Lionsgate is currently facing a significant financial setback, reporting a $94 million net loss for the quarter, largely attributed to the underwhelming box office performance of the John Wick spinoff, Ballerina. Despite launching on June 6 to generally positive reviews, the film has not managed to replicate the success of its predecessors in the John Wick franchise.
Ballerina features Ana de Armas in the lead role of Eve Macarro, a dancer who transitions into an assassin, and includes appearances from franchise favorites such as Ian McShane, Anjelica Huston, and the late Lance Reddick. While Keanu Reeves reprises his iconic role as John Wick in a brief cameo, it seems that this was not enough to draw in the usual fans of the franchise. The spinoff concluded its global box office run with $132 million, slightly surpassing its estimated production budget of $90 million, but falling short when compared to the $447.3 million earned by John Wick: Chapter 4.
In light of this financial struggle, Lionsgate’s CEO Jon Feltheimer has outlined plans for a turnaround, with a focus on releasing several major film tentpoles and expanding its scripted television offerings in the upcoming financial year. Upcoming projects include a new adaptation of The Hunger Games based on the latest prequel novel and a highly anticipated two-part sequel to The Passion of the Christ.
As for the future of the John Wick franchise, it’s uncertain how Ballerina’s performance will influence the development of existing and potential future projects. Two additional spinoffs are currently in the works — one being a prequel and another focusing on Donnie Yen’s character of Caine. There are also ongoing discussions about John Wick: Chapter 5, with director Chad Stahelski reportedly still refining the story to align with the series’ established narrative.
Ultimately, while Ballerina’s box office results may not have met expectations, the film has been praised for its impressive fight choreography and compelling characters, suggesting a bright future for the franchise if handled with care. Fans of the series can remain hopeful as Lionsgate aims to regain a solid footing with an array of upcoming cinematic offerings.