The upcoming action thriller ‘Ballerina’ will dive deeper into the stylish underworld
The deadly world of John Wick is expanding once again – and this time, it’s bringing a fierce new assassin into the spotlight. The upcoming action thriller ‘Ballerina’ will dive deeper into the stylish underworld we’ve come to love, while introducing us to Eve Macarro, a ballerina trained to kill.
Whether you’re a die-hard John Wick fan or just love adrenaline-pumping action films, here’s everything you need to know about ‘Ballerina’ – from the cast and release date to plot details and what to expect when it hits the big screen in 2025.
What Is ‘Ballerina’ About?
Set in the same universe as the John Wick series, Ballerina follows the journey of Eve Macarro, played by Ana de Armas, a young woman who has been trained since childhood to become both a dancer and an assassin. Much like Wick himself, Eve is a product of the mysterious and powerful Ruska Roma, a secretive criminal organization that raised and trained John in his youth.
The storyline picks up after the events of ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum’, but before Chapter 4. After a brutal attack that leads to the death of her family, Eve sets out on a mission of revenge, determined to hunt down everyone responsible. From the trailers and early information, fans can expect gritty fight sequences, high-stakes confrontations, and the elegant yet lethal choreography that defines the franchise.
When Will ‘Ballerina’ Be Released?
Originally scheduled for June 2024, the release of Ballerina has now been pushed to June 6, 2025. The delay was likely due to production timelines and a desire to perfect the film’s intense action and special effects. With its summer release slot, it’s positioned as one of the big blockbuster hits of 2025.
Does John Wick Appear in ‘Ballerina’?
Yes, fans can rest easy — Keanu Reeves will make a special appearance as John Wick. According to Reeves, his role in Ballerina is small but meaningful, adding depth to Eve’s journey. His character appears in the trailer, hinting at a brief but powerful connection between the two assassins.
This crossover helps solidify Ballerina as part of the official John Wick timeline, rather than a distant spin-off.
Meet the Cast of ‘Ballerina’
⭐ Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro
Leading the film is Ana de Armas, known for her standout performance in Knives Out and her action-packed role in No Time to Die. She’s no stranger to intense roles and even earned an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in Blonde.
In interviews, de Armas revealed that training for Ballerina was incredibly demanding, with months of physical stunts, fight choreography, and combat training. She jokingly told Jimmy Fallon, “My body, my back—everything hurts!”
⭐ Keanu Reeves as John Wick
Keanu needs no introduction. His legendary portrayal of the relentless hitman made the John Wick franchise a global phenomenon. While his role in Ballerina is more of a cameo, fans can expect his presence to leave an impact.
⭐ Anjelica Huston as The Director
Huston reprises her role from John Wick 3 as The Director, the head of the Ruska Roma. Her character plays a crucial part in the film, having trained both John and Eve in their brutal childhoods.
⭐ Gabriel Byrne as The Chancellor
New to the franchise, Byrne plays the movie’s central antagonist. Known for powerful roles in The Usual Suspects, Stigmata, and Hereditary, Byrne brings a chilling presence to the screen as a formidable opponent for Eve.
⭐ Lance Reddick as Charon
The late Lance Reddick returns one final time as Charon, the beloved concierge of The Continental. Reddick, who passed away in 2023, was a fan favorite thanks to his composed demeanor and quiet strength. His appearance in Ballerina will be a heartfelt tribute.
⭐ Norman Reedus as Pine
Best known as Daryl Dixon from The Walking Dead, Norman Reedus joins the cast in a mysterious new role. Details about his character are still under wraps, but fans are excited to see what he brings to the table.
⭐ Ian McShane as Winston Scott
McShane returns as Winston, the sophisticated manager of The Continental. Known for his sharp tongue and moral ambiguity, Winston remains one of the most intriguing figures in the John Wick world.
Who Is Directing ‘Ballerina’?
The film is directed by Len Wiseman, known for his work on Live Free or Die Hard, Total Recall (2012), and the Underworld series, which he co-created. Wiseman’s style leans heavily into stylish action, dark atmospheres, and slick cinematography — making him a great fit for the gritty, high-stakes world of John Wick.
With Wiseman at the helm, Ballerina is expected to bring a fresh visual tone while staying true to the franchise’s roots.
How Does ‘Ballerina’ Fit Into the John Wick Universe?
Ballerina is not a prequel or sequel in the traditional sense. It’s a spinoff that takes place in-between Chapter 3 and Chapter 4 of the main series.
This allows the film to explore other stories within the universe — expanding the lore without disrupting John Wick’s core arc. It also helps world-build, showcasing how vast and interconnected the criminal underground really is.
What Makes ‘Ballerina’ Stand Out?
While many action films rely on explosions and fast-paced editing, the John Wick universe is known for its choreography-heavy fight scenes, stylish settings, and immersive storytelling. Ballerina continues that tradition, but with a new female lead and emotional backstory that adds depth and fresh energy.
Ana de Armas brings intensity and vulnerability to the role of Eve, setting the stage for a powerful revenge tale that’s both brutal and beautiful.
Final Thoughts: Should You Be Excited for ‘Ballerina’?
Absolutely. Ballerina isn’t just another spinoff – it’s shaping up to be a key addition to the John Wick saga. With a star-studded cast, thrilling action, emotional depth, and a badass female lead, this movie has all the makings of a must-watch blockbuster.
As June 2025 approaches, expectations are high, and if the trailer is anything to go by, Ballerina will not disappoint.
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