Nearly a decade after its theatrical debut, an Elle Fanning movie is preparing for a long-awaited return. The animated adventure is officially getting a sequel. Ballerina, a.k.a Leap!, became a global box-office success during its theatrical run. The announcement has renewed excitement surrounding the beloved animated property.
A fan-favorite 2016 movie is finally coming back
Ballerina, known as Leap! in some territories, is officially returning with a new chapter. Production house Good Hero has confirmed that a sequel to the animated feature is moving forward, bringing back one of the company’s most successful family films (via The Hollywood Reporter). The announcement was made during the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where the studio also revealed plans for the property’s future.
The follow-up, Ballerina 2, is scheduled to enter production this month. Screenwriter Laurent Zeitoun is set to direct the new installment and will also serve as a producer alongside Good Hero co-founder Gregory Ouanhon. The project will once again be distributed by Gaumont in both France and international territories. The film is currently targeting a worldwide release in late 2029.
The original Ballerina, released in 2016 in France, followed an orphaned girl who arrives in Paris determined to pursue a career in ballet. The English-language version featured voice performances from Elle Fanning, Kate McKinnon, Dane DeHaan, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Nat Wolff. The film performed strongly in theaters, generating more than $109 million worldwide. International markets contributed approximately $84 million of that total, as reported by Box Office Mojo.
Beyond the sequel, Good Hero is continuing to expand the property. The company reportedly confirmed that an animated television series based on Ballerina is currently in development. Andrew Burrell is attached as series writer.
More details surrounding the sequel are expected to be revealed in the coming months as production gets underway.
