Ballerina marks the first-ever spinoff film in the John Wick universe, promising an exhilarating new chapter for fans of the action franchise. Written by John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4 scribe Shay Hatten, Ballerina was first hinted at in 2019 with the character’s debut in the third movie. Now, this spinoff not only paves the way for more adrenaline-fueled stories but also introduces a new hero who will shine within the intricate John Wick timeline.
The John Wick series has always distinguished itself from typical blockbusters with its innovative approach to action and straightforward yet compelling storytelling, distilling the plot to its raw, intense core. Ballerina is set to uphold this tradition, delivering a streamlined action narrative crafted by many of the creative minds behind John Wick. As the franchise moves toward a more expansive cinematic universe, with several future installments and spinoffs already in the works, Ballerina will be the pivotal first step in this journey. For fans looking for new action movies to watch, Ballerina is sure to be a standout addition.
Ballerina Release Date 2025
Ballerina’s release date was initially set for June 7, 2024. However, due to additional photography for new scenes, that plan has shifted. Although the film wrapped up principal photography in 2023, Ballerina is now scheduled to premiere on June 6, 2025, a full year later than originally planned.
Who Is The Ballerina In The World of John Wick?
After much anticipation, Ana de Armas was officially confirmed in early 2022 to play the lead role of Eve in Ballerina, taking over from dancer Unity Phelan, who briefly appeared as the character in John Wick: Chapter 3. Joining her are several iconic John Wick characters, including Keanu Reeves as the relentless assassin in his signature black suit and Ian McShane as Winston Scott, the enigmatic hotelier and ally.
Anjelica Huston also reprises her role from John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum as “The Director,” the mysterious leader of the Ruska Roma crime syndicate. Additionally, Lance Reddick returns as Charon, the loyal concierge—a poignant appearance as one of his final projects. New faces to the John Wick universe include Gabriel Byrne (Hereditary), who will portray the main villain known as the Chancellor, Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead) as a character named Pine, and Catalina Sandino Moreno (Che), whose role in the film remains undisclosed.
The confirmed cast for Ballerina includes:
Ana de Armas as Eve
Anjelica Huston as The Director
Lance Reddick as Charon
Ian McShane as Winston Scott
Keanu Reeves as John Wick
Gabriel Byrne as The Chancellor
Norman Reedus as Pine
Sharon Duncan-Brewster as Nogi
How Does Ballerina Fit Into the John Wick Timeline?
While the exact plot details of Ballerina remain under wraps, Keanu Reeves, who portrays John Wick, has revealed where the spinoff fits within the larger franchise timeline. The title character, Eve, was briefly introduced in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, and Ballerina will take place between the events of Chapter 3 and Chapter 4.
Though Ballerina won’t advance the timeline of the John Wick series, it may expand and provide new perspectives on the events of John Wick: Chapter 4. As the first of many planned spinoffs, Ballerina has the potential to lay the groundwork for more stories in the John Wick universe.
What Is The Story Of John Wick’s Ballerina?
The recasting of the role of Eve in Ballerina serves several key purposes. Ana de Armas, known for her star power and dynamic performances, steps into the role, requiring physical prowess and emotional depth to portray Eve’s tragic backstory convincingly. This combination of action and emotional range makes de Armas a fitting choice for the character, adding a level of gravitas to the film.
As with other John Wick movies, the plot of Ballerina is expected to maintain the franchise’s hallmark simplicity. The story centers on Eve, a dancer turned assassin, who embarks on a quest for vengeance against those who murdered her family. While the plot is straightforward, the emotional weight of Eve’s mission and her tragic past will be explored with depth, anchored by de Armas’ performance.
Ballerina is set to overlap with the ongoing storylines of the main John Wick series, ensuring continuity within the franchise. According to the film’s writer, Ballerina will offer a fresh perspective on John Wick’s origins, expanding on the world introduced in the main series but from Eve’s point of view. This approach will deepen the connection between the spinoff and the core John Wick films and enrich the franchise’s overall narrative.
While Ballerina is primarily Eve’s story, the involvement of John Wick’s character will keep the film tied to its roots. Even if John Wick’s role is peripheral, his presence will provide a sense of continuity and relevance, ensuring that the spinoff feels like an integral part of the John Wick universe. Given the central role of John Wick in attracting audiences, his connection to the film, even in a smaller capacity, will help Ballerina resonate with fans, making it feel like a natural and complete addition to the franchise.
Who Is Behind the Making of Ballerina?
With John Wick franchise director Chad Stahelski focused on Chapter 4 and Chapter 5, as well as upcoming projects like the Highlander remake and Ghosts of Tsushima adaptation, directing duties for Ballerina have been taken over by Len Wiseman, best known for the first two Underworld films. Screenwriter Shay Hatten, who penned John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, initially wrote Ballerina as a standalone film before reworking it to fit within the John Wick universe. This is similar to how films like Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995) and 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016) transformed standalone scripts into part of larger franchises. Academy Award winner Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman) co-wrote the revised script with Hatten.
The crew also includes cinematographer Romain Lacourbas (The Witcher), production designer Philip Ivey (District 9), costume designer Tina Kalivas (Australia), and casting director Olivia Scott-Webb (The Queen’s Gambit).
Ian McShane, who reprises his role as Winston Scott, praised the film’s creative team, highlighting their attention to detail and continuity with the previous John Wick films. He noted that the writers and director ensured the film remained true to the John Wick style.
In an interview at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, Ana de Armas shared her excitement about the film’s reshoots, saying, “Everything we did in those reshoots was essential. We got incredible footage—it’s spectacular. The trailer is beautiful, and I’m very proud of it. It’s dangerous, sexy, and truly John Wick. People are going to be surprised.”
While The Wrap initially reported that Stahelski oversaw lengthy reshoots in Prague, lasting 2–3 months, ScreenRant clarified that the reshoots lasted 29 days and were primarily directed by Wiseman, with Stahelski stepping in to assist during Wiseman’s brief medical emergency.
Is Ballerina A True Story?
The 2024 film “Ballerina” is a fictional action thriller set in the John Wick universe. It’s not based on a true story but rather a creative expansion of the already-established world of assassins and high-stakes action. The film follows the story of Eve Macarro, a young female assassin seeking revenge for her family’s murder. While the film is set in a fictional world, it promises intense action sequences, intricate plot twists, and a deeper exploration of the deadly ballet academy where Eve trains.
Is There S Trailer For Ballerina Yet?
With Ballerina set for its 2025 release, a full trailer was unveiled in September 2024. The trailer begins with a flashback to a young Eve being recruited by Winston, setting the stage for her journey. From there, it ramps up, showcasing intense, high-octane action scenes as Eve takes on her mission. The trailer also features familiar faces, including Charon and The Director, before culminating with a tantalizing teaser that hints at Keanu Reeves’ return as John Wick.
