John Wick producer reveals how much of a role Keanu Reeves and Lance Reddick have in Ballerina spin-off

Keanu Reeves as John Wick in John Wick: Chapter 4
(Image credit: Lionsgate)

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.

Bradley Russell

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.