**"Ballerina" Poised for $60M Global Debut as Lionsgate Expands John Wick Universe**

The much-anticipated John Wick spinoff, "Ballerina," is set to make waves at the box office this weekend. Whether the movie earns more or less than $30 million domestically across the U.S. and Canada, it marks a significant contribution to the exhibition landscape. This Ana de Armas-led action thriller, premiering in 82 additional countries, is projected to add another $30 million internationally, bringing its worldwide opening total to an estimated $60 million. This figure is comparable to the opening numbers for "John Wick: Chapter 3."

Lionsgate is overseeing the distribution in key markets like the UK and Latin America. Directed by Len Wiseman and produced with a budget between $80 million and $90 million, "Ballerina" experienced a year's delay due to additional shooting. The film is expected to secure the second spot at the box office during its opening weekend in June, with Disney's "Lilo & Stitch" projected to dominate with $35 million. "Lilo & Stitch" has already surpassed $300 million domestically, remaining the second highest-grossing film of the year, just behind "A Minecraft Movie" with $423.1 million.

"Ballerina" stars Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro, an orphan trained by the Ruska Roma, a Russian assassin academy that also trained John Wick. The plot follows Eve’s quest for revenge against The Chancellor, played by Gabriel Byrne, after he murders her father. The film features several cameos from the John Wick series, including Ian McShane's Winston, the late Lance Reddick's Charon, and Keanu Reeves himself as John Wick.

Although spinoffs traditionally struggle to match the success of the original franchise, sources suggest comparing "Ballerina" to other standalone female action films like "Alita: Battle Angel" ($28.5 million), "Furiosa" ($26.3 million), and "Madame Web" ($15.3 million). Currently, presales for "Ballerina" are 32% ahead of "Madame Web" but trail 50% behind "Furiosa."

Lionsgate strategically scheduled the release of "Ballerina" to capitalize on Keanu Reeves' availability for promotions, including a premiere event introduced by Reeves and John Wick architect Chad Stahelski. Initial tracking indicates strong interest among men over 25, though still 40% lower than for "Furiosa."

Lionsgate's broader vision for the John Wick franchise continues to grow, with plans unveiled at CinemaCon for expanded content, including an animated prequel and a film about the blind assassin Caine, directed by Donnie Yen. Additionally, the Peacock series "The Continental" contributes to this expansive universe.

The review embargo for "Ballerina" will lift at 3 PM, with previous John Wick films earning favorable critiques ranging from 86% to 94% on Rotten Tomatoes. Fan screenings for the R-rated movie begin today at 7 PM, with more previews tomorrow starting at 6 PM.

In other box office news, Paramount’s "Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning" is expected to make approximately $15 million in its third weekend, and Sony’s "Karate Kid: Legends" looks to add $10 million in its second weekend. Focus Features' "The Phoenician Scheme" is expanding from six theaters to 1,600, aiming for a $7 million weekend after posting the best opening theater average of the year last weekend.