Ana de Armas shines in new Ballerina images, John Wick spin-off set for 2025

Anticipation is building for Ballerina, the highly awaited spin-off from the John Wick franchise, set to expand the action-packed universe with Ana de Armas in the lead role. Recently released images showcase the actress in gripping scenes, capturing the visceral intensity that defined the saga. Directed by Len Wiseman, the film is slated to hit theaters on June 5, 2025, boasting a stellar cast and a revenge-driven plot that ties directly to the original series.

Featuring Keanu Reeves in a cameo as John Wick, Ballerina delves into the shadowy world of professional assassins. Set between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4, the story follows Eve Macarro, played by Ana de Armas, a Ruska Roma-trained killer seeking justice for her father’s death. The narrative promises meticulously choreographed action sequences, staying true to the franchise’s signature style.

• Star-studded cast: Alongside Ana de Armas and Keanu Reeves, the film features Anjelica Huston, Norman Reedus, Gabriel Byrne, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Lance Reddick, and Ian McShane.
• Experienced direction: Len Wiseman, known for Underworld, helms the project, with a screenplay by Shay Hatten of Rebel Moon fame.
• Franchise connection: Ballerina expands the John Wick universe, spotlighting the Ruska Roma and its assassin training.

The film has sparked excitement not only for its returning stars but also for the fresh elements it introduces to the John Wick mythology. Despite facing production hurdles, including significant reshoots, Ballerina is poised to deliver an experience that lives up to the saga’s legacy.

Roots of the story

Ballerina centers on Eve Macarro, a young woman who once dreamed of becoming a ballerina before being shaped by the brutal training of the Ruska Roma, the organization that molded John Wick into a legend. Portrayed by Ana de Armas, Eve briefly appeared in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, played by Unity Phelan, in a scene introducing the covert dance academy that doubles as an assassin training ground. The spin-off dives deeper into this premise, chronicling Eve’s transformation into a vengeance-fueled killer.

The plot unfolds in settings familiar to John Wick fans, with gritty urban landscapes and moody atmospheres. Newly released images highlight Ana de Armas in high-stakes moments, wielding firearms and engaging in hand-to-hand combat. The production retains the franchise’s visual flair, with a cold, neon-lit color palette and fight choreography blending technical precision with raw brutality.

Production challenges

Ballerina’s path to the big screen faced its share of obstacles. Reports indicate the film underwent extensive reshoots, overseen by Chad Stahelski, director of the four main John Wick films. Following mixed reactions from test screenings, the release was delayed from its original June 2024 date to allow for refinements.

While Lionsgate, the studio behind the project, has not officially detailed the changes, sources suggest Stahelski reworked significant portions of Len Wiseman’s footage. These adjustments aimed to align Ballerina with the franchise’s high standards, preserving its core essence.

• Strategic delay: The premiere was pushed back a year to ensure quality.
• Stahelski’s involvement: The director’s expertise shaped action scenes and narrative tweaks.
• Heightened anticipation: The changes have only fueled fan curiosity.

Far from dampening interest, these behind-the-scenes efforts have heightened expectations, with audiences eager to see how Ballerina fits into the John Wick universe.

All-star cast

Ballerina assembles an impressive ensemble, blending franchise veterans with new talent. Ana de Armas, an Oscar nominee for Blonde, takes the lead as Eve Macarro, bringing emotional depth and physical prowess to the role. Keanu Reeves, though not the central figure, appears in key moments, reinforcing ties to the original series.

Anjelica Huston reprises her role as the Director, the enigmatic Ruska Roma leader, while Ian McShane returns as Winston, the Continental’s manager. Lance Reddick, who passed away in 2023, appears as Charon, in a role expected to resonate with fans. The cast is rounded out by Norman Reedus of The Walking Dead, Gabriel Byrne of Hereditary, and Catalina Sandino Moreno of Maria Full of Grace.

• Tribute to Reddick: Ian McShane highlighted the late actor’s role during CCXP24.
• Fresh faces: Reedus and Byrne add new dynamics to the universe.
• Franchise staples: Reeves, Huston, and McShane ensure narrative continuity.
• Strong female presence: De Armas and Moreno boost representation.

The cast’s diversity underscores Ballerina’s ambition to broaden the franchise’s appeal while staying true to its roots.

Action at the core

The latest images from Ballerina emphasize what fans crave: breathtaking action. Ana de Armas is depicted in intense confrontations, wielding guns, knives, and martial arts skills. A scene showcased at CinemaCon 2025 features Eve taking on a larger opponent in a bar, using agility and improvisation to prevail.

