Financial Setback for Lionsgate Due to Underperforming ‘Ballerina’
The recent release of the John Wick spinoff, ‘Ballerina’, starring Ana de Armas, resulted in a substantial financial hit for Lionsgate, with the company reporting a net loss of $94 million for the quarter.
Despite receiving positive critical feedback, ‘Ballerina’, which debuted on June 6, did not achieve the same box office success as the primary installments of the John Wick series.
‘Ballerina’ Bridges the Gap in the John Wick Saga
‘Ballerina’ is set in the timeline between ‘John Wick: Chapter 3’ and ‘Chapter 4’, and introduces audiences to Eve Macarro, portrayed by de Armas, who transitions from a dancer to a deadly assassin. The film features familiar faces from the John Wick universe, including Ian McShane, Anjelica Huston, and marks the last film appearance of Lance Reddick. Additionally, Keanu Reeves makes a brief appearance as John Wick, which was highlighted in the film’s pre-release promotions. However, his cameo was not sufficient to draw the typical large audience numbers to theaters.
Ultimately, ‘Ballerina’ concluded its global theatrical run with $132 million against its production budget of $90 million. In contrast, ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ grossed $447.3 million on a budget of just $100 million.
Lionsgate’s Strategic Response to Financial Results
In response to the disappointing earnings, Lionsgate’s CEO, Jon Feltheimer, expressed that the company is implementing several key initiatives aimed at achieving robust growth by fiscal 2027. According to Variety, these initiatives include the release of three major film tentpoles in the upcoming financial year, as well as an increase in the production of scripted television series.
Among the anticipated projects from Lionsgate are a new ‘Hunger Games’ film based on the latest prequel novel, ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’, and a two-part follow-up to ‘The Passion of the Christ’.
Future of the John Wick Franchise Remains Uncertain
The performance of ‘Ballerina’ casts some doubt on the future direction of the John Wick franchise, including the potential for a sequel to ‘Ballerina’. Despite this uncertainty, Lionsgate is continuing to expand the John Wick universe with two additional spinoffs in the works—one being a prequel and another a side-story centered around Donnie Yen’s character, Caine. Plans for ‘John Wick: Chapter 5’ are also in the pipeline, although they are not yet finalized. Director Chad Stahelski revealed last month that he is still developing a suitable storyline for the next sequel, considering the dramatic conclusion of ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’.
Image credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic.
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