John Wick has morphed drastically from its origins. What was originally intended as a one-off action film with the draw of Keanu Reeves as the lead has turned into a blockbuster franchise. And like most franchises, it’s getting a spinoff.
Lionsgate is reportedly developing a female-centric John Wick spinoff titled Ballerina. The film will focus on a young female assassin who seeks revenge against the people who killed her family. The film is being fast tracked, with a script by Shay Hatten – who worked on John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum – already close to completion.
Len Wiseman (Underworld, Live Free Or Die Hard) is on board to direct. Wiseman’s track record doesn’t exactly make him the most exciting hire, but it’s also a strange decision not to hire a woman to helm a brand new, female-centric spinoff series.
There are talented female filmmakers lining up around the block to helm a mainstream action film. To instead go with an uninspiring, milquetoast hire in Wiseman is pretty disappointing.
It also raises the question as to whether Ballerina will truly feel like a part of the John Wick universe. The series has prided itself on its innovative action, which is mostly thanks to Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, former stuntmen in their own right. However, neither are involved here.
Here’s hoping a protégé or assistant that they took under their wing is choreographing the action or something, because if you don’t have the blistering, unique action scenes that made John Wick popular, are you really making a John Wick movie?
The fourth John Wick instalment is due out in May 2021, so fans don’t have to worry about their main man getting the short end of the straw. But the spinoff isn’t off to the most inspiring start.
#Peace.Love.Ballerina
