The 'Dance Moms' alum and the 'Mean Girls' actress have signed on to star in a new action feature about a troupe of ballerinas who find themselves fighting for survival.
- August 27, 2024
AceShowbiz - "Ballerina Overdrive", the action-packed indie film combining the elegance of ballet with the intensity of a survival thriller, has just expanded its roster of talented actresses. Maddie Ziegler, famed for her breakout role on "Dance Moms", and Avantika, who wowed audiences in the "Mean Girls (2024)" movie musical, have joined this riveting project.
Deadline first reported the news. This highly anticipated film, currently shooting in Budapest, promises to captivate audiences with its unique storyline and star-studded cast.
The plot centers around a troupe of ballerinas who find themselves fighting for survival after their bus breaks down on the way to a dance competition. Stranded at a remote inn, the dancers must navigate unforeseen dangers and form unexpected alliances to escape their harrowing predicament. This fish-out-of-water narrative turns the traditional dance drama on its head, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
"Ballerina Overdrive", directed by Vicky Jewson from a script by Kate Freund, had initially announced its cast earlier in 2023. The original lineup featured some notable names, including Yara Shahidi, Isabela Merced and Lena Headey. However, these actresses have since left the project. The film will still feature the talents of Lana Condor, Iris Apatow and Millicent Simmonds, who have remained committed to bringing this intense tale to life.
Maddie Ziegler continues to build on her impressive resume, which includes roles in hit films like Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story" and "The Fallout". Her upcoming projects, such as "Fitting In" and "My Old Ass", solidify her as a versatile actress capable of taking on various genres. With her remarkable dance background and acting chops, Ziegler is a perfect fit for the demanding role in "Ballerina Overdrive".
Similarly, Avantika is no stranger to the spotlight, with a career that's quickly gaining momentum. After making her U.S. debut in the Disney Channel movie "Spin" and co-starring in Netflix's comedy "Senior Year", she earned widespread acclaim for her role in "Mean Girls". Her upcoming horror feature "Tarot" further showcases her range and ability to tackle diverse narratives.
The film is produced by Kelly McCormick and David Leitch under the 87North banner, in conjunction with Bill Bindley and Mike Karz from Gulfstream Pictures, and Piers Tempest. Gulfstream Pictures is fully financing the project, adding "Ballerina Overdrive" to its roster of fully financed films alongside hits like "Falling", "One Fast Move" and "Upgraded".
As production rolls on, "Ballerina Overdrive" is shaping up to be an unmissable offering for fans of dance, drama, and high-stakes thrills. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates on this exciting film, which promises to dazzle and thrill in equal measure.