I’m an enormous fan of the John Wick franchise, and whereas I used to be somewhat pissed off with the timeline points in Ballerina, I believed it was a strong, although not spectacular, film. Nonetheless, the spinoff’s disappointing field workplace has me involved that the franchise can solely succeed if Keanu Reeves is the star, and I hope that’s not the case.
Ballerina Has Massive Stars, However Not Massive Returns
Ana de Armas actually has the star energy to hold a film, and the remainder of the Ballerina solid, together with Gabriel Byrne, Norman Reedus, Anjelica Houston, Ian McShane, and the late Lance Reddick, carry loads of glitz and glamour to the movie as nicely. Then, after all, there may be the star of the franchise, Keanu Reeves. Reeves was initially solely introduced as a cameo in Ballerina, however he ended up with a much bigger position.
That star energy didn’t translate to field workplace energy, although. In line with the newest numbers from Field Workplace Mojo, Ballerina has introduced in slightly below $92 million worldwide. That’s on a reported funds of $90 million. There may be nonetheless time for the film to make somewhat extra money in theaters, however I believe it’s secure to say that wherever the ultimate numbers land, it is going to be underwhelming. That has me apprehensive about the way forward for the franchise, particularly in initiatives that don’t embody Reeves, just like the deliberate spinoff starring Donnie Yen as his character, Caine.
Can The World Of John Wick Succeed With out John Wick?
Director Chad Stahelski and author Derek Kolstad (together with author Shay Hatten) have created an unimaginable world within the John Wick motion pictures. They’ve managed to do the seemingly unimaginable lately in Hollywood: construct a brand new franchise with out counting on current I.P. The 4 movies have all been profitable with followers and critics alike, and whereas Ballerina has been usually praised by reviewers and audiences who’ve seen it, it appears not sufficient persons are excited to see a film that isn’t centered on John Wick himself.
This results in the pure query: as well-liked because the character is, and as nice as all the films have been, together with Ballerina, can this franchise succeed with out the titular character? It’s a query I can’t reply but, but when it may, the field workplace returns should be higher.
The Future, With And With out Keanu Reeves
John Wick 5 is on the way in which, and it’s a secure wager that it is going to be massively well-liked, simply as the primary 4 have been. Reeves and Stahelski shall be again, and it is onerous to think about it received’t be pretty much as good – and as profitable – as the primary 4. Stahlelski can be excited concerning the Caine spinoff, which received’t characteristic Reeves.
On the flip aspect, nevertheless, is the undercurrent of each Ballerina’s less-than-stellar field workplace numbers and the spinoff prequel present, The Continental, that didn’t set the world on fireplace, both. The present, starring Mel Gibson and Colin Woodell, which you’ll stream on Peacock, obtained blended opinions, and whereas it continued to construct the world, it didn’t carry a complete lot extra to the desk.
So, that leaves us the place we’re right now. We all know the way forward for the John Wick franchise is brilliant when Reeves’ now-iconic character is the main target, but it surely has me questioning if it may be with out him. I certain hope so, as a result of I really need extra of the this world in my life.