
The John Wick franchise has always been a hit — a gritty, stylish assassin story that built a cult following and launched one of the most profitable action sagas in Hollywood. But with Ballerina , the first spinoff film in the series, Lionsgate may have taken a step too far.
Released as a standalone entry between Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4 , Ballerina introduces Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro, a grieving ballerina turned killer seeking vengeance for her father’s murder. While the movie was praised by critics and boasted strong performances, it underperformed at the box office and raised questions about the future of the John Wick universe.

A Spinoff That Undermined the Canon
One of the biggest issues with Ballerina is its handling of John Wick himself. Despite being set between Chapters 3 and 4, the film features Keanu Reeves reprising his role — something that doesn’t quite add up when you consider what we know from the mainline films.
At the end of Chapter 3 , John Wick is shot off the roof of the Continental in New York. He survives but spends months recovering in the sewers with the Bowery King before rejoining the fight in Chapter 4 . That means during the timeline of Ballerina , he should be out of commission — not running around Morocco or working with the Ruska Roma to kill Eve.
This retcon weakens the internal logic of the world and makes the plot feel less grounded. Worse still, it undermines the tension of Chapter 4 , where getting back into the family is a major turning point for Wick. If he’s already embedded with the Ruska Roma in Ballerina , then that moment loses its impact.

Too Many “Wicks” Dilute the Brand
Another problem? The franchise is adding too many characters who are basically “mini-Wicks.” Caine, Mr. Nobody, Sofia Al-Azwar — all have their own tragic pasts, sharp skills, and silent intensity. Now there’s Eve, another brooding assassin on a revenge mission.
But here’s the issue: if everyone in the John Wick universe is just as deadly and emotionally complex as John Wick, then what makes him special?
John Wick became iconic because he was different. He wasn’t just another gangster — he was a legend. Adding more characters like him waters down the brand and leaves audiences wondering who they’re really rooting for.
What the franchise needs now isn’t another grief-stricken killer, but a character who stands out in a completely different way. Someone with a unique voice, style, or motivation. That kind of storytelling could help expand the world without diluting the core.
Box Office Reality Check
Despite positive reviews, Ballerina opened to only $25 million — a far cry from the $73.8 million opening of Chapter 4 . With a budget of around $90 million, it’s unlikely the film will make enough to turn a profit.
And this is the first theatrical spinoff. If even a well-reviewed, star-studded movie can’t attract an audience, how will smaller projects like the upcoming Caine film fare? It also raises concerns about the long-term viability of the franchise once Keanu Reeves decides to step away.
If fans only want to see John Wick — and not the expanding cast of clone-like assassins — then the future of the series might hinge entirely on whether Reeves wants to keep playing the role.
What This Means for the Future
Ballerina proves that while the John Wick universe is rich with potential, expansion must be handled carefully. Spinoffs need to stand on their own, not rely on nostalgia or name recognition alone. And perhaps most importantly, the franchise should focus on building new stories that don’t just echo the same beats.
For now, it seems audiences still want more of the original — more of Keanu Reeves, more of John Wick. Until that changes, the safest bet for Lionsgate is to stick to the formula that made the series a success in the first place.
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