Anna Daniels
Ahead of the much-anticipated release of the “Ballerina” spinoff within the “John Wick” franchise starring Ana de Armas, concerns have surfaced following a disastrous initial screening. Initially slated for June 7, 2024, the film has encountered delays, pushing the release date to June 6, 2025. Amid high expectations, “Ballerina” is now at risk of being dubbed a potential “franchise killer.”
“Ballerina” endeavors to capture the gritty essence of the “John Wick” series but through the perspective of a female assassin. Early viewers, however, have expressed disappointment, labeling the film as a “borderline imitation” marred by inconsistent tone and weak direction. To rectify these issues, Chad Stahelski, the mastermind behind the original “John Wick” trilogy, took charge of production and conducted reshoots. Despite Stahelski’s involvement, the movie continues to face challenges.
The star-studded cast includes Ana de Armas as the lead assassin, Anjelica Huston reprising her role as the head of the Ruska Roma crime syndicate, and Ian McShane returning as hotelier Winston. The film also features a cameo by Keanu Reeves and marks the final appearance of the late Lance Reddick as Charon. Moreover, David Castañeda and Sharon Duncan-Brewster were incorporated into the film during reshoots, indicating substantial alterations to the original script.
In a recent appearance on BBC’s The One Show, Ian McShane classified these adjustments not as “reshoots” but as “newshoots,” emphasizing the extensive overhaul of the film. Stahelski directed new scenes in an effort to salvage the project. Nevertheless, feedback from the recent screening implies that additional modifications may be necessary before the movie hits theaters.
Principal photography for “Ballerina” commenced in November 2022, transitioning to post-production by February 2023. The limited marketing and the ongoing reshoots hint at the challenges encountered by the filmmakers. With the film linked to the cherished “John Wick” franchise, Lionsgate faces immense pressure to avoid delivering a subpar product.
Whether “Ballerina” can bounce back from these setbacks and provide the thrilling action and captivating narrative anticipated by fans remains uncertain. With a year left until the release, there is room for further enhancements. As of now, enthusiasts must await the verdict on whether “Ballerina” can meet expectations or if it will indeed jeopardize the franchise’s future.
