Why Is Ballerina Stumbling at the Box Office Despite High Hopes? Unpacking Ballerina’s Box Office Collection Data

Ballerina, the much-anticipated John Wick spinoff starring Ana de Armas, has hit theaters, but its box office performance is raising eyebrows. According to Ballerina’s box office collection data from Box Office Mojo, the film has grossed $31,106,148 domestically (54.5%), $26,000,000 internationally (45.5%), and $57,106,148 worldwide.

These numbers fall short of expectations for a franchise known for its explosive action and loyal fanbase. So, what’s holding Ballerina back? From production challenges to audience perception, let’s dive into the reasons behind its lackluster debut.

Highlights of Ballerina’s Box Office Performance

• Domestic Gross: $31,106,148 (54.5% of total earnings).

• International Gross: $26,000,000 (45.5% of total earnings).

• Worldwide Gross: $57,106,148, per Box Office Mojo.

• Budget: Estimated at $90 million, with additional marketing costs.

• Opening Weekend: $25 million domestically, below projections of $30–$35 million.

• Audience Reception: Strong A- CinemaScore and 94% Rotten Tomatoes audience score.

• Critical Reception: 75% “Certified Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes.

Why Did Ballerina Underperform Domestically?

Despite the John Wick franchise’s stellar track record, Ballerina opened to a modest $25 million domestically, a far cry from John Wick: Chapter 4’s $73.8 million debut in 2023. Analysts expected a $30–$35 million opening, but the film fell short. One major factor is the shift in protagonist.

Unlike the Keanu Reeves-led John Wick films, Ballerina centers on Ana de Armas’ Eve Macarro, a new character. While de Armas is a rising star, her character lacks the established fanbase of Reeves’ iconic Baba Yaga.

Additionally, the film’s R-rating and male-skewing action genre faced stiff competition. Disney’s Lilo & Stitch dominated family audiences with $32.5 million in its third weekend, while Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning pulled in action fans with $15 million. These blockbusters likely split the audience, leaving Ballerina struggling to find its footing.

What Impact Did Production Challenges Have?

Ballerina faced significant behind-the-scenes hurdles that may have shaped public perception. Originally slated for June 2024, the film was delayed a year for reshoots to enhance action sequences under John Wick director Chad Stahelski’s supervision.

While these changes improved the final product—evidenced by a 75% Rotten Tomatoes score—delays and reshoots often signal trouble to casual viewers. Posts on X reflected this sentiment, with some fans questioning the film’s quality before its release.

The $90 million budget, higher than the first three John Wick films, also raised the stakes. With marketing costs estimated at $45 million, Ballerina needs to gross at least $180 million worldwide to break even, a tall order given its current $57.1 million haul. Lionsgate mitigated some risk through foreign pre-sales, but the film’s soft start limits its profit potential.

How Did Marketing and Audience Expectations Play a Role?

Marketing missteps may have dampened enthusiasm for Ballerina. The first trailer dropped in September 2024, following buzz from CinemaCon 2024, but prolonged promotion led to audience fatigue.

Some fans assumed the film had already released, eroding interest by opening weekend. Additionally, Lionsgate’s decision to add “From the World of John Wick” to the title aimed to tie Ballerina to the franchise but may have confused audiences about Reeves’ limited role.

Audience expectations also posed a challenge. John Wick fans are accustomed to Reeves’ high-octane action, and while Ballerina earned an A- CinemaScore and a 94% audience score, some fans expressed disappointment online over the shift to a female lead.

One X post claimed the film “bombed” because audiences couldn’t accept swapping “our favorite puppy-loving, gun-toting surfer dude” for de Armas, though this view isn’t universal.

Why Are International Markets Underwhelming?

Ballerina’s international performance, at $26 million across 82 markets, mirrors its domestic struggles. The film opened strongly in the UK/Ireland, Mexico, and China ($2.9 million), but these numbers pale compared to John Wick: Chapter 4’s $64 million international debut.

The lack of Reeves as the lead likely reduced appeal in markets where John Wick is a cultural phenomenon. Additionally, the film has yet to open in key markets like Italy and Japan, which could boost its international totals.

Global competition also played a role. Lilo & Stitch grossed $772.6 million worldwide, while Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning added $40.7 million internationally during Ballerina’s debut weekend. These juggernauts overshadowed Ballerina, limiting its ability to capture a broad audience.

Can Ballerina Recover at the Box Office?

Despite its rocky start, Ballerina isn’t doomed. Positive word-of-mouth, driven by strong audience scores, could extend its theatrical run. The film’s weekday performance shows some resilience, with $3 million on Tuesday, up from $2.05 million on Monday, thanks to discounted tickets.

Industry experts suggest a domestic finish of $80–$90 million is possible if Ballerina holds well against upcoming releases like F1 and Jurassic World Rebirth.

The John Wick franchise remains a valuable asset for Lionsgate, with plans for John Wick 5, a Donnie Yen spinoff, and an animated prequel. While Ballerina may not match its predecessors’ box office heights, its long-term value lies in expanding the franchise’s universe.

For now, its box office collection data highlights the challenges of launching a spinoff without the franchise’s biggest star. Ballerina’s box office stumble reflects a mix of high expectations, production challenges, and fierce competition.

Some Closing Thoughts:

While Ana de Armas delivers a compelling performance, the absence of Keanu Reeves and a crowded market have kept audiences at bay.

Yet, with strong reviews and potential for growth in untapped markets, Ballerina could still find its rhythm.

Share your thoughts on Ballerina’s performance—will it rebound, or is the John Wick magic fading?