. Josh O'Connor (16/1) and Stuart Martin (20/1) are more like long shots at this point. Both Bridgerton stars, who have already made themselves household names thanks to Netflix, are a few popular contenders for the James Bond movie. They round out the top 10 list. While Page has a chance to land the role with 25/1 odds, it's still too soon to consider Jonathan in the betting market. The bookies have him at around 80/1. After Amazon bought MGM Studios in 2022, it got its hands on the Bond franchise's distribution rights. Earlier this year, they reportedly spent around $1 billion to regain creative control, which had always been tightly held by longtime producer Barbara Broccoli. New producers David Heyman and Amy Pascal are reported to be locking in Alfonso Cuarón (Gravity, Roma) for the director's chair, and once that is a done deal, they will progress with the lead cast. Insiders say Amazon is eyeing Liverpool as a stand-in for the next Bond city.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Palantir (PLTR) Partners With Divergent to Expand On-Demand Manufacturing via Warp Speed
Palantir Technologies (PLTR, Financials) and Divergent Technologies announced a strategic partnership Tuesday to deliver on-demand digital manufacturing through Palantir's Warp Speed software platform. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 5 Warning Signs with SMCI. Palantir customers in defense and commercial sectors will gain access to Divergent's Adaptive Production System, or DAPS, which uses artificial intelligence-driven design, additive manufacturing, and robotic assembly to produce complex parts faster and at lower cost. The collaboration is intended to help customers identify and resolve supply chain vulnerabilities in real time by manufacturing critical parts directly within Palantir's platform. Divergent CEO Lukas Czinger said the integration enables Palantir customers to identify and solve production shortages and new product developments on unmatched timelines. Palantir Chief Technology Officer Shyam Sankar called DAPS a mind-bending example of advanced software meeting advanced manufacturing. Palantir's Warp Speed is used to support U.S. on-shoring of industrial production. The company earlier this year added a second cohort of customers using the platform. Investors may view this as a step toward increasing Palantir's footprint in the defense-tech ecosystem and strengthening its industrial applications. See insider trades for PLTR: Explore PLTR's financial summary. This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Palantir (PLTR) Teams Up With Divergent to Reinvent Manufacturing With AI
We recently published a list of . In this article, we are going to take a look at where Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:PLTR) stands against other AI stocks that are making waves on Wall Street today. The United States recently issued guidance threatening companies not to use advanced computer chips from China, including Huawei's Ascend AI chips. However, China has now urged the country to 'immediately correct its wrongdoings' and stop 'discriminatory' measures against it. A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce has said that the United States has abused its export control measures. He said that the country has imposed stricter restrictions on Chinese chip products based on unfounded allegations, further explaining how the said restrictions contain discriminatory measures and tend to distort the market. The U.S. Commerce Department had issued the guidance last week, with its Bureau of Industry and Security stating that 'these chips were likely developed or produced in violation of U.S. export controls.' 'The U.S. has been abusing export control measures, imposing stricter restrictions on Chinese chip products under unfounded accusations… China firmly opposes this… Trying to trip others won't make oneself run faster.' Opposing the unilateral bullying from the US's end, the Chinese spokesperson said that the restrictions have infringed upon the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies. The country has been accused of undermining the preliminary trade agreement reached in Geneva, Switzerland. The spokesperson further urged the country to work with China to jointly safeguard the consensus concluded in the Geneva talks. 'If the United States continues to cause China substantive harm, China will take resolute measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.' For this article, we selected AI stocks by going through news articles, stock analysis, and press releases. These stocks are also popular among hedge funds. The hedge fund data is as of Q4 2024. Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter's strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points ().Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:PLTR) is a leading provider of artificial intelligence systems. On Tuesday, May 20, Palantir announced that it has entered into an AI-powered partnership with Divergent Technologies, Inc. to revolutionize on-demand advanced manufacturing. The agreement aims to provide access to Divergent's advanced manufacturing system through Palantir's Warp Speed platform for defense and commercial applications. Through the partnership, Palantir will be able to offer its defense and commercial customers seamless access to Divergent's digital manufacturing capabilities, such that they will be able to proactively identify emerging supply chain vulnerabilities in production environments and rectify them. DAPS is an AI-driven end-to-end engineering design and manufacturing system that makes faster-to-develop, cost-effective, and higher-performance structures. 'Divergent is a trailblazer in the new industrial revolution that is sweeping the US. The Divergent Adaptive Production System is a mind-bending example of what's possible when the world's most advanced software fuses with the world's most advanced manufacturing. We are proud to support Divergent's innovative operations with Warp Speed as it scales in ambition and impact.' Overall, PLTR ranks 9th on our list of AI stocks that are making waves on Wall Street today. While we acknowledge the potential of PLTR as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than PLTR and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
