Lionsgate is preparing to expand the John Wick universe once again, this time with Ballerina, a spin-off set between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4. The upcoming action thriller stars Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro, a ballerina-turned-assassin trained in the deadly traditions of the Ruska Roma. With the franchise known for its stylised violence, elaborate fight choreography, and high-stakes revenge plots, anticipation is high for how Ballerina will further develop the world of contract killers that Keanu Reeves’ John Wick first introduced.
New images from Ballerina offer a closer look at Norman Reedus’ character, Daniel Pine, a figure shrouded in secrecy. One still shows him gripping a firearm, poised for confrontation. Another highlights a tense moment between de Armas’ Eve and Ian McShane’s Winston Scott, owner of the New York Continental Hotel. McShane isn’t the only familiar face returning — Anjelica Huston reprises her role as the Director, leader of the Ruska Roma, while the late Lance Reddick makes one final appearance as the concierge, Charon. Keanu Reeves is also set to appear, marking his return to the John Wick franchise after the explosive events of Chapter 4. More images can also be found on IGN.
Reedus, best known for his decade-long run on The Walking Dead, spoke about the physical demands of the role, comparing it to his work on AMC’s zombie apocalypse series. While Daryl Dixon allowed for a grittier, more improvisational approach to action, Ballerina required precision, as the John Wick franchise is known for its tightly choreographed fight sequences.
Eve Macarro, played by de Armas, is an extension of a character briefly introduced in Parabellum, originally portrayed by Unity Phelan. This time, the story focuses on her journey through the brutal training of the Ruska Roma as she seeks vengeance for her father’s murder. Len Wiseman, known for Underworld and Live Free or Die Hard, directs the spin-off, which has undergone additional action reshoots.
Initially slated for a 2023 release, Ballerina was pushed back a year, a delay that came after John Wick: Chapter 4 proved to be both a critical and commercial success. While audiences wait for de Armas to bring her own brand of lethal efficiency to Ballerina, Lionsgate is already looking ahead. A John Wick 5 remains in early development, and plans for spin-off projects include a film centred on Donnie Yen’s Caine, and an anime adaptation.
The film’s official synopsis reads, “Taking place during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, the film follows Eve Macarro who is beginning her training in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma.”
From the World of John Wick: Ballerina opens in cinemas on 6 June.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, and anime — you name it. When she’s not reading or being a dedicated cinephile, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of Caleb from Love and Deepspace.
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