Ana de Armas is set to showcase her fierce side in the upcoming action-packed thriller Ballerina, a spinoff from the acclaimed John Wick franchise. The 36-year-old actor will step into the shoes of Eve Macarro, a ballerina turned ruthless assassin. The film, titled From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, is the fifth installment in the John Wick universe and is slated to hit theaters on June 6, 2025.
In this neo-noir action film, Armas’ character undergoes rigorous training with the Ruska Roma, a secretive and deadly organization, after being taken in by Winston Scott, portrayed by Ian McShane. As the film’s trailer reveals, Armas shines in the role of Eve Macarro, navigating through intense combat and high-stakes scenes that deliver all the heart-pounding action fans have come to expect from the John Wick series.
A New Kind of Assassin
Eve Macarro’s transformation from graceful dancer to fierce fighter is at the core of Ballerina. In the film, she embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance, and the recently dropped trailer gives audiences a glimpse into her brutal training and tactical skills. The trailer opens with a young Eve Macarro meeting Winston Scott and being introduced to the world of assassins through the traditions of the Ruska Roma. From there, Eve’s journey is marked by a blend of artistry and violence, as her ballerina grace is sharpened into lethal precision.
The Ballerina trailer also teases the return of familiar faces, including Charon (the late Lance Reddick) and, of course, John Wick himself, played by Keanu Reeves. In a mysterious and highly anticipated moment, Reeves’ iconic character crosses paths with Macarro, leaving fans wondering how their stories will intertwine.
Dedication and Grit
Known for her commitment to her roles, Ana de Armas took her physical preparation for Ballerina to a new level. In addition to honing her kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills, Armas endured grueling months of stunts and choreography to convincingly portray the skilled assassin. Speaking on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Armas shared just how physically demanding the role was, admitting, “I’m sore, I’m bruised, but I’m pushing through.” She added that working alongside Keanu Reeves was both challenging and inspiring: “Keanu is doing it all, too, so I can’t complain!”
Director Len Wiseman has meticulously crafted the film to not only pay homage to the John Wick universe but also carve out a unique identity for Ballerina. The action sequences are as innovative as they are explosive, with one particularly striking moment involving a flamethrower and a firehose, raising the bar for creativity in action films. Fans can also expect Ballerina to delve deeper into the mythology of the John Wick world, with new characters like The Director, played by Anjelica Huston, adding layers to the narrative.
Expanding the John Wick Universe
What makes Ballerina stand out is its combination of gritty, high-octane action with an artistic touch. The choreography of the fight scenes, paired with Ana de Armas’ dedication to her physical role, gives the film an edge that fans of the franchise will appreciate. The use of a reimagined version of Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer” in the trailer adds a hauntingly beautiful element to the intense visuals, helping Ballerina carve its own niche within the action genre.
With a powerhouse cast, including Ian McShane, Lance Reddick, and Keanu Reeves, and the promise of relentless action and a compelling new character in Eve Macarro, Ballerina is shaping up to be an exciting addition to the John Wick universe. Though initially set for a 2024 release, the film has been pushed back to June 6, 2025, ensuring fans have plenty of time to build anticipation for what’s sure to be a high-octane ride.
Ana de Armas’ portrayal of Eve Macarro in Ballerina represents a new chapter in the John Wick franchise, filled with thrilling action, deep lore, and intense performances. Fans of the series can look forward to seeing how this ballerina-turned-assassin holds her own in the brutal and shadowy world of killers.
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: you can be slow and unathletic and still kick butt in Jiu-Jitsu.