The Next Big Franchise Girl?
Lately, it seems that many bestselling book series result in a hit-movie series with that one iconic heroine. The most obvious example would be the hilarious Jennifer Lawrence featured as heroine Katniss Everdeen in “The Hunger Games.” Needless to mention the child star that started the trend: Emma Watson, who is admired by all Harry Potter fans. With “Divergent,” a sci-fi movie based off of the book by Veronica Roth, possibly becoming the next hit franchise, the question is whether Shailene Woodley, who plays the main character, Tris, can reach “Jennifer Lawrence” status.
There are several factors that influence their rise to fame. Perhaps the most important is the acting. Woodley’s poor acting ability in “Divergent,” is not even close to the talent witnessed in Watson’s and Lawrence’s performances. Perhaps if she was able to express any emotion other than placid and on-the-verge-of-tears, one could state otherwise. To be fair, it is not fully Woodley’s fault that her acting abilities have not matured. Her only notable role prior to “Divergent” is the TV series “The Secret Life of an American Teenager” where few acting qualifications were necessary.
The actual character is also important to how the actress is perceived, especially when the actress has yet to establish an attractive personality independent of her career. To many audience members, the actress is a literal embodiment of the character they play. It is important that Tris is a likable character for Woodley’s sake as they will be viewed as one in the same. However, the poorly executed plot has resulted in a very different character than the one admired for her strength and fearlessness in the novel. It is inevitable that some fans will fall for this “new” Tris, holding Woodley in as high of regards.
Luckily, Woodley may have a second chance. She landed the lead in the new movie “The Fault in Our Stars” based off the John Green novel. Hopefully, this role will be better suited for her and go over well with her audience, allowing her to achieve this so far unattained stardom.