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The highly anticipated John Wick spin-off, Ballerina, has experienced a tumultuous production, with extensive delays and significant reshoots that have raised concerns among fans and industry insiders. Initially set for release on June 7, 2024, the film was delayed by a full year to June 6, 2025. At the heart of these delays was a change in creative direction—reports suggest that a substantial portion of the film was scrapped and reshot under the oversight of John Wick architect, Chad Stahelski. This article dives into the challenges faced during the making of Ballerina, and what it means for the John Wick universe.
A Rocky Start for “Ballerina”
Directed by Len Wiseman, Ballerina stars Ana de Armas as a trained assassin seeking revenge, set between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4. With a star-studded cast including Anjelica Huston reprising her role as the head of the Ruska Roma crime family, Ian McShane as Winston, and Keanu Reeves making a cameo appearance as John Wick, the movie held high expectations from the start. Moreover, the late Lance Reddick, known for his role as Charon, would be making his final on-screen appearance in this film, adding emotional weight for the fans.
However, despite the anticipation, rumors started to circulate about the film’s troubled production. According to industry sources like The Wrap, the first cut of Ballerina was deemed a "mess" by Lionsgate executives. It allegedly did not meet the quality standards expected for a film tied to the John Wick franchise, a universe known for its meticulously choreographed action and stylistic violence. The result? Major portions of the film were reshot, with Stahelski stepping in to ensure the spin-off maintained the high-octane action and precision fans expect.
Chad Stahelski to the Rescue
Chad Stahelski, who directed all four John Wick films, was initially brought in to shadow Len Wiseman on the set of Ballerina to help with additional action sequences. However, it seems that his role in the project became much more substantial as time went on. Insiders report that Stahelski essentially “ghost-directed” much of the film, with Wiseman reportedly absent from the reshoot process altogether.
The reshoots were no small task either. According to sources, a “significant portion” of the movie was reshot over two to three months in Prague. These reshoots involved entire sequences being filmed from scratch, and even new characters were added to the story during this time. The film’s cast expanded to include actors David Castañeda and Sharon Duncan-Brewster, whose roles were reportedly introduced during these reshoots.
Ian McShane, who reprises his role as Winston, spoke about the film’s production issues during an appearance on BBC’s The One Show. He candidly acknowledged that the film simply wasn’t up to par, and instead of merely “reshooting” certain scenes, entirely new sequences were created. McShane even went so far as to call them “newshoots” rather than reshoots, indicating the extent of the work done to salvage the film.
The Impact of Reshoots on the “Ballerina” Release
The extensive nature of the reshoots also had broader ramifications beyond the delay of Ballerina. Stahelski’s involvement in the project reportedly delayed development on his Highlander reboot, a film for which Henry Cavill was initially in talks for the lead role. Cavill eventually left to join the Voltron project instead, a shift that may have been indirectly caused by the prolonged production of Ballerina.
The insider who spoke with The Wrap expressed that Stahelski’s takeover was necessary to maintain the integrity of the John Wick universe. “Of course Chad had to clean up someone else’s mess,” said the source. “Remember, this film is basically ‘John Wick 3.5.’ This story happens before John Wick 4, and after that film, they can’t have a failure in anything Wick-related.”
The Future of the John Wick Universe
Given the hurdles Ballerina has faced, the question remains whether the final product will live up to the expectations of John Wick fans. Stahelski’s involvement in the reshoots has certainly raised hopes that the film will maintain the same intensity and sophistication as the main series. However, with almost no promotional material released so far, audiences remain in the dark about what to expect from this spin-off.
One thing is clear—Lionsgate cannot afford a misstep in the John Wick universe, especially given the monumental success of the main series. As Ballerina inches closer to its new release date, the stakes are high. Will Ana de Armas’ assassin character make a lasting impression, or will the film struggle to find its place among the action-packed entries of the John Wick saga?
As Ballerina enters its final stages of production, fans eagerly await the first official trailer and promotional push. Only time will tell if the film can overcome its rocky start and deliver the same exhilarating action that has made the John Wick films a global phenomenon.
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Source: World Of Reel
Photo Credit: Lionsgate
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