Director Chad Stahelski Reflects on Keanu Reeves’ Surprise Appearance in Ballerina
John Wick director Chad Stahelski has opened up about his initial feelings regarding Keanu Reeves’ cameo in the upcoming spin-off, Ballerina. Despite the actor’s iconic role in the franchise, Stahelski admits he was initially opposed to Reeves appearing in the film, believing that it might not serve the story or the project’s integrity. However, he ultimately recognized the strategic importance of the cameo in boosting the film’s prospects.
The Growing Success of the John Wick Franchise
The John Wick series stands out for its impressive box office growth, with each installment drawing larger audiences worldwide. The latest film, John Wick 4, achieved a remarkable global gross of over $440 million, cementing its status as a major Hollywood success. This financial momentum influenced decisions behind the scenes, including the cameo in Ballerina.
The Motivation Behind Keanu Reeves’ Cameo
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Stahelski explained that the appearance of John Wick in Ballerina was not part of the original script. “That wasn’t in the original plan,” he said. “Honestly, I was against it at first. But I understand why it was included — to give the movie a fighting chance at the box office.”
He elaborated that, at that point, the studio was eager to capitalize on the franchise’s momentum. “After opening John Wick 4 and seeing its success, we knew we couldn’t revert to smaller indie models. To stay competitive, we had to give the film a boost. Including Wick in a special timeline within Ballerina was the easiest way to do that,” Stahelski noted.
Box Office Performance and Reception
Ballerina opened last week and earned approximately $51 million globally. While this is a respectable figure, it fell short of expectations for its debut weekend. Some industry observers suggest that Reeves’ cameo didn’t attract enough new viewers, leading to a softer opening. To emphasize its connection to the John Wick universe, Lionsgate added the tagline “From the World of John Wick” to the film’s title.
Future Spin-offs and Keanu Reeves’ Involvement
Though Ballerina may not have fully met box office expectations, plans for future John Wick spin-offs remain active. However, Reeves’ appearance in every project isn’t guaranteed. For instance, Stahelski confirmed that Reeves will not be involved in Caine, the upcoming Donnie Yen-led spin-off.
“The Caine project doesn’t feature John Wick as a character,” Stahelski explained. “It’s more of an homage to classic kung fu movies, inspired by stars like Chow Yun-fat, and directors like John Woo and Wong Kar-wai. It’s a different sub-genre that’s easier to introduce to audiences without the franchise’s main character.”
Critical Reception of Ballerina
The film has received generally positive reviews, with IGN awarding it an 8 out of 10. Their review highlighted that, despite a slow start, Ballerina solidifies its place in The World of John Wick through inventive fight choreography and compelling storytelling that stands on its own.
About the Author
Wesley is the Director of News at IGN. Follow him on Twitter at @wyp100 or contact him via email at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
Derek Shaw
Derek is a seasoned film critic and cinephile with a deep appreciation for storytelling, cinematography, and character development. He covers everything from mainstream blockbusters to indie films and international cinema. With a unique voice and thoughtful perspective, Derek offers reviews, deep dives, and behind-the-scenes insights that resonate with both casual viewers and hardcore movie fans.
