The John Wick franchise has redefined action cinema over the past decade, and now it’s expanding its deadly universe with “Ballerina,” a female-driven spinoff that promises to bring fresh choreography to the world of assassins. Set for release on June 6, 2025, this Ana de Armas-led thriller takes audiences deeper into the mysterious Ruska Roma organization while introducing a new protagonist whose journey from ballet dancer to lethal killer offers a compelling counterpoint to John Wick’s story.
A New Perspective on Familiar Territory
Director Len Wiseman, known for his work on the “Underworld” series and “Live Free or Die Hard,” brings his action expertise to the John Wick universe with a clear vision. “One of the things I really liked about the BALLERINA script is that it’s kind of the opposite of John Wick’s story,” Wiseman explains. “Wick is trying to get out of his life as an assassin; Eve is wanting in — she wants to be a killer. I was interested in exploring the circumstances under which someone chooses that life.“
This philosophical shift provides the foundation for a story that, while set during the events of “John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum,” carves out its own distinct identity. The film follows Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas), a ballerina-turned-assassin seeking vengeance for her father’s murder, trained by the shadowy Ruska Roma organization that transforms rigorous ballet training into a deadly curriculum for contract killing.
Producer Chad Stahelski, who directed all four of the John Wick features and is the architect of the franchise, remembers that he began thinking that the John Wick universe could exist outside the central character when he came across an original script with a lead character who was a ballerina by a young writer, Shay Hatten, whose strong style and mix of action and revenge impressed the filmmaker and action specialist.
The Powerhouse Behind the Production
The producing team brings together franchise veterans with fresh perspectives. Chad Stahelski, architect of the John Wick universe and director of all four main films, serves as producer alongside his Thunder Road Films partners Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee. Stahelski’s involvement ensures continuity with the franchise’s distinctive style while allowing room for innovation. “We have Winston back, and Charon, and The Director, and John Wick, but you’re also getting to meet new characters, new hierarchies, and new people with power,” notes executive producer Keanu Reeves.
Erica Lee, who has shepherded the entire John Wick franchise as President of Production at Thunder Road Films, emphasizes the importance of expanding the universe: “Wick fans love world-building. I think that we’ve given them a lot of new things and elements and worlds and locations for them to sink their teeth into.“
Ana de Armas: From Cuba to Killer
At the heart of “Ballerina” is Ana de Armas’s transformative performance as Eve Macarro. The Oscar-nominated actress, known for her work in “Knives Out,” “Blade Runner 2049,” and “No Time to Die,” underwent intensive physical preparation to honor the John Wick legacy of precision and cutting-edge action. “It was really intense training for quite a long time,” de Armas reveals. “There was a lot of strength training and then just hours and hours at the stunt facility at 87Eleven with the most amazing stunt crew.“
Her journey mirrors her character’s evolution. Born in Cuba and having moved to Spain early in her career, de Armas brings authentic determination to Eve’s story. Wiseman was drawn to her fierce commitment: “There was a kind of fire in Ana that I wanted to meet and work with. At the onset, I told Ana that since Eve is just beginning her journey as an assassin, the character is going to, at times, get her ass kicked. Ana’s reply was, ‘Cool. Okay, I’m in.’“
Returning Icons and Fresh Faces
The film brings back beloved franchise characters while introducing compelling new figures. Anjelica Huston returns as The Director, the formidable leader of the Ruska Roma. “The Director takes Eve in as a young girl and trains her, and I think genuinely cares for her. She’s a special child,” Huston reflects on her character’s relationship with Eve.
Ian McShane reprises his role as Winston, the enigmatic manager of The Continental hotel, bringing his characteristic gravitas to scenes with de Armas. “Winston has a grounding effect. He’s rather pithy. You don’t really know who he is. This gives his scenes with Ana de Armas a mysterious tension,” McShane observes.
The film also features a poignant final performance from Lance Reddick as Charon, the stoic concierge. Sadly, Reddick passed away in March 2023, just weeks after principal photography wrapped, making his appearance in “Ballerina” a touching farewell to the beloved character and actor.
New additions to the universe include Norman Reedus as Daniel Pine, a contradictory assassin whom Wiseman describes as naturally fitting the John Wick world. “Norman doesn’t think he’s cool — and that’s what makes him cool,” the director notes. Gabriel Byrne takes on the villainous Chancellor, leader of a cult-like mountain village populated entirely by assassins, while Catalina Sandino Moreno plays the mysterious Lena, whose true allegiances are slowly revealed.
The supporting cast includes David Castañeda as Eve’s devoted father Javier, Sharon Duncan-Brewster as Nogi, an instructor at the Ruska Roma who becomes a maternal figure to Eve, and Sooyoung Choi as Katla Park, Eve’s first mission target.
Global Locations and Stunning Visuals
“Ballerina” expands the John Wick universe geographically, trading the familiar urban landscapes for snow-covered Eastern Europe. Production Designer Phil Ivey worked closely with Wiseman to create a distinct aesthetic while maintaining franchise continuity. “The important thing was, yes, it has to fit within the John Wick world, and it needs to feel like a John Wick film, but it needs to have its own vibe,” Ivey explains.
The production utilized Prague and surrounding areas in the Czech Republic as its base, with additional sequences filmed in Budapest, Hungary. The crown jewel location is Hallstatt, Austria, an idyllic lakeside village surrounded by mountains. Wiseman was “obsessed with Hallstatt,” describing it as “unlike anything I’ve seen before: a town built into a hillside, so it has these amazing layers.“
Due to Hallstatt’s tourist season, the production created a clever “jigsaw puzzle” approach, stitching together various Czech Republic locations to extend the screen time in the Austrian village while maintaining visual coherence.
Innovation in Action
The film’s action sequences showcase the distinctive fighting style developed specifically for de Armas’s physicality. Rather than overpowering opponents with brute strength, Eve employs creativity and strategy, turning everyday objects into weapons. From ice skates that become makeshift nunchakus to flamethrowers and kitchen utensils, the film embraces a “brains-over-brawn” approach that feels fresh within the franchise.
Stunt coordinator Jackson Spidell and supervising stunt coordinator Stephen Dunlevy, both John Wick veterans, worked to put a new spin on the series’ signature “gun fu.” The production featured several female stunt performers, including Cara Marie Chooljian as de Armas’s primary fight double and Anisha Gibbs, who also served as a trainer.
A Worthy Addition to the Franchise
“Ballerina” represents more than just a spinoff; it’s an expansion that honors the John Wick legacy while carving out new territory. As Stahelski summarizes: “I think there’s a great mix of big action and get-behind-Eve moments in BALLERINA that will make you want to ride that same kind of roller coaster.“
With its combination of returning favorites, compelling newcomers, stunning international locations, and innovative action sequences, “Ballerina” promises to deliver both the familiar thrills fans expect and the fresh perspective needed to keep the franchise evolving. When it hits theaters on June 6, 2025, audiences will discover whether Eve Macarro can dance her way into the pantheon of great action heroes.
