Ana De Armas Shines in Ballerina: A New Chapter in the John Wick World
Ana De Armas takes center stage in the highly anticipated first trailer for Ballerina, a spin-off set within the action-packed John Wick universe. Officially titled From The World of John Wick: Ballerina, the film follows De Armas as she portrays a ballerina who becomes an assassin, blending the graceful art of dance with the brutal world of contract killing. The project has been in the works for several years, with production starting in 2022. Initially, the movie was slated for a June 2024 release, but in early 2023, Lionsgate announced that the release would be delayed by a year to June 6, 2025. This delay was reportedly to allow Chad Stahelski, the visionary director behind the John Wick series, to collaborate with Ballerina director Len Wiseman on elevating the film’s action sequences. As a result, additional action scenes were filmed later in 2023.
The John Wick franchise has become a key asset for Lionsgate, emerging as one of its most lucrative and celebrated series. Since the first John Wick film debuted in 2014 with Keanu Reeves in the title role, the franchise has evolved into a global phenomenon. With its unique blend of stylized action, intricate world-building, and a compelling anti-hero, the series has gained a dedicated fanbase. Keanu Reeves’ stoic portrayal of John Wick has cemented the character as a modern action icon. To date, the series has released four films, with John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023) marking the highest-grossing installment at $440 million worldwide. Talks of a potential John Wick 5 are ongoing, hinting that the saga of the deadly yet honorable assassin may not yet be over.
Ballerina takes place within the timeline of the John Wick universe, specifically set between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4. Ana De Armas’ character, a ballerina-turned-assassin, is likely to follow the same morally ambiguous path as John Wick himself. Fans of the franchise will also be treated to a cameo appearance by Keanu Reeves, tying the spin-off even more closely to the main storyline. The ensemble cast includes an impressive array of talent, featuring Anjelica Huston, who reprises her role as “The Director” from John Wick 3, as well as Gabriel Byrne, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Norman Reedus, and Ian McShane, who returns as Winston, the manager of the Continental Hotel. The film also marks one of the final performances of Lance Reddick, who tragically passed away in 2023. Reddick’s role as Charon, the Continental’s loyal concierge, has been beloved by fans throughout the series, and his appearance in Ballerina will serve as a poignant tribute to his legacy.
With a screenplay penned by Shay Hatten, who also wrote John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, the spin-off is expected to deliver the high-octane action, intricate choreography, and emotional depth that fans have come to expect from the franchise. Given Stahelski’s involvement in crafting new action sequences, Ballerina aims to maintain the kinetic energy and balletic fight scenes that are the hallmark of the John Wick films, while also introducing a fresh perspective through De Armas’ character.
As the John Wick universe continues to expand with spin-offs like Ballerina and the upcoming The Continental series, it’s clear that the appeal of this world, with its complex hierarchy of assassins, strict codes of conduct, and visually stunning action, shows no signs of slowing down. Ballerina promises to be a compelling addition to this beloved universe, offering fans a new protagonist to root for and a deeper exploration of the dark and fascinating underworld that John Wick inhabits. All eyes are on Ana De Armas as she steps into the world of high-stakes assassinations, bringing a unique mix of elegance and deadly precision to the role. Fans will have to wait until June 2025 to see the full story unfold, but the buzz surrounding Ballerina is already building as one of the most exciting action releases on the horizon.
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