‘Ballerina’ Dances to $3.75 Million in Thursday Previews

“Ballerina,” Lionsgate’s attempt to expand its “John Wick” franchise, earned $3.75 million in preview screenings on Thursday.

The action spinoff stars Ana de Armas as a dancer turned assassin, obsessed with extracting revenge over her father’s murder. “Ballerina” is expected to gross between $28 million to $30 million from 3,400 North American locations in its first weekend of release. Overseas, where the film is opening in 82 markets, it should pick up another $30 million. The film’s full title is the insanely clunky, focus-tested within an inch of its life, nearly as long as its 125 minute running time, “From the World of John Wick: Ballerina.”

Keanu Reeves has starred in four “John Wick” films and makes in appearance in “Ballerina.” But the film is being carried by de Armas, an Oscar-nominee for “Blonde,” as well as the star of more mainstream fare such as “Knives Out” and “No Time to Die.” The film, which looks like it employed an army of stunt performers and fight coordinators, cost roughly $90 million to produce.

Even if it debuts on the higher end of projections, “Ballerina” may not push Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” from the top spot at the domestic box office. The live-action reboot, which has been No. 1 for two consecutive weekends, could make $35 million. Its domestic haul recently surpassed $300 million.

Lionsgate is hoping that “Ballerina” will be the first of many entries into its nascent cinematic universe. The studio is already working on “John Wick 5,” as well as spinoff revolving around Donnie Yen’s blind assassin Caine and an animated prequel film.

Len Wiseman (“Underworld”) directs “Ballerina.” In addition to Reeves and de Armas, the ensemble includes Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Norman Reedus and Ian McShane.

Critics have been largely receptive to “Ballerina,” giving it a solid 79% “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Variety‘s Owen Gleiberman was one of its fans, calling it, “a worthy entry in the ‘John Wick’ canon, though I say that as someone who doesn’t think the ‘John Wick’ canon is all that.”