HOLLYWOOD – A new franchise is hitting theaters this weekend and is sure to light the box-office on fire, for fans of the popular book series “Divergent.” The book contains additional installments “Insurgent” and “Allegiant” as well, which are likely to become films later down the line.

The movie version of the book stars Shailene Woodley as Beatrice ‘Tris’ Prior, a young woman who is not like the others who surround her. She is defiant to a degree, somewhat a conformist, but most importantly she is Divergent.

Bare with me if you think this picture sounds familiar to a franchise that has already dominated the box-office in the past two years and has its final installment hitting theaters shortly. Of course it’s “The Hunger Games.”  There are ton of comparisons being made between the “Divergent” series and “The Hunger Games,” for starters both star females as the protagonists.

In “The Hunger Games” Jennifer Lawrence is Katniss Everdeen, a teen with a penance for archery, and forced to fight to the death to protect her sister. Whereas “Divergent” finds our title character Tris (Woodley) fighting to stop an impending conspiracy at the hands of a ruthless dictator portrayed by Oscar-winner Kate Winslet.

Its important to point out, the primary villain in “The Hunger Games” franchise happens to be a male in power, where as with “Divergent” it’s a female in power, but I would argue the prime culprit is none other than the government. Yep, the good ole government is at it once again in its attempt to dismantle the idea of being a free nation, but instead forcing its people to do what best pleases them. The countless commercials on TV for “Divergent” continually bring me back to “The Hunger Games.” I can’t help, but think of that movie every single time someone references or even talks about “Divergent.”

The similarities between both pictures are alike; the only thing that separates the two is the characters that appear in the movies. “The Hunger Games” is more of a fantastical tale with characters that have personalities beyond what one could expect. I mean come on Effie; this is a character that could only fit within “The Hunger Games” franchise. Some would argue that “Divergent” has a bit more sexual tension between its two lead characters Tris and Tobias (Theo James).

The chemistry between the two is incredible, whereas with Katniss, Peta and Gale the love triangle while complicated is not quite solidified. Katniss has a love both characters in her own special way, I really don’t see one dominating the other, while Tris is definitely attracted to Tobias, it’s a matter of time before those feelings reciprocate between both parties. I must admit it appears the young adult novel craze is slowly moving away from mainstream America. It appeared back in 2008, it dominated pop culture with “Twilight,” “The Vampire Diaries,” “Pretty Little Liars” and so many more. 

While “Divergent” is not a rift on “The Hunger Games,” those who have seen the picture will indeed make comparisons. It may be set in a dystopian Chicago, but that alone will not stop audiences from comparing one super franchise to another mega franchise. I guess in the end it’s the box-office that will tell the true tale of which saga reigns supreme with fans.