It will be a while before Lionsgate‘s John Wick spinoff, Ballerina, dances into cinemas. The studio announced on Tuesday that the action thrill ride starring Ana de Armas will dance into theaters on June 7, 2024. Len Wiseman (Underworld) directs from a script by Shay Hatten (Army of the Dead, Day Shift, John Wick: Chapter 4). Based on characters created by Derek Kolstad, Ballerina expands the John Wick universe as Ana de Armas stars as an assassin trained in the traditions of the Ruska Roma. The Ballerina release date is the latest step toward expanding the John Wick universe, and we couldn’t be more psyched!
Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, the late Lance Reddick, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Norman Reedus, Ian McShane, and Keanu Reeves star alongside Ana de Armas in the action-packed spinoff. Reports say that the project started as a “totally separate, original action spec” and something that was “even more over-the-top than John Wick.“ Eventually, the filmmakers conceived of a way to marry it into the Wick universe.
Speaking with TotalFilm in February, Ana de Armas expressed excitement about working alongside Reeves on the film. “We’ve been in Prague filming for four months. We still have one more month to go. And I’m in pain. You know, my body, my back, everything hurts. I’m complaining, I’m sore, I’m bruised. Bond was fifteen minutes. This is a whole movie, another level. But the other day, Keanu and I were rehearsing our very difficult stunt scene, and this man is just rolling and throwing me and doing crazy stunts. And I’m like — I can’t complain anymore. Because he is doing it! He truly is the best.”
“Ian [McShane] has a little bit more to do, and John Wick is an extended cameo. He [McShane] shot for about a week. Lance [Reddick] shot for a day. Those were last minute adds in a way, too,” producer Erica Lee told Collider about the John Wick cast appearances in Ballerina.
What do you think about the Ballerina release date? Does it feel like an eternity until the movie hits theaters? Considering John Wick: Chapter 4 is still in theaters, perhaps the timing is perfect. It’s challenging not to want more of the John Wick universe right now, but good things come to those who wait.