## Hold onto your guns, Keanu Fans: John Wick’s Officially Moving On From the Baba Yaga
For years, the name “Baba Yaga” has sent shivers down the spines of every mobster foolish enough to cross John Wick. That chilling moniker, synonymous with deadly precision and unstoppable vengeance, has become synonymous with the franchise itself. But hold onto your hats, because the next chapter in John Wick’s saga is set to shake things up.
The Legend of Kikimora: A Spirit in the Shadows
In the trailer for Ballerina, Kikimora is described as “a spirit that exists in the shadows.” The unnamed character then claims that Kikimora can be vengeful to bad people, but can also be a protector for people who are good. This description establishes how complex Armas’ character will be in Ballerina.
According to World History Encyclopedia, Kikimora is a female house spirit who can be either helpful or malevolent depending on the behavior of the homeowner. There are many different stories from Slavic folklore about Kikimora, some of which depict her as helpful and others which portray her as an evil creature.
Kikimora Can Be Good Or Bad
In some stories, Kikimora is a kind spirit who helps with household chores. However, in other stories, Kikimora kidnaps children and adults and causes mischief around people’s homes.
It makes sense that Armas’ character is referred to by this nickname in Ballerina, since some legends of Kikimora associate the spirit closely to Baba Yaga. While Kikimora is sometimes depicted as a small, childlike creature, it has also been described as an old woman who looks like a witch.
Implications of the Kikimora Nickname
What the Nickname Reveals About Eve’s Character
The nickname Kikimora immediately helps to put Eve on the same level as John Wick. By giving her a nickname from Slavic folklore, the film is establishing that Eve is a powerful and formidable assassin.
Furthermore, the description of Kikimora as a spirit that exists in the shadows suggests that Eve is a mysterious and elusive figure, someone who operates in the shadows and is not to be underestimated.
Eve as a Replacement for John Wick: The Possibilities
With Eve being referred to as Kikimora, it’s possible that she could be setting herself up as the replacement for John Wick. The film is setting her up as a major figure in the John Wick franchise, and her nickname suggests that she has the potential to be just as deadly as John Wick.
This could be an interesting direction for the franchise to take, as it would allow for a new and exciting character to take center stage while still honoring the legacy of John Wick.
Behind the Scenes of Ballerina
The Reshoots: Setting the Record Straight
Earlier this week it was reported that Ballerina had undergone substantial reshoots and that original Wick director Chad Stahelski had fully taken over for Len Wiseman for this process. From what we’ve learned, that’s not the whole story nor entirely accurate.
The Wrap’s insiders initially claimed that reshoots overseas in Prague took 2–3 months to complete and that the Ballerina director wasn’t on set for the process. We’re able to confirm with our sources that Wiseman did lead the additional photography on set in Budapest with producer Chad Stahelski helping with the action design on new scenes to bolster the film’s action sequences.
The delay in Ballerina’s release date to add more action was reported in February, and we can also confirm that the additional photography only took 29 days to complete and was focused on adding new sequences to the film, confirming what franchise star Ian McShane had said previously about the additional photography.
The Collaboration Between Len Wiseman and Chad Stahelski
During the additional shooting phase, however, Wiseman suffered a serious health issue and was briefly hospitalized. This is when Stahelski had to step in to cover scenes until Wiseman returned.
Wiseman fully recovered, we learned, and returned to finish the film with the whole team, Stahelski included, alongside Thunder Road Films. Insiders tell us that Stahelski and Wiseman are champions of each other and Len is working on his cut of From the World of John Wick: Ballerina in post-production with Stahelski helping in a producer capacity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent announcement that John Wick’s next movie will be replacing the Baba Yaga has sent shockwaves throughout the film enthusiast community. As highlighted in the article, this drastic change is not only a significant departure from the franchise’s established mythology but also opens up new possibilities for storytelling and character development. The decision to axe the Baba Yaga, a pivotal figure in the John Wick universe, signals a bold new direction for the series, one that promises to shake things up and keep fans on their toes.
The implications of this change are far-reaching, with potential consequences for the franchise’s future plotlines and character arcs. As we delve deeper into the mysteries of the Continental Hotel and the High Table, John Wick’s next adventure promises to be more unpredictable than ever. With this newfound freedom, the filmmakers will have the opportunity to explore fresh themes, introduce new characters, and push the boundaries of the action-packed genre. As fans, we can’t help but wonder what’s in store for John Wick and his world, and we’re excited to find out.
As we eagerly anticipate the release of John Wick’s next installment, one thing is clear: the franchise’s unwavering commitment to innovation and surprises has cemented its place as a true standout in the action movie genre. With the Baba Yaga’s demise, the stage is set for a thrilling new chapter in John Wick’s saga, one that will undoubtedly leave us on the edge of our seats and begging for more. The question remains: what will John Wick do next? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – we can’t wait to find out.
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