Siti Muinah
In a significant move that underscores the enduring power of independent animation, Paris-based production powerhouse Good Hero has officially greenlit the production of Ballerina 2. The sequel, which serves as a follow-up to the 2016 sleeper hit—known internationally as Ballerina and in the United States as Leap!—is set to commence production this month, perfectly timed to coincide with the tenth anniversary of the original film’s global debut.
The announcement marks a pivotal moment for Good Hero, as the company prepares to transform the Ballerina property from a singular cinematic success into a sprawling, multi-platform franchise. With plans already in motion to expand the narrative across film, television, and digital frontiers, including YouTube, Good Hero is positioning Ballerina as a cornerstone of its long-term creative strategy.
A Legacy of Global Success: The Chronology of ‘Ballerina’
The original Ballerina (2016) was an outlier in the animation landscape. Eschewing the massive marketing budgets of Hollywood’s major studios, the film relied on its poignant, aspirational storytelling to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide.
The film followed Félicie, a young orphan with a burning passion for dance, who escapes her rural upbringing to pursue her dreams at the prestigious Paris Grand Opera House. With a star-studded voice cast—including Elle Fanning and Dane DeHaan in the English version, and Camille Cottin and Malik Bentalha in the French original—the film became a global sensation. It was released in over 100 countries, ultimately grossing an impressive $120 million at the worldwide box office.
As the production team gears up for the sequel, the timeline is clear:
- 2016: The original Ballerina / Leap! is released, earning critical acclaim and commercial success as an independent animated feature.
- 2024: Good Hero marks the 10th anniversary of the franchise’s inception by officially announcing Ballerina 2.
- 2024–2029: A five-year development and production cycle is established, focusing on high-quality animation and brand expansion.
- Late 2029: The anticipated global theatrical release of Ballerina 2, distributed by Gaumont.
The Architect of the Vision: Good Hero’s Leadership
Behind this ambitious project are Good Hero principals Gregory Ouanhon and Laurent Zeitoun. Ouanhon, known for his work on high-profile projects like Sisu, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, and Replicas, brings a strategic eye for global distribution and production scaling.
Zeitoun, a veteran producer whose credits include The Intouchables, The Death of Stalin, and Aline, is taking a more intimate role in the new film. He is not only producing but has also penned the screenplay and is serving as the film’s director. This hands-on approach ensures that the sequel retains the emotional core and artistic integrity that made the first film a global touchstone.
The partnership with Gaumont continues, with the legendary French distributor returning to handle theatrical duties once again. Alexis Cassanet, Gaumont’s EVP of International Distribution & Co-Productions, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for the project, noting that the "DNA of the franchise is timeless."
Expanding the Universe: The Television Horizon
Beyond the feature film, Good Hero is looking to cement the franchise’s presence in the daily lives of its audience through a spin-off animated television series. This series is being developed to launch in the wake of the Ballerina 2 theatrical release, designed to keep the momentum high and broaden the world of the Paris Grand Opera.
In a move to secure high-caliber narrative quality, the company has tapped award-winning British writer Andrew Burrell. Burrell is a formidable talent in the animation space, best known for his work on Matt Groening’s Netflix series Disenchantment and his contributions to the long-running BBC staple EastEnders. His resume also includes significant roles as Head Writer and Script Editor on the animated series Sasha and Milo (2023–2024), which aired on Max, Banijay Studios, and Discovery Kids. His history with the Danger Mouse reboot further solidifies his ability to handle beloved intellectual properties with care and creativity.
Thematic Resonance and Cultural Implications
At the heart of the Ballerina franchise is a message of female empowerment that producers Ouanhon and Zeitoun argue is more relevant today than ever.
"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," the duo stated in a joint press release. They emphasized their desire to introduce this story to a new generation of young women who, much like the protagonist, are navigating the complexities of identity and ambition in a rapidly changing world.
The commercial success of the original film proved that audiences are hungry for stories that champion perseverance. By scaling this into a multi-platform universe, Good Hero is effectively building a "values-based" brand. In an era where digital content consumption is fragmented, the strategy to utilize YouTube alongside traditional broadcast and cinema is a calculated move to capture the attention of Gen Alpha and Gen Z audiences where they spend the majority of their time.
Good Hero’s Broader Portfolio
The announcement of Ballerina 2 comes during a particularly busy season for Good Hero. The company recently turned heads at the Cannes Market with a presentation of first-look footage from their upcoming feature, Wings of Freedom.
Wings of Freedom—starring Eva Longoria and Nicholas Galitzine—is a departure from the grounded, human-centric story of Ballerina. Set in Mexico, the film follows Salana, a cautious harpy eagle and teacher who joins the "Animal Air Force." Paired with a quirky swift named Lieutenant Pirro, the two embark on a high-stakes mission to outsmart a mischievous AI known as "Eternity."
This project, combined with their previous success on Fireheart (released on Hulu and featuring the voices of Olivia Cooke, William Shatner, and Kenneth Branagh), demonstrates Good Hero’s versatility. They are balancing grounded, aspirational dramas with high-concept, comedic, and action-oriented animation.
Conclusion: A New Era for Independent Animation
The decision to revisit the Ballerina universe is a testament to the longevity of well-crafted stories. In an industry often dominated by sequels, reboots, and massive franchises from the "Big Five" studios, Good Hero’s approach stands out for its deliberate pace and commitment to independent, high-quality production.
By the time Ballerina 2 hits theaters in late 2029, the franchise will have had nearly a decade to cultivate its audience. With Andrew Burrell shaping the television spin-off and Zeitoun at the helm of the film, the project is poised to not only replicate the success of the 2016 original but to potentially redefine the standards for independent animated sequels. As production begins, the global animation community will be watching closely to see how the Paris Grand Opera opens its doors to a new generation of dreamers.
Nana
Layla Zulfa
