Premiere - Ballerina Brings the Next Chapter of the Wickverse to Life at a Stunning Paris Premiere

By Mulder, Paris, Le Grand Rex,, 28 may 2025

On May 28, 2025, the Grand Rex in Paris, Europe's largest cinema, was transformed into a glittering cathedral of black elegance and cinematic thrills for the highly anticipated premiere of Ballerina. Nestled in the heart of Paris and steeped in cinema history, the venue proved to be the perfect setting for a story that blends brutal action with choreographed grace. The purple carpet was rolled out not just for a film, but for a character poised to redefine an entire franchise. With director Len Wiseman and international star Ana de Armas in attendance, the evening was marked by intense glamour and respectful excitement, an undeniable sign that the world of John Wick had found its new icon.

Dressed in a stunning gown that sparkled like obsidian under the Parisian lights, Ana de Armas captivated everyone before she even entered the room. Her presence evoked both the elegance of a prima ballerina and the silent danger of an assassin in action. In the role of Eve Macarro, she doesn't just inherit John Wick's mantle, she reshapes it with passion, grace, and raw emotion. Parisians, known for their deep appreciation of aesthetic and narrative nuances, responded with the kind of silent respect usually reserved for opera premieres and plenty of applause during the film.

The energy outside the Grand Rex was palpable, even several hours before the screening began. While the Berlin premiere had been highly publicized, Paris brought its own touch, with a mix of local press, longtime fans of the franchise, and a large local audience that had won a contest highlighting the French passion for daring cinema. It was clear that Ballerina was not just a spin-off. As director Len Wiseman reaffirmed, this film is a heartbeat in the Wick universe, not a footnote. And that heartbeat resonated louder than ever in Paris.

Set between Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4, Ballerina's story delves deeper into the enigmatic world of the Ruska Roma, exploring pain, transformation, and revenge through a female lens. Screenwriter Shay Hatten, inspired by a fleeting image in the trailer for the second chapter, transformed a silhouette into a moving journey. The story, rooted in Eve Macarro's quest for justice after her father's murder, resonates with themes of legacy, sacrifice, and identity. For Parisian audiences, often drawn to introspective dramas as much as kinetic action, this mix has found a rare balance. Visually, the film dazzled from the very first frames.

With Romain Lacourbas' camera bathing the scenes in candlelight, snow, and steel, and Jason Ballantine's editing balancing elegance and brutality, Ballerina feels like an exquisite, feverish dream. The music, once again composed by Tyler Bates and Joel J. Richard, drew the audience into a melancholic rhythm. The absence of co-stars such as Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Norman Reedus, and the late Lance Reddick, who gives a poignant final performance as Charon, was felt but not mourned. Their spirit remained imbued in the film itself. A special tribute to Lance Reddick played after the credits, prompting many viewers to remain seated in silence, imbued with the significance of his legacy. With rumors of a sequel already confirmed by producer Erica Lee, Ballerina seems poised not only to expand the John Wick universe, but to evolve it as well.

What John Wick began as a story of personal vengeance and underground codes of honor, Ballerina elevates to a meditation on grief, femininity, and survival within systems founded on violence. As the crowd dispersed into the cool Parisian night, the excitement was palpable. Ballerina didn't just impress, it left a lasting impression. Like the echo of stilettos on marble floors or the final echo of an empty shell casing, the film left its mark. And Paris, a city that has always appreciated style and substance, welcomed this new assassin with open arms.

You can discover the official photos in our Flickr page

Synopsis
Set during John Wick: Parabellum, Ballerina follows the relentless revenge of Eve Macarro, the new assassin of the Ruska Roma organization.

Ballerina 
Directed by Len Wiseman
Written by Shay Hatten
Based on Characters by Derek Kolstad
Produced by Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, Chad Stahelski
Starring  Ana de Armas, Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, Norman Reedus, Ian McShane, Keanu Reeves
Cinematography : Romain Lacourbas
Edited by Jason Ballantine
Music by Tyler Bates, Joel J. Richard
Production companies : Summit Entertainment, Thunder Road Films, 87North Productions
Distributed by Lionsgate
Release date : June 4, 2025 (France),  June 6, 2025 (United States)
Running time : 125 minutes

Photos : Copyright Julien Vachon for Mulderville
Video : Copyright Boris Colletier / Mulderville