10 Reasons Shailene Woodley Was Meant To Play Tris Prior

We've learned a lot from watching Disney University graduates seek new identities after removing their mouse ears. Selena, Miley, and Hilary taught us how to play by the rules, rebel against everything taught in Walt's sacred halls, and disappear from the spotlight, respectively.

Luckily, it seems the valedictorian from sister school ABC Family took notes from the strategically forgotten Disney graduate, Anne Hathaway, instead. If we look at what helped Hathaway shed her princess image, Shailene Woodley has marked most of it off. (Shai, we're just waiting on a Jane Austen-inspired role, please.) Unexpected, dramatic parts with big-name stars? That would be her breakout role in The Descendants alongside George Clooney. Heartbreaking, independent rom-com? She did that this summer in The Spectacular Now. A dramatic haircut for an emotional part? Cue her upcoming role as Hazel in the much-talked about adaptation of The Fault in Our Stars. And, finally a badass, sexy, action role? That brings us to the character we're most excited about — Tris Prior in the Divergent series.

Some have complained that Woodley is not blonde enough, short enough, or perhaps "serious" enough to play Tris in this March's first of three, let's be real, four, Divergent films. We disagree. In time for her 22nd birthday, here are 10 reasons, straight from Shai's own mouth, why she is the perfect actress to play Tris. (Warning: If you haven't read the books, there will be some spoilers).