Paris-based studio Good Hero has announced an upcoming sequel to their globally successful 2016 animated movie, 'Ballerina', also known as 'Leap!'. The original film, which charmed audiences worldwide, centered on a determined young orphan in 19th-century Paris who dreams of becoming a ballet dancer. This expansion of the 'Ballerina' universe signifies a strategic move to develop the franchise across cinematic, television, and digital entertainment realms, promising new adventures for its beloved characters and captivating new audiences.
The announcement regarding the continuation of the 'Ballerina' story was made at the Annecy animated film festival. The initial movie featured the vocal talents of Elle Fanning, Dane DeHaan, Nat Wolff, Kate McKinnon, and Carly Rae Jepsen. Set against the backdrop of 1884 Paris, the narrative followed a young girl, voiced by Fanning, as she pursued her ambition to dance at the prestigious Grand Opera House. Jepsen lent her voice to a enigmatic cleaner who becomes a mentor figure, guiding the orphan through her trials in the competitive ballet world. The Franco-Canadian production was notable for incorporating dance routines inspired by the real performances of esteemed ballerinas Aurélie Dupont and Jérémie Bélingard.
The original 'Ballerina' film achieved considerable international acclaim, securing distribution in over 100 countries and generating more than $120 million globally. This commercial success paved the way for the newly announced sequel. Laurent Zeitoun, who co-wrote the screenplay for the first film, is set to direct the follow-up, with production scheduled to commence this month. Zeitoun and Gregory Ouanhon, co-founders of Good Hero, will produce the film. Gaumont, a veteran French studio, will once again handle both French and international theatrical distribution, with a worldwide release anticipated in late 2029.
In addition to the cinematic sequel, Good Hero is actively developing an animated television series based on the 'Ballerina' property. Andrew Burrell, a British writer known for his contributions to Matt Groening’s 'Disenchantment' and the BBC’s 'EastEnders', has been tapped as the series writer. Burrell's extensive experience also includes serving as head writer and script editor for the animated series 'Sasha and Milo' and working on the 'Danger Mouse' reboot, ensuring a compelling and engaging narrative for the television adaptation.
The greenlighting of the 'Ballerina' sequel and the broader franchise expansion underscores Good Hero's commitment to nurturing and growing its animated intellectual properties. With a proven track record of international appeal and a clear vision for multi-platform content, the future looks promising for this enchanting ballet-themed series, poised to continue captivating audiences across the globe with its inspiring tale of dreams and determination.
