Written by Kianna Best on Jun 5, 2025. Posted in Production News

From Prague, With Precision: Behind the Scenes of Ballerina

In Ballerina, the John Wick universe expands , and this time, Prague takes centre stage. With sweeping riverside views, centuries-old castles, and adrenaline-charged stunt sequences, the Czech capital becomes a deadly, beautiful backdrop. We spoke with the crew behind the camera to uncover how they transformed iconic landmarks into the Continental Hotel, dealt with snow-less snow scenes, and pulled off breathtaking action with meticulous planning. From cobblestones to chaos, here’s how Ballerina turned Prague into its own kind of battleground.

 

 

When Ballerina, the much-anticipated spin-off from the John Wick universe, began scouting locations, the creative team had one city firmly in their sights: Prague. Known for its stunning architecture, cinematic skyline, and production-friendly infrastructure, the Czech capital offered more than just visual flair. It offered possibility.

 

“Naplavka, a riverside area on the river Vltava, has a great view of Prague Castle and the National Theatre,” Czech service producer Kevan Van Thompson shared. “Both were turned into the Prague version of the Continental Hotel.”

 

These two landmarks became stand-ins for the iconic hotel seen in every Wick instalment. While some creative adaptation was needed, the filmmakers took care to preserve both the legacy of the franchise and Prague’s historic charm. “Everything was kept completely in keeping with the world of Wick and the city's architecture,” Thompson explains.

 

The main unit filmed for 56 days, supplemented by several second unit days. Given the significant amount of time spent in Prague, the film secured funding from the Czech Audiovisual Fund. In total, the production spent CZK 1 267 588 771. (USD 59 million) locally.

 

“The help given by the City of Prague was extraordinary.”

 

Production company Czech Anglo Pictures, led by Jan Adler and his seasoned location team, played a major role in making things run smoothly. “They’ve got a great relationship with the city. The help given by the City of Prague was extraordinary,” Thompson noted.

 

The Calm Beneath the Chaos

One thing that defines the John Wick brand is its calculated chaos. Every action sequence, no matter how wild it appears on screen, is the result of careful planning and tireless execution. Ballerina was no exception.

 

“There’s no real secret to managing something this complex,” Thompson explained. “It comes down to preparation.”

 

 

Locations were locked well in advance, and the team worked closely with owners, authorities, and officials. That level of planning was especially critical in the snow scene filmed in the mountain township of Štramberk. “We had a major action scene set in the snow — but there was no snow. None.”

 

To fix that, fake snow was brought in and carefully applied. Then, once the cameras stopped rolling, the crew had to clean every flake of it up. “It took an inordinate amount of manpower. We’re incredibly grateful to the townsfolk for their patience.”

 

“Our biggest challenge was filming snow scenes when there was absolutely no snow.”

 

Stunts in the Streets

In a John Wick-adjacent film, stunt scenes are non-negotiable. For Ballerina, Thompson informed us that the bar was as high as ever — and safety was paramount.

 

“These kinds of scenes need to be planned in tiny details. They must be as safe as possible while still looking as dangerous as they can.”

 

 

Street closures were essential. But just as important were the smaller closures before filming to allow for rehearsals, as well as using alternate locations to stage sequences in advance. “It’s the only way to shoot complex scenes in a short time frame.”

 

“Having the right people at the helm is everything,” Thompson stressed. “When it looks chaotic on screen, it’s anything but behind the scenes.”

 

Respect for the city was another key ingredient. The crew made sure to remain professional and courteous to everyone they encountered — from tourists to shop owners to curious passersby. “That atmosphere of calm helps maintain focus even during the most hectic shoot days.”

 

“The crew needs to stay calm, respectful, and professional.”

 

Stunt and safety teams worked closely together. The crew would walk every location beforehand, checking for hazards. Medical teams were always present. It was meticulous, sometimes exhausting work — but essential.

 

Prague as a Cinematic Partner

What makes Ballerina’s time in Prague remarkable is how well the city blended into the Wick mythos while still keeping its own identity. The result was a seamless merging of fiction and reality.

 

“From turning landmarks into the Continental Hotel to transforming town squares into snowy battle zones, Prague didn’t just support the film. It elevated it,” Thompson adds.

 

 

And for those wondering what it really takes to make a film like this tick? It’s not just about stunt coordination or scenic views. It’s about diplomacy, precision, and a lot of quiet groundwork.

 

“If it works, it’s because every part was planned to the last detail.”

 

Ballerina delivers all the gun-fu and grim elegance fans expect from the Wick world. But it also stands as a testament to what can happen when city officials, filmmakers, and communities align behind a shared vision. It’s not just action for the sake of it. It’s crafted chaos on cobblestones, with centuries of architecture watching over every frame. Ballerina will be available to watch in UK cinemas from 7 June 2025.

 

Images courtesy of Lionsgate