TheJohn Wickfranchise has redefined modern action cinema — blending balletic fight choreography, criminal mythmaking, and aKeanu Reevesperformance that turned a grieving assassin into a cinematic icon. Now, as part ofCollider’s Exclusive Previewevent, we’re unveiling two new images ofAna de ArmasinFrom the World of John Wick:Ballerina, the first spin-off film in the ever-expanding Wick universe. We also have exclusive quotes from directorLen Wisemanpreviewing exactly what we can expect from the action film.
Set between the events ofJohn Wick: Chapter 3 – ParabellumandChapter 4,Ballerinafollows Eve Macarro (de Armas), a lethal young woman beginning her training in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma. In the film, she’s expected to set out on a brutal mission of revenge — navigating the same shadowy world that John Wick once tore apart. But while it exists in the same universe, directorLen Wiseman(known forUnderworldandLive Free or Die Hard) is quick to clarify that this isn’t justJohn Wickin heels.
“I didn’t have any hesitations. It was a pretty quick yes for me. It’s the kind of action that I really love,” Wiseman toldCollider’sMeredith Loftus. “BetweenChad[Stahelski] and Keanu and what’s been created, there’s a real love and respect and kind of reverence for developing the action, which excites me. That becomes the focus — the best thing for me to be involved in is when everybody on board knows this action has to be really mapped out, really taken care of. It’s something I just enjoy doing." He continued, explaining:
“So there wasn’t much hesitation other than justtheJohn Wickof it all.I wanted to make sure that people knew this was not trying to do a female John Wick. It was her own character, and John Wick is the legend that he is. That would be the only thing, but most of it just excitement to go into it.”
What Can We Expect From ‘Ballerina’?
The exclusive first-look images above tease just how much this film will bothhonor and expand the Wick canon. We see Eva armed and dangerous, bruised and focused in these snapshots of action set pieces that continue the franchise’s tradition of hyper-stylized violence. And is that aflamethrower?!It’s elegant, deadly, and striking — exactly what you’d expect from aJohn Wickspin-off.
Previewing what to expect from the film, Wiseman told Collider:
“I’m excited for fans to get a glimpse into the training it takes for a character to become an assassin in the world of John Wick. While we know a lot about the layers of that universe,we haven’t yet experienced what it’s like for somebody to come into it new and begin their journey in the world that John Wick operates in.So there’s that side of the story, and also just really fun, clever action sequences that I’m sure fans — especially those who love action like I do — are going to enjoy. And, we’ll see howhonor plays a significant role in shaping this character’s path.”
Wiseman directs from a script byShay Hatten, based on the characters created byDerek Kolstad. The film also has a hugely impressive cast featuring veteranWickplayersIan McShane,Anjelica Huston, the lateLance Reddick, and Keanu Reeveshimself — along withnew additionsNorman Reedus,Gabriel Byrne, andCatalina Sandino Moreno. Produced by franchise veteransBasil Iwanyk,Erica Lee, and Stahelski, with music byTyler BatesandJoel J. Richard,Ballerinawill bring us the kind of world-class action and meticulous craftsmanship fans have come to expect.
From the World of John Wick: Ballerinahits theatersJune 6, 2025. Sharpen your knives and press your suits — the Continental is about to welcome a new legend. Keep checking back throughout the week as we debut exclusive looks at the hottest summer releases.
From the World of John Wick: Ballerina
