If you needed another reminder that Hollywood doesn’t trust the audience, Lionsgate just delivered it in writing with the review embargo for the John Wick spin-off Ballerina.
An image circulating online this week has left fans scratching their heads and critics raising eyebrows. It’s an embargo notice for Ballerina, the upcoming Lionsgate John Wick spin-off starring Ana de Armas, and it has one baffling clause: you can start posting your “spoiler-free enthusiasm” on May 22nd—but if your reaction isn’t positive, you’re not allowed to say anything at all until June 4, two days before the movie releases.
I gotta hand it to BALLERINA distributors Lionsgate, most studios don’t have the stones to come right out and say, “you’re allowed to tweet about it, but only if it’s positive” — commendable honesty! pic.twitter.com/BgYNQ64zQo
— Charles Bramesco (@intothecrevasse) May 22, 2025
Yes, you read that right. Lionsgate isn’t just controlling spoilers or asking people not to reveal plot twists. They’re openly encouraging only positive reactions during the first wave of online chatter, while muzzling criticism with a delayed review embargo.
Let’s call this what it is: a manipulation of public perception.
A scene from Ballerina – YouTube, Lionsgate Movies
The John Wick franchise is one of the most successful and beloved action series in modern cinema. Its gritty world, meticulous fight choreography, and Keanu Reeves’ stoic charisma have turned it into box office gold. So naturally, fans are excited for Ballerina, a spin-off that promises more of the same stylish brutality, with Ana de Armas taking center stage as a ballerina-assassin trained by the Ruska Roma.
And maybe Ballerina delivers. Maybe it lives up to the hype.
But if Lionsgate actually believed in this film, why would they need to rig the early discourse?
Studios have long employed embargoes to prevent spoilers and ensure fair review cycles, but selective embargoes—where only positive commentary is permitted—are a step too far. This isn’t about keeping secrets. It’s about manufacturing buzz and shielding a possibly flawed product from early criticism. It’s an artificial booster shot of hype meant to frontload goodwill before the general public catches wind of any issues.
A scene from Ballerina – YouTube, Lionsgate Movies
Even worse, it treats the audience like fools. It assumes fans will see glowing social media posts and take them at face value, not realizing that negative voices were legally gagged. That’s not transparency. That’s deception.
There’s an irony here: the John Wick universe is all about consequences. Actions matter. Choices come back around. And yet Lionsgate seems to believe they can pull this stunt without backlash.
They might be wrong.
Keanu Reeves (“John Wick”) stars in Summit Entertainment’s, a LIONSGATE company, John Wick
With social media already calling out the hypocrisy, this could do more harm than good. In trying to control the narrative, they’ve just created a bigger one—and it has nothing to do with assassins, ballet, or stylish action sequences.
It’s about censorship, distrust, and the growing disconnect between studios and the people who pay to see their films.
Keanu Reeves as John Wick in John Wick 4. Photo Credit: Murray Close
By all means, let the fans decide if Ballerina hits the mark. But next time, let the conversation be honest. Otherwise, what’s the point?
Let the audience speak—even if they aren’t enthusiastic.
How do you feel about this selective Ballerina review embargo? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
