For Millennials. By Millennials.
The release of John Wick Chapter 4 has created a stir in the world of action movies with its thrilling fight scenes, gun-fu, and Keanu Reeves‘ impeccable performance as the infamous hitman, John Wick. Fans of the franchise have yet another reason to be excited as Lionsgate has announced the release date of the spin-off film Ballerina, which delves into the backstory of the Russian mafia family that trained John Wick.
Directed by Len Wiseman and written by Shay Hatten, Ballerina promises to be another action-packed thriller produced by Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, and Chad Stahelski, who has directed all four John Wick movies. The film will showcase the Assassin world’s gritty and violent underbelly, highlighting the various criminal organizations, the high table, the Continental Hotel, and the Continental management that runs it.
The film follows the story of a young girl who is forced into the Assassin world after the murder of her family. The film features Ana de Armas as the titular character, a highly skilled professional killer, trained in the art of combat and contract killing. The movie promises to be an adrenaline-pumping ride with its intense gunfights, thrilling action sequences, and intricate plot twists.
With the John Wick franchise’s reputation for delivering action-packed films, fans can expect Ballerina to live up to the same standard. It will provide an in-depth look into assassin training and the Russian mafia’s criminal empire, featuring a new set of characters, including a dangerous crime boss.
Ana de Armas to star in John Wick Spin-Off, Ballerina, set to release in 2024
Lionsgate has officially announced the release date for the John Wick spin-off film, which is set to hit theatres on June 7, 2024. The film, which expands the world of John Wick, features Ana de Armas in the lead role as an assassin trained in the traditions of the Ruska Roma.
The official synopsis for the film provides little detail about the plot, only teasing that it follows de Armas‘ character seeking revenge for the murder of her family. However, reports suggest that the story takes place between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick Chapter 4.
As fans of the John Wick franchise would know, the Ruska Roma is the crime family led by The Director, who took in and trained John Wick as a child. The family is shown in Parabellum, training boys in a specific form of martial arts and girls in ballet under The Director’s stern guidance. It is also revealed that The Director is John Wick‘s adoptive mother.
The movie promises to offer a glimpse into the ruthless and complex world of the assassin, delving into the history of the Ruska Roma and its impact on the lives of those it trains. With Ana de Armas in the lead role, the film is sure to feature a strong female protagonist and intense action scenes, possibly incorporating the ballet training of the Ruska Roma girls.
Star-Studded cast revealed for upcoming John Wick Spin-Off film
Ana de Armas is set to lead the cast of the highly anticipated John Wick spin-off film, previously referred to as Ballerina. De Armas, known for her acclaimed performance in Blonde, will play the character of Rooney, who was introduced in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and was originally portrayed by Unity Phelan.
The film will also feature the return of some familiar faces from the John Wick franchise, including Keanu Reeves as John Wick and Ian McShane as Winston Scott, the owner of the Continental Hotel. Anjelica Huston will reprise her role as The Director, while Gabriel Byrne, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Norman Reedus are also set to star.
Sadly, the spin-off film will also mark one of the final appearances of Lance Reddick, who passed away in March 2023. Reddick will be seen once again as Charon, a character who has appeared in all four John Wick films.
Ana de Armas discusses her filming experience for the John Wick Spin-Off film
During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in January 2023, Ana de Armas spoke about her experience filming the John Wick spin-off film in Prague. The actress revealed that the cast and crew had been filming for four months, with one more month to go.
De Armas also opened up about the physically demanding nature of the shoot, explaining that she was in pain and constantly sore. She recounted a particularly difficult stunt scene with Keanu Reeves, who she praised for his impressive skills and professionalism.
Despite the challenges of the shoot, de Armas remained positive and excited about the project. Her comments give fans an insight into the hard work and dedication that goes into creating the intense action and fight scenes that the John Wick franchise is known for.
Upcoming projects in the John Wick Franchise: Movie, Tv series, and more
Apart from the release of John Wick Chapter 4, the John Wick franchise has several upcoming projects in store for fans. According to producer Erica Lee, the team is developing another movie, which is expected to be announced in the coming months. There are also discussions about a possible Ballerina sequel and a fifth John Wick film.
Additionally, a TV series named The Continental focuses on the backstory of the Continental Hotel and its characters. The series is set in 1975 and features Mel Gibson as a new character named Cormac. The show stars Colin Woodell as a young Winston, Ayomide Adegun as a young Charon, and several other actors in supporting roles. The Continental is set to debut on NBCUniversal‘s Peacock streaming service in September.
Box Office success of John Wick Chapter 4
As of April 3, John Wick Chapter 4 has crossed the USD 250 million milestones at the global box office and is poised to surpass the box office numbers of the previous highest-grossing film in the franchise, Parabellum, which grossed USD 327 million worldwide. The fourth installment has also received critical acclaim, boasting a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with both critics and audiences giving it the same score, indicating its universal appeal.
