Fans of the “John Wick” franchise were eagerly anticipating the release of “Ballerina,” a spinoff starring Ana de Armas. However, the recent disastrous screening has raised concerns about the film's fate. Originally set to release on June 7, 2024, “Ballerina” has already faced delays, now scheduled for June 6, 2025. Despite high hopes, the movie is being labeled a potential “franchise killer.”
“Ballerina” attempts to capture the gritty essence of the “John Wick” series but through the eyes of a female assassin. Unfortunately, early viewers report that the film falls short, describing it as a “borderline imitation” plagued by tonal inconsistencies and poor direction. The initial delays led to Chad Stahelski, the mind behind the original “John Wick” trilogy, overseeing production and stepping in for reshoots. Despite his involvement, the film still seems to struggle.
The film's cast is impressive, featuring Ana de Armas as the lead assassin, Anjelica Huston reprising her role as the head of the Ruska Roma crime organization, and Ian McShane returning as hotelier Winston. Keanu Reeves makes a cameo, and it marks the final on-screen performance of the late Lance Reddick as Charon. Additionally, David Castañeda and Sharon Duncan-Brewster were added during the reshoots, indicating significant changes to the original script.
Ian McShane recently discussed these changes on BBC's The One Show, referring to them not as “reshoots” but as “newshoots.” This statement underscores the extent of the film's overhaul, with new sequences directed by Stahelski in an attempt to salvage the project. Despite these efforts, the feedback from the recent screening suggests that more changes may be needed before the final release.
Production for “Ballerina” began in November 2022, moving to post-production by February 2023. The lack of promotional material and the ongoing reshoots hint at the difficulties faced by the filmmakers. The stakes are high as Lionsgate cannot afford to release a subpar product, especially one tied to the beloved “John Wick” franchise.
Whether “Ballerina” can recover from these setbacks and deliver the high-octane action and compelling storytelling fans expect remains to be seen. With the release date still a year away, there is time for further improvements. For now, fans will have to wait and see if “Ballerina” can live up to its potential or if it will indeed be a “franchise killer.”
