Movies - From the World of John Wick: Ballerina – Ana de Armas Takes the Lead in a Ruthless, Balletic Spin-Off Steeped in Vengeance and Legacy

By Mulder, 17 april 2025

In a cinematic universe where death is dealt with the elegance of a well-tailored suit and the precision of a ballet pirouette, From the World of John Wick: Ballerina strides forth as not just a continuation, but a bold reimagining of what it means to be lethal. Slated for release on June 6, 2025, this high-octane spin-off is directed by Len Wiseman and places Ana de Armas center stage as Eve Macarro, a ballerina-assassin out for blood in the chilling shadow of the Ruska Roma. Set snugly between the explosive events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, this film weaves a narrative both familiar and fresh, a perfect ballet of brutality and beauty. It’s a tale of revenge, but not just any vengeance-fueled rampage—Eve’s mission is deeply personal, rooted in the loss of her father and the cold traditions of the shadowy underworld she’s bound to.

The origin of Ballerina itself is almost as cinematic as the film promises to be. It all began in 2017 when screenwriter Shay Hatten—then inspired by the trailer of John Wick: Chapter 2—penned a script with an entirely original assassin-led concept. The screenplay landed on The Black List of that year, catching the attention of Lionsgate and ultimately being reshaped to fit into the Wick-verse. Hatten’s journey from outsider to key architect of the franchise is one of those behind-the-scenes stories that feels written by fate itself. After contributing heavily to Parabellum and taking on the heavy-lifting script duties of Chapter 4, Hatten's vision found its full expression in Ballerina, now backed by heavyweight producers Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, and none other than Chad Stahelski himself.

Casting Ana de Armas was not just a choice—it was a statement. Taking over the role briefly inhabited by Unity Phelan in Parabellum, de Armas brings both gravitas and fluidity to the screen, embodying a woman forged in tragedy and trained to kill with poise. Her character, Eve, is not merely a killer—she’s a student of the Ruska Roma, a product of pain and legacy, seeking justice by dancing through a world of bloodshed. Assembling a cast that could easily carry several films on their own, Ballerina also features Norman Reedus, Gabriel Byrne, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and the late Lance Reddick in his final performance. The film is a reunion of Wick icons too—Keanu Reeves returns as the legend himself, John Wick, alongside Ian McShane’s calculating Winston and Anjelica Huston’s fearsome Director, all lending their aura to this expanding mythos.

Filming began in the romantic yet somber streets of Prague in late 2022, a fitting backdrop for a film that dances between grace and gore. With additional action sequences choreographed under Stahelski’s watchful eye and shot as recently as early 2024, Ballerina has been honed like a blade. There’s an anecdote that captures the commitment to this project perfectly: Keanu Reeves, despite receiving an offer to join Star Wars: The Acolyte as a Jedi Master, turned it down to honor his role in this spin-off—a decision that speaks volumes about the loyalty and creative investment behind this universe. Meanwhile, Norman Reedus, fresh off a Japanese shoot, reportedly jetted straight to Budapest to film intense new fight sequences, underscoring how much the actors are diving into the gritty ballet of bullets that defines this franchise.

Initially teased at CinemaCon 2024, Ballerina's first trailer gave fans a heart-pounding glimpse into its haunting aesthetic and powerhouse action. Framed as John Wick Presents: Ballerina at that time, the teaser was a fever dream of broken glass, whispered threats, and the magnetic pull of destiny. Attendees raved about the footage, calling it a highlight of the convention—a tantalizing mix of elegance and savagery that promised a film that would not just satisfy Wick fans, but potentially outshine its predecessors. The final title reveal in September 2024 as From the World of John Wick: Ballerina made it clear that this was no side project, but an essential thread in the universe’s ever-growing tapestry.

Behind the scenes, the movie saw notable shifts, especially in its musical composition. While Marco Beltrami and Anna Drubich were initially hired to craft the score, the reins eventually returned to franchise regulars Tyler Bates and Joel J. Richard in September 2024. Their sonic fingerprints have become synonymous with the Wick aesthetic—gritty, stylish, and emotionally resonant—making their return feel like a homecoming. Meanwhile, cinematographer Romain Lacourbas and editor Jason Ballantine bring their seasoned talents to the fold, ensuring that the film’s visual and narrative rhythms strike the perfect balance between chaotic mayhem and poetic storytelling.

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina is more than just a midquel—it’s a full-bodied experience, a passionate character study dressed as a revenge thriller. It digs deeper into the mythology of the Ruska Roma and gives us a heroine who doesn’t just survive this world—she threatens to redefine it. The whispers of a sequel are already in the air, with producer Erica Lee confirming plans for further installments featuring de Armas. That level of confidence, even before the film hits theaters, tells us one thing: Lionsgate is betting big on Eve Macarro. And judging by what we’ve seen so far—from its gritty European set pieces to the emotional depth hinted at in Eve’s quest—Ballerina might just be the most stylish and soul-stirring chapter yet in the world of John Wick.

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

From the World of John Wick: 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, Catalina Sandino Moreno, 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 (United States), Metropolitan FilmExport (France)
Release date : June 4 20025 (France), June 6, 2025 (United States)