The John Wick franchise has rapidly become one of Lionsgate's most successful properties, so it's really not too shocking that the studio is now looking to expand on it in any way it can.
For example, we know that a TV series, The Continental, is coming to Peacock and Prime Video, with a 1970s setting and the focus on Ian McShane's Winston (Colin Woodell will take over the role for the prequel). That's not all, however, as we're also getting a John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum spin-off with Ballerina.
That movie will see No Time to Die star Ana de Armas play the titular ballet dancer-turned-assassin who seeks revenge against the people who killed her family. Len Wiseman (Underworld) is directing, and there's obviously a huge amount of excitement to see what de Armas brings to the table as what we're sure will be a badass new female action hero.
With the movie confirmed to arrive in theaters following next year's John Wick: Chapter 4, there's been a lot of speculation about when in the franchise's timeline it takes place.
Lionsgate is trying hard to make us believe that the fourth movie could mark the end for Reeves' Baba Yaga (which seems unlikely with tentative plans in place for a fifth instalment), but with the actor confirmed for Ballerina, the threat of his story ending has been somewhat lessened. Now, though, Reeves has confirmed that Ballerina takes place before Chapter 4.
"So, the film Ballerina that Ana de Armas stars in being directed by Len Wiseman has already started filming, and it takes place between John Wick: Chapter 3 and John Wick: Chapter 4," he revealed (via ActioNewz.com) at this past weekend's CCXP event.
De Armas takes over from Unity Phelan as Rooney, and while Wiseman directs, the screenplay was penned by Shay Hatten and Emerald Fennell. We're certainly curious to see how the spin-off takes shape, anyway, and with cameras now rolling, we should have more to share soon.
John Wick: Chapter 4 is set to arrive in theaters on March 24. Ballerina remains undated.