"A Ballerina" tops cinema box office in Russia and Commonwealth of Independent States region
In the world of action cinema, the fifth installment of the John Wick franchise, titled "Ballerina," has made a significant impact. The film, directed by Len Wiseman, premiered in Russian theaters on June 5 and has since topped the box office, holding the number one spot from June 5 to 8.
The film, which stars Gabriel Byrne, Norman Reedus, Anjelica Huston, and Keanu Reeves, tells the story of a girl named Eva, who was orphaned as a child and was taken in by a criminal organization where she was trained as a ballerina and an assassin.
While "Ballerina" has been a hit in Russia, it's important to note that the film's distribution in the country is being handled by Atmosfera Kino. Lionsgate, the production company behind the John Wick series, has not made any explicit statements regarding a change in their approach or policy regarding the Russian theatrical or digital markets for this title.
Meanwhile, the live-action remake of the beloved animated film, "Lilo & Stitch," starring Maya Kea'ahua, came in second place, grossing 40.6 million rubles. Another Russian film, "Kraken," starring Alexander Petrov and Viktor Dobronravov, came in third, earning 19.8 million rubles. "Karate Kid: Legacy" also made an appearance, grossing 17.4 million rubles.
Interestingly, Lionsgate has announced that they will be releasing "Ballerina" in Russia on a case-by-case basis. This decision comes after the company paused its operations in the Russian market in 2022. The change is said to be due to "the passage of time" and "shifting sentiments."
The film "Ballerina" grossed 141 million rubles over the weekend, indicating a strong interest from Russian audiences. For updates on future Russian release strategies or policy changes, official Lionsgate statements or announcements from Russian cinema distributors would be the best source.
As we await the global release of "Ballerina," audiences can look forward to the film's premium video on demand (PVOD) availability from July 1, 2025, on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube in the U.S. Physical media (4K, Blu-ray, DVD) release is scheduled for September 9, 2025.
The movie "Ballerina," a captivating blend of crime, ballet, and action, has sparked life on Russian movie-and-TV screens. This life in the entertainment world has been sustained by a successful run at the box office, thanks to the strategic release management by Atmosfera Kino.
