Movies - From the World of John Wick: Ballerina : A Gripping Journey of Vengeance and Assassin Ballet

By Mulder, 26 september 2024

Lionsgate has unveiled the first full trailer for From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, igniting a wave of excitement among fans of the action-packed neo-noir franchise. Directed by Len Wiseman, this spin-off film features Anade Armas as Eve Macarro, a young assassin on a quest for revenge. As the title suggests, this new installment in the John Wick universe combines the franchise’s signature combat choreography with an intriguing new character navigating the dangerous world of the Ruska Roma. The trailer hints at a fast-paced and emotionally charged thriller, further expanding the already beloved universe of assassins, secrets, and high-stakes battles.

In Ballerina, Eve Macarro (Anade Armas) trains in the deadly arts of the Ruska Roma, a shadowy organization introduced in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. While many remember this group as an assassin training facility hidden within a ballet school, Ballerina dives deeper into this world. The trailer reveals that Eve, who was briefly portrayed by Unity Phelan in Parabellum, will now take center stage, with Ana de Armas giving the character a new depth and intensity. The first look at the film reveals her arduous training, under the tutelage of Anjelica Huston’s character, The Director, before embarking on a mission to hunt down the people responsible for killing her family.

The trailer offers glimpses of her emotional turmoil and relentless pursuit of vengeance, showing Ana de Armas performing stunts and intense fight sequences. Ana de Armas shared in interviews that the role has been one of the most physically demanding of her career, with months of preparation for the complex action scenes required to bring Eve’s character to life.

The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, blending new faces with John Wick veterans. Keanu Reeves reprises his iconic role as John Wick, appearing in a cameo that fans have been eagerly awaiting. Ian McShane returns as Winston, the manager of the Continental Hotel, while the late Lance Reddick’s character, Charon, makes a posthumous appearance, marking his final on-screen role. The significance of this casting is not lost on fans, adding emotional weight to Ballerina as it honors Reddick’s legacy in the franchise.

Joining the ensemble are Norman Reedus, Gabriel Byrne, and Catalina Sandino Moreno, though their roles remain shrouded in mystery. The new characters, alongside Eve, promise to add fresh dynamics to the assassin underworld. Reedus, known for his gritty portrayal of Daryl in The Walking Dead, brings a level of intensity that perfectly complements the action-heavy universe of John Wick.

The journey of Ballerina from concept to reality has been an interesting one. The film’s script, written by Shay Hatten, was originally a standalone action thriller when Lionsgate first acquired it in 2017. It wasn’t until later that the script was woven into the John Wick universe, with the character of Eve Macarro making a brief appearance in Parabellum. As the fifth film in the John Wick series, Ballerina is set between the events of Chapter 3 and Chapter 4, offering a new narrative perspective that enriches the established timeline.

Len Wiseman, who helms the film, is no stranger to action-packed projects, having directed Underworld and Live Free or Die Hard. He has worked closely with John Wick director Chad Stahelski to ensure that Ballerina maintains the franchise’s signature high-octane style while bringing his unique visual flair to the table. Wiseman’s experience in crafting stylish action sequences will likely add a new layer of spectacle to the already beloved fight choreography.

As expected from any entry in the John Wick franchise, the trailer is packed with beautifully shot action scenes, including gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, and intense stunts. Eve Macarro’s ballet skills are blended into her assassin training, creating a striking juxtaposition of grace and violence. The choreography promises to be as mesmerizing as it is brutal, continuing the franchise's tradition of blending art and combat.

Lance Reddick’s role in Ballerina is one of the most poignant aspects of the film. Known for his calm yet commanding portrayal of Charon, the loyal concierge of the Continental, Reddick’s final appearance adds emotional depth to the spin-off. Fans will undoubtedly feel the weight of his absence in future installments, but Ballerina serves as a fitting tribute to his legacy in the John Wick series.

Ballerina is part of a broader strategy to expand the John Wick universe. Alongside the upcoming prequel series The Continental, which explores the origins of the assassin hotel, Ballerina is one of several projects that will dive deeper into the world of assassins. Erica Lee, a producer of Ballerina, has hinted at potential sequels, should the film succeed, with Anade Armas possibly returning for more high-stakes missions. The trailer has already sparked discussions about the future of the franchise, with fans excited about the possibility of more films set in this rich and dangerous world.

Scheduled for release on June 6, 2025, in the U.S. and U.K., From the World of John Wick: Ballerina promises to be a standout entry in the beloved action franchise. With its emotionally charged story, stunning choreography, and top-tier cast, the film is poised to be a major hit, not only among John Wick fans but also for action-thriller enthusiasts looking for a fresh and intense story. The trailer has already set the stage for an epic journey, and with such a powerful character as Eve Macarro at its heart, Ballerina could very well mark the beginning of a new era in the John Wick universe​

Synopsis :
Set during John Wick: Parabellum, Ballerina follows the relentless vengeance of Eve Macarro (Anade Armas), the Ruska Roma organization's new killer. 

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina
Directed by Len Wiseman
Written by Shay Hatten[a]
Based on Characters by Derek Kolstad
Produced by Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, Chad Stahelski
Starring Anade Armas, Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Norman Reedus
Ian McShane
Cinematography : Romain Lacourbas
Edited by Jason Ballantine
Music by Tyler Bates, Joel J. Richard
Production companies : Summit Entertainmentn, Thunder Road Films, 87North Productions
Distributed by Lionsgate (United States), Metreopolitan FilmExport (France)
Release date : June 4, 2025 (France), June 6, 2025 (United States)