The John Wick universe has become one of the most exciting in action cinema! With a rich mythology built around assassins, codes of honor, and secret organizations, it’s no wonder this world continues to expand. The next installment in the universe is Ballerina. This spin-off seeks to explore new perspectives, introduce fascinating characters, and delve deeper into the web of power that underpins John Wick‘s world. Here are five reasons why we’re excited for the movie. Ready?
Here we go!
1. Ana de Armas
Ana de Armas has proven herself one of the most versatile and charismatic actresses of her generation, with performances in films such as Knives Out, Blade Runner 2049, and No Time to Die. However, Ballerina marks her first leading role in a pure adrenaline-fueled action film.
In the movie, she plays Eve Macarro, a young woman raised and trained by the Ruska Roma organization, the same organization that formed John Wick. After her family is murdered, Eve embarks on a path of revenge, using the skills she has honed in both dance and combat. The combination of emotional vulnerability and brutal efficiency makes Eve a fascinating character. Therefore, this role will require the actress to show her fiercest and, at the same time, most vulnerable side.
2. More from the John Wick Universe
One of Ballerina‘s greatest attractions is that it’s not starting from scratch. The film is set between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3: Parabellum and Chapter 4, and connects directly to the main story. This means we’ll explore more about how the organizations behind the scenes operate: Ruska Roma, the High Table, and the Continental Hotel.
This universe has been characterized by its mythology: gold coins, sacred contracts, rules that cannot be broken without consequences. The movie will allow us to see how these rules affect other characters outside of John Wick, and how one survives (or fails) within this system. Additionally, the film will delve deeper into the Ruska Roma organization, showing us its rituals, hierarchies, and how they shape its members from childhood.
MORE: Everything We Know About ‘Ballerina’ Movie
3. Return of Iconic Characters
Although Ballerina has a new leader, she won’t be alone. Keanu Reeves will return as John Wick in an important role within the story, crossing paths with Eve and likely influencing her quest for revenge. This interaction is especially interesting because John knows firsthand what it means to live with a blood debt and a life marked by loss.
But he’s not the only familiar face. Anjelica Huston also returns as the Director of Ruska Roma, the matriarchal figure who trains assassins under the cover of a ballet academy. Her relationship with Eve will be key to understanding the character’s motivations and how loyalty can turn into betrayal. Additionally, Ian McShane returns as Winston, the always enigmatic manager of the Continental Hotel, and Lance Reddick, in one of his final performances, will reappear as Charon, the loyal concierge.
4. New Faces
Ballerina doesn’t only rely on familiar characters. It also introduces new ones. Norman Reedus—whom we’re largely familiar with from The Walking Dead—joins the cast in a still-mysterious role, but he’s expected to have an ambiguous relationship with the protagonist. Ally or enemy? That remains to be seen.
Gabriel Byrne will play one of the main antagonists, a calculating man with deep connections within the criminal world. His presence will bring a much more intellectual and strategic threat that will contrast with the physical brutality of other villains. Catalina Sandino Moreno also appears in a key role that could be linked to Eve’s past or play a vital role in her revenge.
MORE: Ana de Armas is the New John Wick Universe Leader in Ballerina
5. Eve Macarro
What makes Ballerina especially exciting is that it doesn’t simply cast a woman as the action leader: it creates a complete female character, with a story, motivations, and internal conflicts. Eve Macarro isn’t a John Wick clone, but someone on her own path, forged in the same shadows but facing her own demons.
The film will explore not only revenge, but also identity, loss, and the internal struggle between humanity and violence. Eve has been molded as a weapon, but the film seeks to show what remains of the person behind the assassin. Eve’s story will also address how John Wick‘s world affects women, both inside and outside the system, and how they cope with the expectations imposed by organizations like Ruska Roma.
In a universe where female characters have often been secondary, Ballerina seeks to change the rules, offering a heroine who can be vulnerable, lethal, and deeply human all at once.
Are you ready to meet Eve Macarro and see her dance and fight… for revenge?
Ballerina movie will open on theaters this June 6, 2025.
