‘Promising Young Woman’ Oscar-Winner Emerald Fennell Helped Write ‘John Wick’ Spinoff Starring Ana de Armas
“Promising Young Woman” filmmaker Emerald Fennell is teaming with Ana de Armas on “Ballerina,” a spinoff set in the John Wick cinematic universe.
Fennell is helping the movie’s screenwriters Shay Hatten (2019’s “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum”) and Len Wiseman (who is also directing) to punch up the script. She may or may not receive credit for her work; sources close to the project say that will ultimately be decided by the Writers Guild of America.
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De Armas revealed the collaboration in Elle magazine, saying she wanted to be closely involved in the behind-the-scenes process for “Ballerina,” which centers on a take-no-prisoners vigilante who is similar to Keanu Reeves’ character in the original film series.
“It was really important for me to hire a female writer, because to that point when I got involved in the project, it was only the director, Len Wiseman, and another guy. And I was like, ‘That’s not going to work.’ So I interviewed, like, five or six female writers. We hired Emerald Fennell, which I was so proud of,” de Armas told the magazine.
“Ballerina” follows de Armas as a young female assassin who seeks revenge against those who killed her family. Other than a vague logline, any details around the film — including co-stars of de Armas — have been kept under wraps.
Before “Ballerina” twirls to the big screen, Reeves will return — with nunchucks — to kick ass and take names in “John Wick: Chapter 4,” which is due in theaters on March 24, 2023. The first three installments in the action-heavy vengeance franchise have been commercially successful, grossing a combined $587 million worldwide. A fifth entry is already in development.
Fennell has been high on Hollywood’s radar after she won a screenwriting Oscar for “Promising Young Woman.” She previously served as showrunner for “Killing Eve” Season 2 and recently appeared on Netflix’s royal drama “The Crown” as Camilla Bowles.
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