Ballerina, an upcoming John Wick spin-off starring Ana De Armas, is set to be the next film in the franchise after John Wick 4 - and it could be replacing John Wick 5. Production on Ballerina started in November 2022, and with John Wick 4 not releasing until March 2023, it seems very likely that Ana De Armas' spin-off will hit theaters before a potential John Wick 5. However, recent developments suggest that Ballerina could be a lot more than a John Wick spin-off, potentially being the next main entry into the franchise.
It has been known that Winston (Ian McShane) and The Director (Anjelica Huston) would be appearing in Ballerina, with them both being major players in the mainline films, but it was recently revealed that Ballerina will also feature Keanu Reeves' John Wick himself. An appearance from John Wick makes sense, as he was part of the Ruska Roma when he was young, with Wick also visiting the organization in John Wick 3: Parabellum. So, considering that Ballerina will feature almost every one of the franchise's main characters, the spin-off is actually shaping up to be a replacement for John Wick 5.
Ballerina Could be Better For The Franchise Than John Wick 5
Although the prospect of Ana De Armas replacing Keanu Reeves as the lead of the John Wick franchise may worry some, it has the potential to be better for the franchise than John Wick 5 could. Although Keanu Reeves' character has been the selling point of the series so far, John Wick 4 will be the fourth time that the franchise is doing essentially the same thing, and Ballerina could be a fresh update on the formula. Ballerina could keep the same action that makes the franchise beloved, while also allowing Ana De Armas' character to give the audience a new perspective on the complex world of John Wick.
From a story perspective, Ballerina could add even more depth to the plot of John Wick - and it's already being set up. John Wick 3's introduction of The Director and the hints at John Wick's assassin upbringing are incredibly interesting, and Ballerina would be the perfect way to explore the organization that made John Wick a killer. Considering Keanu Reeves is in it, Ballerina could even see John Wick act as a mentor to Ana De Armas' character, training her to tear down the world that he has come to hate. Although John Wick 5 could bring an interesting story to the table, Ballerina's potential is even greater.
Is John Wick 5 Still Happening?
Franchise director Chad Stahelski spoke on John Wick 5 and the possibility of the movie, saying "[As of right] now it is the studio's [full] intention to continue the franchise." So while this confirms the John Wick series will continue, it doesn't specify that it will be with John Wick 5. John Wick 4 isn't even out yet, meaning that the film could end in such a way that makes John Wick 5 impossible. However, due to the franchise's popularity, it seems more likely than not that John Wick 5 will happen, although there is potential for it to be replaced by Ballerina - or for the latter movie to serve as an unofficial John Wick 5 before the actual John Wick 5 is released.
