In the highly anticipated From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, Ana de Armas (Knives Out, No Time to Die) takes center stage as Eve Macarro, a character rooted in both grace and vengeance. Set to hit theaters on June 6, 2025, this action-packed spinoff revisits the unseen events following John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. The film delves into Eve’s harrowing journey as she trains to become an elite assassin and seeks revenge on those responsible for her family’s murder. Watch the trailer below.
Directed by Len Wiseman and written by Shay Hatten, Ballerina promises to deliver the same thrilling mix of stylish action and emotional depth that has made the John Wick series a global sensation. The movie also marks a significant expansion of the franchise, stepping into new territory with de Armas at the helm as the franchise’s first female lead.
The trailer opens with a haunting scene: a young Eve Macarro, drenched in blood, sits alone in a dimly lit hallway. She cradles a delicate ballerina figurine that spins in her hands—an ominous symbol of her childhood being swept away by violence. An old man approaches her and offers her a way out, taking her to what he calls a dance school. But the training Eve undergoes is far from typical ballet.
Unlike the classical routines of Swan Lake, Eve’s lessons are brutal, honing her body into a weapon. Under the guidance of her mentor Nogi, portrayed by Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Eve and a group of other young women are trained to not only survive but dominate in the world of assassins. “To stop the assassin, you must become the assassin,” Nogi tells them during an intense sequence in the trailer. Her advice is clear: “You will always be weaker. You will always be smaller. You want to win? Improvise. Adapt. Cheat.” This sentiment encapsulates Eve’s transformation from a vulnerable girl into a ruthless killer.
For fans of the John Wick series, Ballerina serves as both a continuation and a prequel, shedding light on some of the darker corners of this sprawling, violent world. Though Eve Macarro was first introduced in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum—where she was portrayed by American ballet dancer Unity Phelan—de Armas’ portrayal of the character marks a dramatic shift. Known for her ability to embody both vulnerability and fierceness, de Armas adds layers of complexity to Eve’s character, bringing her backstory to life with emotional intensity and physical prowess.
This is the fifth film in the John Wick franchise and the first since 2023’s John Wick: Chapter 4. While the series has always thrived on stunning fight choreography and sleek visual aesthetics, Ballerina adds an intriguing new dimension, blending the delicate discipline of ballet with the visceral, high-stakes world of assassins. The movie’s choreography promises to offer a unique twist, fusing fluid dance movements with lethal combat.
Star-Studded Ensemble Cast
Beyond de Armas’ commanding presence, Ballerina boasts an impressive ensemble cast, making it a star-studded affair. Academy Award winner Anjelica Huston reprises her role as the Director, the stern leader of the Ruska Roma crime syndicate, which was first introduced in Parabellum. Gabriel Byrne, Norman Reedus, and Catalina Sandino Moreno join the roster, bringing their own brand of intensity to the film.
The movie also holds a special place in the hearts of fans for being the final film role of the late Lance Reddick, whose portrayal of Charon, the Continental Hotel’s loyal concierge, was a fan favorite in the earlier John Wick films. His appearance in Ballerina serves as a poignant farewell to a beloved actor.
Additionally, Keanu Reeves, the face of the John Wick franchise, makes an appearance as John Wick himself, ensuring that fans will have a direct connection to the main saga. Ian McShane, who plays Winston, the Continental’s mysterious manager, is also set to appear, further anchoring the spin-off within the larger John Wick universe.
Ballerina is more than just an expansion of the John Wick universe—it is a fresh exploration of the themes that have made the series a standout. The concept of revenge, honor, and survival remains central, but Ballerina offers a unique perspective through the eyes of Eve Macarro, a woman whose skills as an assassin are deeply intertwined with her emotional scars. The film not only deepens the mythology of the John Wick world but also introduces a new heroine who can hold her own alongside Wick.
Initially slated for a 2024 release, Ballerina was delayed when director Chad Stahelski, the mastermind behind the previous John Wick films, was brought in to help bridge the gap between the timelines. This collaboration ensures that the film stays true to the spirit of the original series while carving out its own identity.
As the first spinoff from the John Wick saga, Ballerina has a lot riding on its shoulders, but with Ana de Armas leading the charge and a strong creative team behind her, the film is poised to deliver an adrenaline-pumping experience that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.
Fans of the John Wick universe can mark their calendars for June 6, 2025, when Ballerina officially hits theaters. With its powerful blend of action, emotion, and artistry, the film is set to be a thrilling addition to one of the most iconic action franchises of the 21st century.