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‘Ballerina’ (aka ‘Leap!’) Sequel Greenlit, Studio Says, With Elle Fanning and Other Returning Voices for English-Language Franchise
The Apex Times

THE APEX TIMES

Culture/The Apex Times/Jun 22, 2:05 AM EDT

‘Ballerina’ (aka ‘Leap!’) Sequel Greenlit, Studio Says, With Elle Fanning and Other Returning Voices for English-Language Franchise

The animated ballet-themed feature that introduced audiences to an orphaned dancer in Paris is getting a sequel, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

2 min readEditor-approved Apex article

A sequel to the animated feature ‘Ballerina’ (known as ‘Leap!’ in France and in some markets) has been greenlit as part of an expanding animated franchise, The Hollywood Reporter reported on June 22, 2026.

The original film is a 2017 French animated feature about an orphaned country girl who pursues her ballet dreams in Paris. In its English-language release, the film’s voice cast included Elle Fanning, Dane DeHaan, and Carly Rae Jepsen, who were credited for their work on the English version of the story.

The Hollywood Reporter said the sequel has been approved and will build on the franchise’s established characters and themes tied to dance and coming-of-age. The trade publication’s coverage framed the decision as growth for the animated property rather than a standalone follow-up.

Fanning, DeHaan and Jepsen were specifically referenced in the context of the franchise’s English-language presentation, reinforcing that the sequel plans are being developed for international audiences who heard the story in English.

The report described the greenlight as part of a broader expansion, with the sequel positioned to continue the narrative direction of the first film, which was centered on a young dancer’s training, ambitions, and the obstacles she encounters as she tries to earn her place in a demanding Paris ballet world.

No release date, production schedule, or additional casting beyond the English-language franchise voices was included in the limited reporting provided here, and those details were not confirmed elsewhere in the available research material.

As development proceeds, the next steps would typically include finalizing production commitments, confirming whether additional characters from the first film will be voiced by returning talent, and setting a timetable for marketing and distribution for the English-language market.

The development also underscores the continued audience draw of animated features rooted in arts education and performance, with international distribution helping determine which elements of a foreign-language property carry forward into sequels.

Why It Matters

  • The greenlight indicates continued investment in internationally marketed animated properties, with English-language voice talent tied to the franchise’s global presentation.
  • For families and audiences who saw the first film for its ballet storyline, a sequel changes the timeline for where the story can continue and how long the property may stay culturally visible.
  • New development and casting decisions can affect production budgets and future distribution planning for the English-language market.
  • Without confirmed dates in the available reporting, audiences and industry observers will need updated studio or distributor announcements to understand when the sequel will reach theaters or streaming platforms.

Sources

Key Facts

  • A sequel to the animated feature ‘Ballerina’ (also known as ‘Leap!’) has been greenlit, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
  • The 2017 French animated film is about an orphaned country girl pursuing ballet dreams in Paris.
  • The English-language version of the first film features voice work by Elle Fanning, Dane DeHaan, and Carly Rae Jepsen.
  • The Hollywood Reporter described the sequel as part of an expanding animated franchise rather than a standalone project.
  • The available reporting provided here does not include a confirmed release date or additional casting beyond the noted English-language voices.