Good Hero, a Paris-based production company, is expanding the Ballerina universe with a sequel, Ballerina 2, and plans for film, television, and digital content including YouTube.

Gaumont will distribute the film internationally, targeting a global release in late 2029.

Production on Ballerina 2 starts this month, with Laurent Zeitoun attached to write the screenplay and direct, while Zeitoun and Gregory Ouanhon produce under Good Hero.

The original Ballerina followed a young girl escaping a rural orphanage to pursue ballet at the Paris Grand Opera House, a story that resonates through its themes of empowerment.

Choreography in the original drew on performances by Aurélie Dupont, former Paris Opera star, and Jérémie BélinGard.

Gaumont executive Alexis Cassanet expresses continued confidence in Ballerina’s enduring appeal and its potential to delight multiple generations of families.

Zeitoun and Ouanhon emphasize expanding the Ballerina universe to inspire a new generation of young women and reinforce empowerment, perseverance, and artistic expression.

Gaumont highlighted Ballerina’s status as a successful independent animated film with universal themes, supporting its cross-media expansion.

Original voice cast included Elle Fanning, Dane DeHaan, Nat Wolff, Kate McKinnon, and Carly Rae Jepsen; the story is set in 1884 Paris and centers on a 19th-century orphan pursuing ballet.

The English-language cast includes Elle Fanning and Dane DeHaan, with French voices by Camille Cottin and Malik Bentalha; the first film grossed roughly $120 million worldwide.

Ballerina (2016) earned about $120 million across more than 100 markets and was released in the U.S. as Leap!, marking it a global hit.

Ballerina 2 will begin production this month to commemorate the original’s 10th anniversary, continuing the franchise’s momentum.