Moments ago, burner phones started buzzing all across the globe. Why, you ask? Well, it would appear as if Lionsgate has set Len Wiseman (UNDERWORLD, TOTAL RECALL) as the director of BALLERINA, a female-focused action spinoff belonging to the John Wick franchise.
Much like the plot to the John Wick saga, BALLERINA will center around a young female assassin who seeks revenge against the people who killed her family. Reports also suggest that the film is being put on a fast-track, with Shay Hatten penning the script, whose recent credits include the screenplay for Zack Snyder's Netflix project, ARMY OF THE DEAD. Moreover, Hatten also helped pen the script for JOHN WICK 3 – PARABELLUM, which should lend nicely to the crafting of BALLERINA.
In line to help produce BALLERINA are Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, with Keanu Reeves and Chad Stahelski also being a part of that inner circle. According to Deadline, who exclusively broke the news about BALLERINA officially being in the works, a character by the name of Ballerina (played by Unity Phelan) appeared in JOHN WICK 3- PARABELLUM, though it is unclear who will star in the spinoff.
In recent times, Wiseman has spent much of his time developing shows like SLEEPY HOLLOW, APB, LUCIFER, THE GIFTED, and of course, the now-cancelled SWAMP THING for DC Universe. With so many producer credits to sort through, it's easy to forget that Wiseman also launched the supernatural spectacle UNDERWORLD, starring Kate Beckinsale, back in 2003. Next up for Wiseman is a producer/director role for the upcoming SIN CITY TV series, with plans to helm MCCLANE, the continuation of Bruce Willis' DIE HARD franchise. In other words, Wiseman is a busy dude, though it appears as if BALLERINA will be making its way toward the top of his grocery list in the months to come.
Are you down for the idea of Unity Phelan standing at the center of BALLERINA, or do you have someone else in mind for the role? Let us know your casting suggestions in the comments section down below.