Emerging from the creative crucible of 87North, the minds behind cinematic thrills like 'The Fall Guy' and 'Bullet Train,' comes a bold new women-centric action spectacle titled 'Ballerina Overdrive.' Since its inception at Berlin's prestigious European Film Market, the project has undergone a thrilling cast reshuffle, with fresh faces joining the fray.
This high-octane tale revolves around a troupe of graceful ballerinas whose journey to a prestigious dance competition is suddenly upended when their bus grinds to a halt in the middle of nowhere. Stranded and vulnerable, these dancers must shed their pointe shoes for fighting gear as they embark on a desperate battle for survival.
Initially, the ensemble boasted of powerhouse performers like Lana Condor ('To All the Boys I've Loved Before,' 'Moonshot'), the talented Millicent Simmonds ('A Quiet Place'), and the charming Iris Apatow ('The Bubble'), who were among the first to be announced, as per Deadline's exclusive scoop. Though Lena Headey ('Game of Thrones'), Yara Shahidi ('Grown-ish'), and Isabela Merced ('Alien: Romulus,' 'Turtles All the Way Down') were initially set to grace the screen, they've since gracefully exited the stage.
But fear not, for the project has gained momentum with the recent addition of Maddie Ziegler ('Dance Moms,' 'My Old Ass') and Avantika (of 'Mean Girls' fame), further igniting anticipation. And in a late August 2024 coup, Deadline exclusively revealed that Uma Thurman ('Pulp Fiction,' 'Kill Bill') had gracefully stepped into the fray, adding a formidable presence to the cast.
At the helm of this adrenaline-fueled adventure stands Vickey Jewson ('The Witcher: Blood Origin'), who directs a script penned by the talented Kate Freund. The film is a collaborative effort between the production prowess of Kelly McCormick and David Leitch ('Deadpool,' 'Bullet Train,' 'John Wick,' 'Fast & Furious' franchise, 'The Fall Guy'), operating under the esteemed 87North banner. Gulfstream Pictures ('Upgraded,' 'One Fast Move'), which funded the project, boasts Bill Bindley, Mike Karz, and Piers Tempest as producers, while Max Jacoby oversees for 87North. Jenny Jue ('Okja'), renowned for her casting prowess, has handpicked the stellar ensemble.
Currently, 'Ballerina Overdrive' is filming in the vibrant city of Budapest, where the ballerinas' graceful movements will soon give way to a symphony of fists and fury, crafting a cinematic experience that promises to captivate and thrill audiences worldwide.
