Ballerina (2025): Ana de Armas Leads the John Wick Spin-Off in a High-Octane Action Thriller
The John Wick universe is back—and this time, it’s deadlier, darker, and led by a woman with a vengeance. Ballerina (2025) is one of the most anticipated action movies of the year, bringing Ana de Armas into the brutal world of assassins we first explored through Keanu Reeves’ iconic character, John Wick. With its thrilling action, emotional core, and deeper dive into the Wickverse, Ballerina isn’t just a spin-off—it’s a bold expansion.
A Deadly Dance of Revenge
Ballerina follows Rooney, a trained assassin raised in a secret ballet academy that doubles as a killing school, much like the one briefly shown in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. After her family is slaughtered, Rooney sets off on a blood-soaked journey to hunt down those responsible. While the core of the film is pure revenge, it’s also about survival, identity, and reclaiming power in a brutal world.
This premise echoes the DNA of the John Wick franchise—gritty, stylish, and soaked in emotional motivation. But this time, it’s told through the eyes of a woman who’s not just fighting the system but tearing it apart from within.
Ana de Armas: The New Face of the Wickverse
Already known for her performances in No Time to Die, Blade Runner 2049, and Knives Out, Ana de Armas transforms completely in Ballerina. She’s fierce, physical, and emotionally layered—a perfect fit for the world built by Chad Stahelski and Derek Kolstad.
The training and stunt work are said to be just as intense as Keanu Reeves’ own prep for John Wick. De Armas performs many of her own stunts, adding a raw, authentic edge to her action scenes. The audience isn’t just watching fights—they’re experiencing the rage and loss behind every blow.
Tied Deep Into the John Wick Timeline
Ballerina doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It takes place between John Wick: Chapter 3 and Chapter 4, giving fans a chance to see what was happening in the shadows while Wick was on the run. There are direct connections: Keanu Reeves reprises his role as John Wick, and Ian McShane returns as Winston, the manager of The Continental.
This movie isn’t just using the John Wick name—it’s part of the narrative fabric. Expect callbacks, world-building, and maybe even clues about what’s next in the Wickverse.
Behind the Camera: Action Experts in Control
Directed by Len Wiseman (Underworld, Live Free or Die Hard), Ballerina is built for fans of both action and style. With producers including Chad Stahelski, who’s been the driving force behind John Wick’s success, the film promises brutal, balletic action that looks beautiful and hits hard.
The choreography is reportedly a mix of traditional martial arts, gun-fu, and close-quarter combat—delivered with the precision of a dance. This is the kind of movie where every shot, every punch, every movement feels like part of a larger rhythm.
Why Ballerina Matters
In a genre often dominated by male leads, Ballerina gives the spotlight to a powerful female assassin with her own story to tell. It’s not just a gender-swap—it’s a fresh voice in a familiar world.
And for fans of the John Wick universe, it’s a gift. More lore, more depth, and more action—without compromising what made the original films so beloved.
Final Verdict: Ballerina Is a Must-Watch in 2025
If you’re a fan of John Wick, high-stakes action, or just want to see Ana de Armas in a game-changing role, Ballerina is a must-watch. It’s more than just a spin-off—it’s a statement. One that says the Wickverse has a lot more stories to tell, and a new kind of hero ready to fight her way through it.
Whether you’re into revenge thrillers, assassin lore, or just love well-crafted action cinema, Ballerina (2025) should be at the top of your watchlist.