Inside the Making and Remaking of John Wick Spinoff Ballerina

The making of From the World of John Wick: Ballerina is a rare story in filmmaking—one where a studio not only supports but expands a project after its initial completion. Originally set for release in 2024, the film was delayed by a year to add more action scenes, aligning it with the high-octane intensity that fans expect from the John Wick franchise.

Director Len Wiseman, known for his work on the Underworld series, describes this extension as a “gift” from Lionsgate, allowing the creative team to regroup and enhance the film’s action sequences. This extra time and budget enabled them to craft scenes that are not just loud and entertaining but clever and witty, a hallmark of the franchise’s style.

A key collaborator, Chad Stahelski, co-creator of the John Wick universe, influenced the film’s tone and action choreography. Wiseman emphasizes the importance of cleverness and wit in action scenes, which elevate them beyond mere violence to moments that are brutal yet oddly charming, keeping audiences engaged and entertained.

Wiseman’s hands-on approach to action design is tactile and inventive. For example, he experimented with ice skates as weapons in a grenade fight sequence, treating it almost like a snowball fight. He builds physical proofs of concept—shooting slow-motion videos and testing props—to ensure the ideas feel fresh and believable before integrating them into the film.

One of the film’s standout sequences involves a flamethrower battle, which Wiseman confirms was primarily practical effects with minimal CGI enhancements. This dedication to real, dangerous effects preserves the franchise’s DNA of visceral, grounded action, while pushing the envelope with unique and intense combat scenarios rarely seen on screen.

Regarding Keanu Reeves’ role as John Wick, Wiseman clarifies that all of Reeves’ scenes were shot during the initial filming phase, and his involvement was designed as a parallel narrative to John Wick: Chapter 3 rather than a direct sequel. Reeves’ presence adds continuity and depth without overshadowing the new protagonist, Ana de Armas.

A defining characteristic of the John Wick films is their balance of heightened, stylized action with a sense of realism and vulnerability. Wiseman stresses that the characters are not superheroes; they feel the pain and exhaustion of combat. This grounded portrayal keeps the audience emotionally invested and maintains the franchise’s gritty tone.

Ballerina’s journey from initial cut to enhanced action spectacle exemplifies how creative vision and studio support can combine to elevate a film. By embracing practical effects, inventive choreography, and a commitment to tone, the filmmakers deliver an experience that honors the John Wick legacy while introducing a fresh, compelling assassin story.