“ Ballerina ,” Lionsgate’s attempt to expand its “John Wick” franchise, earned $3.75 million in preview screenings on Thursday.

The action spinoff stars Ana de Armas as a dancer turned assassin, obsessed with extracting revenge over her father’s murder. “Ballerina” is expected to gross between $28 million to $30 million from 3,400 North American locations in its first weekend of release. Overseas, where the film is opening in 82 markets, it should pick up another $30 million. The film’s full title is the insanely clunky, focus-tested within an inch of its life, nearly as long as its 125 minute running time, “From the World of John Wick: Ballerina.”

Keanu Reeves has starred in four “John Wick” films and makes in appearance in “Ballerina.” But the film is being carried by de Armas, an Os

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