The film introduces innovative action sequences, with choreography blending ballet’s grace with combat’s ferocity. A standout moment from the trailer shows Eve facing a flamethrower-wielding foe to the tune of Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer,” a sequence that mixes tension with dark humor.

Ties to John Wick

Ballerina is more than a spin-off; it’s a vital piece of the John Wick puzzle. Set between the third and fourth films, it explores the Ruska Roma, a pivotal organization in the assassin world. Keanu Reeves’ presence strengthens this connection, with scenes suggesting John Wick serves as a mentor to Eve.

A behind-the-scenes clip at CCXP24 revealed that the film follows Eve’s early missions, showcasing her evolution into a formidable killer. In one scene, John Wick tells her she’s ready to “do what he does,” hinting that Ballerina not only expands the franchise’s lore but also deepens its character arcs.

• Specific timeline: The story bridges John Wick 3 and 4, linking key events.
• Ruska Roma spotlight: The organization’s training methods take center stage.
• Wick’s guidance: Reeves’ role hints at a mentorship dynamic.

CCXP24 promotion

CCXP24, held in São Paulo, served as a major platform for Ballerina’s promotion. Ana de Armas, Norman Reedus, and Len Wiseman attended panels, sharing insights and engaging with fans. An exclusive behind-the-scenes video highlighted the film’s ties to the John Wick saga and unveiled new action footage.

Ian McShane moved the audience with a tribute to Lance Reddick, underscoring the actor’s impact on the franchise. Ballerina’s presence at CCXP24, one of Latin America’s largest pop culture events, signals Lionsgate’s push to captivate Brazilian fans, who have embraced the John Wick series.

Direction and screenplay

Len Wiseman, known for his stylized approach in Underworld, directs Ballerina, bringing his action expertise to the John Wick universe. The screenplay, penned by Shay Hatten, who contributed to John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Rebel Moon, balances relentless action with emotional depth.

Despite reshoots led by Chad Stahelski, Wiseman remains the credited director, with Stahelski as a producer. Their collaboration ensures Ballerina retains the franchise’s visual and narrative identity while introducing fresh elements, such as a female-led perspective.

• Wiseman’s flair: The direction emphasizes elegant choreography and immersive settings.
• Hatten’s script: The story blends vengeance with universe exploration.
• Robust production: Lionsgate’s investment aligns the film with the saga’s quality.

Other franchise expansions

Ballerina isn’t the only project broadening the John Wick universe. The Continental, a 2023 Prime Video series, explored the hotel’s origins, focusing on a young Winston Scott, played by Colin Woodell. Starring Mel Gibson, it received mixed reviews but paved the way for further stories.

Plans for John Wick 5 are in motion, though Keanu Reeves has suggested his involvement hinges on audience demand. Ballerina serves as a bridge between the main films and potential new chapters, testing the viability of fresh protagonists.

Early audience reactions

Ballerina’s images and trailers are generating buzz on social media. Fans praise Ana de Armas’ casting, lauding her ability to carry an action film. Keanu Reeves’ involvement, even in a supporting role, fuels excitement, with many hoping the spin-off matches the main series’ quality.

Events like CCXP24 and CinemaCon 2025 amplified the promotional campaign, with videos and posters reinforcing the film’s visual identity. The inclusion of Choi Sooyoung, from Girls’ Generation, in a supporting role has drawn attention, particularly among K-pop fans celebrating her Hollywood debut.

• Social media buzz: X posts highlight excitement for de Armas and Reeves.
• Global reach: Promotions at CCXP24 expand the film’s audience.
• Sooyoung’s debut: The K-pop star attracts a new fanbase.

Ana de Armas’ preparation

Ana de Armas underwent rigorous training to embody Eve Macarro. In interviews, she described months of fight choreography, weapons training, and physical conditioning to meet the role’s demands. Her experience in No Time to Die helped, but Ballerina required an even higher level of commitment.

One of her favorite scenes, shared with Letterboxd, involves a sequence blending ballet and combat, showcasing Eve’s dual identity as a dancer and assassin. This preparation underscores the production’s effort to craft a compelling and authentic protagonist.

Buildup to the premiere

As the release date nears, Ballerina continues to generate momentum in the film industry. Its blend of a stellar cast, high-octane action, and ties to the John Wick universe positions it as a major 2025 release. Ana de Armas’ starring role marks a milestone for the franchise, introducing new voices and perspectives.

Recent posters, unveiled in April 2025, feature Ana de Armas, Keanu Reeves, Norman Reedus, and Choi Sooyoung, emphasizing the cast’s diversity. The global promotional campaign, including exclusive content and events, reflects Lionsgate’s confidence in the film’s ability to attract both longtime fans and new viewers.