‘Ballerina‘ Box office Loss Hits Lionsgate with $94 Million Quarterly Hit
Los Angeles, CA – February 29, 2024 – Lionsgate is facing a meaningful financial setback following the underperformance of its John Wick spin-off, Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas. The studio reported a $94 million quarterly loss directly attributed too the film’s disappointing box office returns.
Ballerina, set within the John Wick universe between the events of john Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019) and John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023), follows Eve Macarro (de Armas), a highly skilled assassin trained in the deadly traditions of the Ruska Roma. Driven by vengeance, Macarro embarks on a mission to avenge her father’s death, confronting a network of killers.
Despite a cameo appearance by Keanu Reeves reprising his role as John Wick, Ballerina failed to capture the audience enthusiasm that propelled the core John Wick films to success. John Wick: Chapter 4, as a notable exmaple, grossed a robust $447.3 million worldwide on a $100 million production budget.
In contrast, Ballerina concluded its theatrical run with a worldwide gross of $132 million, falling short of its reported $90 million production budget. This ample difference contributed significantly to Lionsgate’s recent financial woes. Industry analysts at Variety noted the film’s marketing spend, estimated at $40 million, further exacerbated the loss.
Lionsgate is banking on future projects to revitalize its financial performance. Two additional spin-offs are currently in advancement, including a prequel centered around donnie Yen’s character, Caine, introduced in john Wick: Chapter 4. Director Chad Stahelski has also hinted at potential plans for a John Wick: Chapter 5, though no official declaration has been made.
addressing the financial results, Lionsgate CEO jon Feltheimer stated the company is “taking a number of important steps to achieve solid growth again in fiscal year 2027.” A key component of this strategy is the upcoming release of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, currently in production and slated for release on November 17, 2026. The film, based on the prequel novel by Suzanne Collins, is expected to generate significant revenue for the studio. Principal photography began in July 2023 in Berlin, Germany, with Francis Lawrence returning to direct.
The performance of Ballerina underscores the challenges of expanding successful franchises and the importance of strong audience reception. Lionsgate’s future success hinges on its ability to deliver compelling content that resonates with moviegoers, especially with the highly anticipated return to the world of The Hunger Games.
