EXCLUSIVE: Jeff Daniels Plays a Diabolical Mastermind Out to Create a Perfect Race in 'Allegiant'
After Kate Winslet's character was killed off in 2014's Divergent, the series is getting an even more diabolical villain.
Jeff Daniels joins The Divergent Series: Allegiant as David, the mastermind of the Bureau of Genetic Welfare, which is out to create a perfect race.
WATCH: 'Allegiant' Stars Shailene Woodley and Theo James Impressively Scale 80-Foot Wall
"If they make them too brave that makes them too cruel. If they make them too peaceful then they become passive," Daniels said in a behind-the-scenes clip. "[David] says, 'Tris, you're genetically pure. Come to me. We're going to turn everybody into just like you.'"
Two of the Bureau's lieutenants are played by Bill Skarsgard (Hemlock Grove) and Nadia Hilker (Spring), who showed us where the Bureau members' barracks were on set.
"My first day of shooting was in here," said Skarsgard. "It was kind of a nerve-wrecking experience, because not only was it my first working day but I also had a page-and-a-half of a monologue."
WATCH: Kate Winslet Brings a Chill to 'Divergent'
And while the Divergent series is adding several new characters, there will be some familiar faces as well with stars Shailene Woodley and Theo James reprising their roles.
On set, the veteran cast members were very welcoming to the new actors. "I remember when I met Shailene -- the first day she walked towards me and just hugged me right away," Hilker said. "That was really nice."
In the sci-fi adventure flick, the third of four planned movies, Beatrice Prior (Woodley) and Tobias Eaton (James) get past the wall enclosing Chicago and venture into the world outside, which they quickly learn is more dangerous than ever before. The duo must determine who they can trust as a ruthless battle that threatens all of humanity erupts in their new environment.
For Daniels the message of the film is clear: be who you are and don't let anyone change you.
WATCH: Shailene & Theo Lock Lips in 'Divergent'
"Those who want people to be who they are -- they're the heroes in this," Daniels said, "not the people trying to change you to be like me."
The Divergent Series: Allegiant hits theaters March 18.