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“Ballerina” (‘Leap!), the animated feature global smash hit, is set to return with a “Ballerina” sequel and an animated TV series simultaneously in development.
Paris-based Good Hero, also behind “Fireheart” and the
upcoming “Wings of Freedom”), will produce the movie sequel “Ballerina 2,” with what it describes as an ambitious expansion of the “Ballerina” universe across multiple media platforms, including film, television, and digital including YouTube.Good Hero heads Gregory Ouanhon (“Sisu,” “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets,” “Replicas”) and Laurent Zeitoun (“Fireheart,” “The Intouchables,” “The Death of Stalin”) are set to produce the film with Laurent Zeitoun, who wrote the screenplay, directing. Production on the film starts this month.
Gaumont returns as the French and international theatrical distributor, with a planned global release scheduled for late 2029.
Voiced in English by Elle Fanning and Dane DeHaan and in France by Camille Cottin and Malik Bentalha, the original ‘Ballerina’ (2016) grossed grossed $120 million across more than 100 countries worldwide.
“Ballerina’s aspirational story of female empowerment has continued to resonate with new audiences over the last decade and is even more relevant today,” said Zeitoun and Gregory Ouanhon, co-founders and principals of Good Hero.
They added: “The film embodies what it means to follow your dreams — the universal values of overcoming challenges, hard work and commitment, the power of artistic expression, and creating positive change in the world by being true to yourself. We want to expand the Ballerina universe and introduce this magical, heartwarming story to a new generation of young women who already personify these values.”
“We are very happy to continue the Ballerina adventure alongside the experienced and highly acclaimed producers Gregory Ouanhon and Laurent Zeitoun,” said Gaumont’s Alexis Cassanet, EVP international distribution & co-productions. “‘Ballerina’ remains one of the most successful independent animated films at the worldwide box office, demonstrating its strength and universal themes. The DNA of the franchise is timeless and has the power to delight multiple generations of families.”
