"Dance prodigy" heads the box office in Russia and the former Soviet Union region
In the heart of June, the action-packed fifth installment of the "John Wick" franchise, "Ballerina," made its debut in Russia, marking a significant milestone amidst the complex geopolitical landscape.
Starring Ana de Armas in the lead role, "Ballerina" earned an impressive 16.1 million rubles within its first four days of release. The film, directed by Len Wiseman, topped the box office in Russia and the CIS region from June 5 to 8.
"Ballerina" is not just another addition to the "John Wick" series; it's a story of Eva, an orphaned girl who joins a criminal organization and is trained as a ballerina and assassin. The film's star-studded cast includes Gabriel Byrne, Norman Reedus, Anjelica Huston, Keanu Reeves, and others.
The movie's success in Russia comes as Lionsgate, the film's distributor, resumes its distribution efforts in the country. This shift in policy was part of a broader change in the company's stance towards the Russian market, following a period of withdrawal.
This decision by Lionsgate contrasts with the ongoing exit or liquidation of many foreign businesses categorized as from “unfriendly countries” by Russia. The company's re-engagement with the Russian market reflects a nuanced move within a difficult geopolitical and economic environment, occurring amidst many foreign companies exiting the Russian market following international sanctions due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Lionsgate plans to release "Ballerina" in Russia through the Russian distributor "Atmosfera Kino." The studio is ready to move forward in Russia on a case-by-case basis, suggesting a strategic realignment by Lionsgate attempting to regain presence in the Russian entertainment market despite the ongoing sanctions and corporate withdrawals.
Meanwhile, "Lilo & Stitch," a live-action remake of the 2002 animated film, came in second place, grossing 40.6 million rubles. Maya Kea'ala plays the lead role in this heartwarming adaptation.
Rounding out the top three was the Russian film "Kraken," starring Alexander Petrov and Viktor Dobronravov, which grossed 19.8 million rubles.
As "Ballerina" continues its run in theatres, it remains to be seen how the Russian box office will be impacted by this shift in Lionsgate's policy and the ongoing geopolitical tensions caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The success of "Ballerina," a new addition to the "John Wick" series, signals a strategic move by Lionsgate to re-engage with the Russian market, despite ongoing international sanctions and corporate withdrawals. On the other hand, the movie's release in the realm of entertainment competes with other popular choices like "Lilo & Stitch," a heartwarming live-action remake, and "Kraken," a homegrown Russian film.
