Producers of theJohn Wickspinoff movieBallerinahave still not decided how much audiences will see of Keanu Reeves’ hitman. Set between the events ofJohn Wick: Chapter 3 – ParabellumandJohn Wick: Chapter 4,the new spinoff will starAna de Armas as a dancer and assassin trained by the Ruska Roma. Originally slated to be released in June 2024, the movie was pushed back 12 months to allow for extensive reshoots with Chad Stahelski, director of the mainJohn Wickmovies, coming in toassistBallerinadirector Len Wiseman.
Speaking withThe Direct, Stahelski and producer Erica Lee were recently quizzed about how much of Reeves’ John Wick was expected in the new movie. Admitting that the movie is still being refined in the post-production phase, Lee suggested thatthey are still attempting to achieve the right balance concerning Wick’s inclusion. Nonetheless, she was confident that when he does show up“audiences will be really happy.”Check out her comments below:
We’re still working on the exact balance of how much he’s in the movie. The movie is in post-production, so we’re still working on it. John Wick is such a seminal character, and I think when he shows up, it’s very exciting, and I think audiences will be really happy.
What Balancing John Wick’s Presence Means For Ballerina
It Is Vital That Keanu Reeves Doesn’t Overshadow Ana de Armas
When the originalJohn Wickmovie was first released in 2014, few could have predicted that it would go on to spawn a billion-dollar franchise and change the face of modern-day action films. Theforthcoming release ofBallerinamarksa decidedly crucial step in Stahelski’s plans to expand his franchise’sfascinating, and richly detailed, criminal underworld. While Wiseman’s movie will not be the firstJohn Wickspinoff project, given the release of 2023’sThe Continental,it will mark the first big-screen outing that does not focus solely on Reeves’ beloved character.
With discussions already afoot for a potentialBallerinasequel, it is vital that her character be given sufficient room to stand outside of John Wick’s vast shadow.
While it is good news that Reeves will appear inBallerina, the importance of balancing his character’s involvement will becrucial in determining the film’s success. Having him only appear for the briefest of cameos would likely disappoint the franchise’s already established fanbase, while having too large a role would only serve to detract from de Armas’ position as the movie’s primary lead. With discussions already afoot for a potentialBallerinasequel, it is vital that her character be given sufficient room to stand outside of John Wick’s vast shadow.
Our Take On Ballerina’s Ongoing Fine-Tuning
BallerinaCould Make Or Break Plans For FutureJohn WickSpinoffs
While some commentators may suggest thatBallerina’songoing refinement during post-production could hint at potential issues, it is clear that both the movie’s producers andLionsgate Studios are committed to getting the movie right. Between the movie’s release date changes, extensive reshoots, last-minute cast additions, and now this latest revelation, it would seem that an enormous amount of effort is being put into ensuring the highest quality product is released in 2025.
John Wick Full Timeline Explained: When Each Movie & Spinoff Takes Place
The John Wick films and spinoffs have been released over a span of ten years. The In-universe storyline has a surprisingly shorter timeline.
With so many other big-name franchises accused of rushing out new content without the benefit of a more detail-oriented and measured approach, it is encouraging to see how much attention is being given toBallerina. Whether theJohn Wickspinoff will benefit from all this additional effort remains to be seen, but if producers can get it right, there is no reason that de Armas’ movie could not go on to match the widespread appeal of the originalJohn Wickmovies.
From the World of John Wick: Ballerina
Cast
Ballerina follows Eve Macarro during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, as she undergoes rigorous training in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma. The film expands on the John Wick universe, charting Eve’s initiation into the clandestine world of professional assassins.
