Yesterday, we learned that Insurgent, Summit Entertainment’s sequel to its hit dystopian action/romance Divergent, had gained Naomi Watts in the pivotal role of Evelyn, a character who will play a major part in both Insurgent and its two sequels, Allegiant – Part 1 and Allegiant – Part 2. Now, we’re hearing that Insurgent has snagged another talented actor to play a key character, with the news that Daniel Dae Kim has come aboard as Jack Kang.
In the Divergent franchise, based on the trilogy by Veronica Roth, Kang is a representative of Candor, one of the five factions present in the series’ future Chicago. The other factions include Erudite (intelligence), Dauntless (bravery), Abnegation (selflessness) and Amity (peacefulness). Residents of Candor display the trait of honesty. In Insurgent, Kang comes into contact with Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley), Four (Theo James) and their allies as they flee the ruthless Erudite leader Jeanine Matthews (Kate Winslet). Kang attempts to negotiate with Matthews for peace as she pursues a war against the other factions.
Though his part is not a particularly large one and the character will only factor into Insurgent, it’s still exciting to see Kim join the cast. The Lost alum, who currently stars on Hawaii Five-O, is a highly talented actor, and he should bring ample charisma and depth to the role.
Over the past few months, Insurgent has put together a very strong cast of actors, both familiar and fresh faces for the franchise. Woodley, James, Winslet, Miles Teller, Ansel Elgort, Jai Courtney, Zoe Kravitz, Maggie Q, Mekhi Phifer, Ben Lamb and Ray Stevenson are all returning to reprise their roles, while Octavia Spencer, Jonny Weston and Suki Waterhouse also recently joined the sequel. Divergent helmer Neil Burger is not returning to direct, and Summit has handed the film over to Robert Schwentke (R.I.P.D.). Brian Duffield and Akiva Goldsman are scripting.
Insurgent opens March 20th, 2015.