Ballerina: A John Wick Story (2025)

Overview

Ballerina is the first official spin-off film from the John Wick universe. Released on June 6, 2025, the film stars Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro, a ballerina-turned-assassin on a mission of vengeance. Set between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, the film features appearances from key franchise characters, including John Wick himself (played by Keanu Reeves).

 Production Background

Originally scheduled for 2024, Ballerina was delayed to allow for extensive reshoots and action refinements. Len Wiseman directed the movie, while Chad Stahelski, director of the main John Wick series, oversaw additional action sequences to ensure the spin-off met the franchise’s high standards. Filming took place mainly in Prague.

Cast & Characters

• Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro (also known as Rooney), the lead assassin with a ballet background.

• Keanu Reeves as John Wick (cameo).

• Ian McShane as Winston, manager of The Continental.

• Anjelica Huston as The Director, head of the Ruska Roma crime family.

• Lance Reddick as Charon, in his final film role before his passing.

• Gabriel Byrne, Norman Reedus, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Sharon Duncan-Brewster round out the cast in new roles within the criminal underworld.

Action & Style

Ballerina retains the slick, brutal, and highly choreographed action the John Wick franchise is known for. The fights are heavily stylized to reflect the main character’s ballet training, blending grace with lethality. The “gun-fu” combat, flamethrowers, knife work, and hand-to-hand combat are all delivered in the signature cinematic fashion fans expect.

Story Summary

Set between John Wick 3 and John Wick 4, the story follows Eve, a highly trained assassin from the Ruska Roma family, as she hunts down those responsible for the murder of her family. As she digs deeper into a conspiracy within the criminal underworld, she crosses paths with powerful figures—including John Wick himself.

Reception

Critics praised Ana de Armas for her powerful performance and physical commitment to the action sequences. The film was noted for its polished choreography, visual style, and for successfully expanding the John Wick universe without relying solely on Wick’s character. Some reviews mentioned that while the story was straightforward, the action and world-building kept audiences fully engaged.

 Future of the Franchise

Ballerina is viewed as the launching point for more spin-offs within the John Wick cinematic universe. With strong box office performance and audience approval, a sequel or additional character-focused entries are likely in the future.

Final Verdict

Ballerina is a stylish, violent, and emotionally grounded addition to the John Wick universe. Ana de Armas shines as a new kind of anti-hero, and the film proves there is plenty of life—and death—left in the world of assassins, codes, and Continental hotels.