Paris-based studio Good Hero has kicked off production on Ballerina 2, beginning work this month as the original film approaches its tenth anniversary — a clear signal the company plans to broaden the franchise beyond theaters. The move matters now because the first movie’s global reach and box-office success have given Good Hero a platform to invest in a multi‑platform expansion aimed at younger audiences worldwide.
Production sources confirm the sequel is being shepherded by Good Hero principals Gregory Ouanhon and Laurent Zeitoun, with Zeitoun credited as both screenwriter and director. The team says the project will carry forward the themes that made the 2016 film popular while building new stories around the same world.
Gaumont, which handled distribution on the original title, returns to manage French and international theatrical release plans. The studio is targeting a global rollout in late 2029, positioning the sequel as a long‑lead tentpole for family audiences.
The first film—released in the U.S. as Leap!—reached more than 100 territories and generated roughly $120 million worldwide. Its English-language voice cast included Elle Fanning and Dane DeHaan; French-language performances featured Camille Cottin and Malik Bentalha. That original story followed a young orphan who runs away to Paris to train as a ballerina at the city’s famed opera house.
Good Hero frames the sequel as an opportunity to revisit the franchise’s core message of determination and creative ambition, now with an eye toward developing spin-offs and digital content. As part of that strategy, the company is already planning an animated television adaptation slated to launch after the new movie.
To lead the series effort, Good Hero has tapped award-winning British writer Andrew Burrell, whose credits include work on Matt Groening’s Netflix series Disenchantment, the BBC soap EastEnders, and the acclaimed reboot of Danger Mouse. Burrell also served as Head Writer and Script Editor on Sasha and Milo, which aired internationally on platforms that include Max and Discovery Kids.
Good Hero’s announcement comes amid a busy slate for the company. At this year’s Cannes Market it showcased footage from another upcoming feature, Wings of Freedom, which features voice work by Eva Longoria and Nicholas Galitzine and is set in Mexico. The film follows Salana, a tentative harpy eagle and teacher, who is unexpectedly enlisted into an airborne force and paired with a lively co‑pilot to face a rogue artificial intelligence.
For context: Good Hero has previously released features such as Fireheart (also known as Vaillante), which reached U.S. audiences through Hulu and included voices by Olivia Cooke and Kenneth Branagh. The studio’s recent activity shows a pattern of adapting mid‑budget animation for global markets and pursuing franchise opportunities beyond single theatrical releases.
Why this matters to viewers and the industry
- Franchise-building: Investing in sequels and series signals a shift in European animation toward sustained intellectual-property strategies similar to major studios.
- Global ambitions: The international box-office of the first film gives the sequel a commercial runway and justifies cross‑border distribution plans.
- Representation and audience: The project continues to center young female protagonists, a trend that affects programming for families and children’s content buyers.
- Digital expansion: Coordinating a film and a follow-up TV series increases touchpoints for younger viewers across platforms, from cinemas to streaming and YouTube.
Officials at Gaumont reiterated their support for the follow-up, describing the original movie as one of the stronger independent animated releases globally and noting its appeal across age groups. Good Hero’s approach—linking a commemorative sequel with a television rollout—reflects a broader industry pattern of leveraging established titles to build longer‑term audience engagement.
Production has begun this month; the industry will be watching casting announcements, trailers and distribution deals over the next 18 months as the project moves toward its planned 2029 release window. In the meantime, Good Hero’s slate, including Wings of Freedom and the upcoming series, positions the studio as an active player in European family animation seeking to expand its footprint worldwide.
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Hello, I’m Declan. I share my film reviews and discoveries with you to enrich your moviegoing experience.