The highly anticipated spinoff of the John Wick franchise, titled Ballerina, is set to expand the universe with a fresh and exhilarating narrative. Directed by Len Wiseman, known for his work on the Underworld film series (2003 - 2016) and Live Free or Die Hard (2007), Lionsgate’s Ballerina promises to blend intricately choreographed action with a compelling storyline. The film stars Ana de Armas in the lead role, portraying a young female assassin who seeks revenge against those who wronged her family. Ana de Armas, recognized for her standout performances in Knives Out (2019) and No Time to Die (2021), brings both a magnetic presence and physical prowess to the role, making her a perfect fit for the intense physical demands of the character.
Ballerina is set in the same gritty, hyper-stylized world established by the John Wick series, giving fans a familiar yet distinct backdrop. The film is poised to delve deeper into the shadowy organizations and complex hierarchies that govern the criminal underworld, allowing for an expanded exploration of the intricate lore that has captivated audiences. The spinoff also promises to maintain the high-octane action sequences and meticulously crafted fight choreography that have become trademarks of the John Wick films, ensuring that fans of the original franchise are in for a thrilling ride.
We’re promised to see some familiar faces in Ballerina, including:
- Norman Reedus, best known for his role as Daryl Dixon in The Walking Dead (2010 - 2022).
- Bill Skarsgård, who takes on the role of The Crow, has also played roles in many blockbusters, including Anna Karenina (2012), Atomic Blonde (2017), and as Pennywise himself in It (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019).
- Lorenza Izzo, known for her roles in Knock Knock (2015) and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019).
- Lance Reddick, known for his consistent presence in the John Wick universe as Charon, as well as many other films and TV shows such as Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) and Lost (2004 - 2010).
- Anjelica Huston, who also appeared in multiple John Wick films, as well as The Addams Family (1991) and 50/50 (2011).
- Ian McShane, a recognizable face and voice in the film industry, plays Winston in the John Wick universe, as well as notable roles in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011), Kung Fu Panda (2008), and Snow White and the Huntsman (2012).
- David Castañeda, known best for his role as Diego Hargreeves in The Umbrella Academy (since 2019).
We’ll also see Gabriel Byrne, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Jordan Bolger, Sami Bouajila, Laura Birn, Danny Huston, and many more.
Not only will we have an incredible cast, but we’ll also have Chad Stahelski, famed stuntman and filmmaker, working with director Len Wiseman to create even more action-packed and tense scenes.
But let’s hear more about our ballerina. Ana de Armas’s career has been nothing short of meteoric, marked by a series of standout performances that have catapulted her to international stardom. Hailing from Cuba, de Armas embarked on her acting journey at a young age, with initial roles in Spanish-language films and television series, such as El Internado (2007 - 2010), that showcased her undeniable talent and versatility. Her breakthrough came with the thriller Knock Knock, where she starred alongside Keanu Reeves. This initial taste of Hollywood success opened the door to a plethora of opportunities.
However, it was her role in Blade Runner 2049 (2017) that placed her firmly on the map. Portraying Joi, a complex and enigmatic AI character, de Armas delivered a memorable performance that earned critical acclaim and demonstrated her ability to tackle diverse and challenging roles. Her success continued with her portrayal of Marta Cabrera in Knives Out. de Armas’s performance as the kind-hearted nurse caught in a web of mystery and deceit earned her several award nominations, including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical.
Ana de Armas’s momentum did not slow down, as she further showcased her range in No Time to Die, where she appeared as the formidable and glamorous Paloma. Her dedication to embodying each character, combined with her captivating screen presence, has solidified her status as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actresses. With Ballerina, Ana de Armas continues to push boundaries, embracing the demanding role of a vengeance-driven assassin and affirming that her star will only continue to rise.
Rarely does a spinoff generate as much excitement as Ballerina, and much of this anticipation is fueled by the promise of seeing new facets of the John Wick universe and Ana de Armas taking on another brilliant role. Renowned actor Keanu Reeves is expected to make a cameo appearance, further tying the new story to the original films. Additionally, the involvement of original franchise creators, including writer Shay Hatten, lends credence to the spinoff’s potential to retain the essence and quality of its predecessors. As Ballerina gears up for production, anticipation continues to build, with fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this enthralling and action-packed universe. The movie was initially set to release on June 7, 2024, but due to decisions to add additional action-packed sequences, the film has been pushed to release on June 6, 2025.
We’re sure it will be well worth the wait!