Ballerina Box Office: Is John Wick Franchise Slowing Down?
The Ballerina box office performance has raised questions about the continued momentum of the John Wick franchise. While expectations weren't sky-high for this spinoff featuring Ana de Armas, its opening numbers have prompted some analysis of the broader Wick universe.
One of the defining characteristics of the John Wick series has been its consistent growth with each installment. Lionsgate has proudly emphasized this upward trajectory. However, with "Ballerina" being the first significant big-screen spinoff, introducing a new lead character and relegating Keanu Reeves' Wick to a supporting role, expecting the same level of growth might have been unrealistic.
Despite tempered expectations, the film’s debut still underperformed. "Ballerina" opened with an estimated $25 million domestically. This figure is lower than all John Wick movies except the original, which opened to $14.4 million in 2014 before becoming a sleeper hit. Is this a sign of fatigue, or just a different audience for a spinoff?
Analyzing the Ballerina Box Office Numbers
Initial projections suggested "Ballerina" could exceed $35 million domestically, potentially unseating "Lilo & Stitch" from the top spot. Ultimately, with $32.5 million, the Disney live-action remake retained its number one position for a third week. Even Lionsgate had hoped "Ballerina" could at least match "John Wick: Chapter 2," which earned $30.4 million in 2017.
However, Lionsgate isn't expressing alarm. With a $90 million production budget, the studio mitigated risk by pre-selling most international territories. This strategy positions "Ballerina" to remain profitable. Currently, the movie has grossed $51 million worldwide, and with an A- CinemaScore and a relatively sparse lineup of action films in the coming weeks, it has the potential to perform well over time. Will it have enough staying power?
Had "Ballerina" significantly exceeded expectations, discussions about a "Ballerina 2" might already be underway. The current performance makes that prospect less certain. The fourth John Wick film's success – $73.8 million opening and $440 million worldwide – has prompted the studio to effectively resurrect Wick for another sequel. This underscores the significance of the franchise to Lionsgate.
The Future of the John Wick Universe
Beyond "Ballerina" and the Peacock spinoff series "The Continental," Lionsgate has unveiled an extensive plan for the John Wick universe. This includes a John Wick video game, a spinoff centered on the blind assassin Caine (played and directed by Donnie Yen), an animated prequel film depicting Wick's "Impossible Task," a documentary titled "Wick Is Pain" showcasing the series' action sequences, and, of course, "John Wick Chapter 5."
It's worth noting that "Ballerina" originated as an independent spec script before being integrated into the larger John Wick narrative. The film's release was delayed to accommodate reshoots, which, according to director Len Wiseman, were implemented because the studio was enthusiastic about the film and wanted to enhance it. This long development process began after audiences recognized Ana de Armas' potential as an action star following her role as a Bond girl.
Potential for Future Ballerina Sequels
With some luck, future "Ballerina" installments could establish their own growth trajectory, building from these more modest beginnings. Will the character resonate with audiences enough to warrant further exploration?
In conclusion, while the Ballerina box office performance might not have reached the heights of previous John Wick films, it doesn't necessarily signal a franchise slowdown. The film's profitability, coupled with Lionsgate's extensive plans for the John Wick universe, suggests that this action-packed world still has plenty of stories to tell.