UPDATE: Lionsgate has denied earlier reporting that Chad Stahelski had to entirely take over reshoots for Ballerina. They claim that Wiseman led the extra shoots, and that Stahelski was “there to help in the creation of action design on the new scenes that would enhance the film and create bigger action sequences.” Additionally, the studio claims that Wiseman “suffered a serious health issue and was briefly hospitalized,” during which time Stahelski led the additional photography. They also note that Wiseman has recovered and will be “finishing the film alongside producer Chad Stahelski, Thunder Road, and the full filmmaking team.”
Original Article follows:
TheJohn Wickspin-off movieBallerinais among the highest anticipated movies of 2025 and has created a lot of buzz. However, if reports are meant to be true, the film went into massive reshoots with Chad Stahelski taking the lead after a big screw-up.
John Wicktook the world by storm in 2014 and became a massive hit. The film’s success prompted Lionsgate to take advantage of the situation and create a film series around the fictional character. Fortunately, the gamble worked, and the franchise went on to become one of the greatest action movie franchises of all time. So, it didn’t come as a shock when the studio began expanding the universe and telling new stories around it. Len Wiseman’sBallerinais the first spin-off movie to be released in theaters, taking the franchise in a new direction. However, it seems the film’s first cut received poor reactions from Lionsgate, prompting the production giant to reshoot high-octane action sequences.
According to a recent report fromThe Wrap, new details have emerged about the reshoots forBallerina. As per industry insiders, Stahelski played a bigger role in the process than initially thought. Sources say the film’s original version was considered lacking, prompting the filmmaker to step in and oversee substantial reshoots in Prague. Interestingly, the film’s helmer, Wiseman, was reportedly absent during this phase of filming. Moreover, the report also revealed that the reshoots lasted around two to three months abroad. Stahelski had to push back hisHighlanderreboot with Henry Cavillto make the fight sequences in Ballerina more impactful.
Initially, it was reported that Stahelski’s involvement was less and re-shot only a few sequences. However, the latest report suggests that Wiseman was unable to meet the studio’s expectations, leading them to bring in the director ofJohn Wick: Chapter 4to step in and take over. It doesn’t come as a shock that Lionsgate is not taking any chances withBallerina, which sees Ana de Armas playing the badass lead. In recent months, Lionsgate has seen several of its films, includingBorderlands, The Crow,andMegalopolis, bombing at the box office. Apart from being commercial failures, these films received negative reviews from the critics as well as audiences. The only film that managed to exceed all the expectations wasJohn Wick: Chapter 4. It not only earned more than $440 million globally, but it also received universal acclaim from critics and movie-goers. Lionsgate wouldn’t want to jeopardize the franchise’s future with a dud, especially when a star like De Armas is attached to it.
It would be interesting to see how much of the film has been re-shot by Stahelski and if he’ll be getting the “Directed by” credit for reshooting a substantial part of the upcoming film. The recent report has undoubtedly made some people worried, butStahelski knows how to create a heart-pumping action movie, and he would do anything to keep the franchise as successful as it is now.
From the World of John Wick: Ballerinais scheduled to release in theaters in June 2025.
