John Wick producer reveals how much of a role Keanu Reeves and Lance Reddick have in Ballerina spin-off
John Wick returns in the Ana de Armas-led spin-off
John Wick will have an "extended cameo" in the upcoming Ballerina spin-off according to producer Erica Lee.
Speaking in an interview with Collider, Lee mentions how Ballerina – which stars Ana de Armas as the titular assassin – will feature familiar faces from the wider John Wick universe. That includes Ian McShane’s Winston, the late Lance Reddick as Charon, and a certain Keanu Reeves. Yeah, we’re thinking he’s back.
"Ian has a little bit more to do, and John Wick is an extended cameo. He shot for about a week. Lance shot for a day," Lee said, hinting that Charon’s role would be slightly smaller than Wick’s part.
She continued, "Those were last minute adds in a way, too. How do we merge the worlds a bit more, so there's a bit of more of brand continuity? Because obviously, she's a ballerina in the Ruska Roma School, so that was having Anjelica [Huston] as The Director was always an organic way in, and she always did check into a Continental. But then it was fun to have Ian and Lance come. I didn't know if Keanu was going to do the movie. I think we had always hoped he would."
Ballerina is set between the events of John Wick 3 and John Wick 4. According to Deadline, the spin-off is slated for "spring or summer” 2024." In the same interview, Lionsgate boss Joe Drake said the studio is "not ready to say goodbye to Keanu Reeves’ world-class hitman."
If you’ve already seen John Wick 4 then check out our breakdowns of the John Wick 4 ending and John Wick 4 post-credits scene. Then dive into what else is coming to cinemas this year with our movie release dates guide.
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I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at 12DOVE, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.