A female-fronted John Wick spinoff film titled “Ballerina” is in the works at Lionsgate, with Len Wiseman set to direct the film, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap
“Ballerina” follows a female assassin and will be developed as an extension to the John Wick universe. Shay Hatten, who wrote “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum,” also wrote the spec script that was acquired by Lionsgate in 2017 that was described as in the same vein of Luc Besson’s “La Femme Nikita.”
“Ballerina” will be produced by Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee and Chad Stahelski, and “John Wick” star Keanu Reeves will executive produce. James Myers is overseeing for Lionsgate.
“Ballerina” is the first of what the studio hopes to be an extension to the larger universe, even as “John Wick 4” is set to be the next film in the franchise and has a Summer 2021 release date. Additionally, a Starz series titled “The Continental,” which takes place before the events of the “John Wick” movies, is in the works as well and will be released after “John Wick 4.”
Wiseman is the director of the 2012 “Total Recall” remake and “Live Free or Die Hard” from 2007. He previously also directed the “Underworld” movies that featured Kate Beckinsale as a supernatural assassin.
Hatten is also one of the writers behind Zack Snyder’s “Army of the Dead” zombie film for Netflix.
The third “John Wick” film was released earlier this year and grossed $323 million worldwide.
Wiseman is represented by CAA. Hatten is represented by Lee Stobby Entertainment.
Deadline first reported the news of “Ballerina.”