Ballerina's Strong Debut: Ana de Armas Shines in $10.6M Opening Weekend – Can It Keep Up with 'Lilo & Stitch'?

2025-06-07
Ballerina's Strong Debut: Ana de Armas Shines in $10.6M Opening Weekend – Can It Keep Up with 'Lilo & Stitch'?
Variety

Toronto, ON – Lionsgate's highly anticipated Ballerina, a spin-off from the wildly successful John Wick franchise, has delivered a solid opening weekend, pulling in a noteworthy $10.65 million across Friday and preview screenings. The film, starring the captivating Ana de Armas, launched in 3,409 locations, signaling a promising start for this action-packed thriller aimed at Canadian audiences.

The buzz surrounding Ballerina has been building for weeks, fueled by de Armas's star power and the established fanbase of the John Wick universe. The film follows a former assassin drawn back into the dangerous world she left behind, with de Armas showcasing both her action prowess and dramatic range. Early reviews have praised the film's stylish action sequences and de Armas's compelling performance, contributing to the positive opening weekend numbers.

While Ballerina made a strong impression, it faces stiff competition from Disney's Lilo & Stitch, which continues its reign at the top of the box office for a third consecutive weekend. Lilo & Stitch has proven to be a family favourite, consistently drawing crowds and maintaining its dominance. The contrast between the action-oriented Ballerina and the heartwarming Lilo & Stitch highlights the diverse tastes of Canadian moviegoers.

Industry analysts are closely watching Ballerina's performance to gauge the potential of further spin-offs within the John Wick franchise. Lionsgate has invested heavily in expanding this universe, and the success of Ballerina is crucial for determining the future direction of the series. The film's opening weekend numbers suggest that audiences are eager to see more of this world, but sustained success will depend on positive word-of-mouth and continued marketing efforts.

Key Factors Contributing to Ballerina's Success:

  • Ana de Armas's Popularity: De Armas's rising star power has undoubtedly attracted a significant audience.
  • John Wick Franchise Recognition: Leveraging the established fanbase of the John Wick series provides a built-in audience.
  • Stylish Action Sequences: The film’s action is a major draw for moviegoers.

The coming days will be critical for Ballerina as it vies for box office supremacy. Can Ana de Armas and this action-packed spin-off maintain momentum and challenge Lilo & Stitch's hold on the top spot? Only time will tell, but the initial response suggests a bright future for this exciting new addition to the action genre.

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