Ana de Armas stars as Eve Macarro in Ballerina, the high-octane spin-off set within the established John Wick universe. Originally released in June 2025, the film bridges the narrative gap between John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, focusing on the brutal training and revenge mission of a young woman raised within the Ruska Roma assassin traditions.
The transition of the John Wick franchise from a singular character study into a sprawling cinematic universe reached a pivotal milestone with the introduction of Ana de Armas as the titular protagonist. Known as Eve Macarro, de Armas’s character represents the "Ballerinas" first glimpsed in the Tarkovsky Theater during the third installment of the main series. By 2026, the film has solidified its place as a critical component of the "Wick-verse," offering a different stylistic lens on the world of the High Table while maintaining the visceral, "gun-fu" action that fans demand.
The Evolution of Eve Macarro and the Ruska Roma
The character of the Ballerina was not a new invention for de Armas’s film but a deep dive into established lore. In John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, audiences were introduced to The Director (played by Anjelica Huston), the matriarch of the Ruska Roma. This organization serves as a front for a grueling assassin academy where young women are trained in the disciplined art of ballet, which serves as a foundation for their lethal combat skills.
Ana de Armas portrays Eve Macarro, a character whose lineage and motivations are tied directly to this shadowy organization. Unlike John Wick, who sought a way out of the life, Eve is driven by a primary need for vengeance. Her story begins when her father is murdered, a tragedy that propels her through the ranks of the Ruska Roma. The film explores the psychological and physical toll of this upbringing, showcasing the transition from a vulnerable student to a precision-engineered killer.
De Armas’s casting was a strategic masterstroke following her breakout action performance in the James Bond film No Time to Die. Despite having only ten minutes of screen time in the Bond franchise, her portrayal of Paloma demonstrated a rare blend of elegance and lethality that perfectly suited the requirements of the John Wick world. For Ballerina, she underwent months of rigorous physical training, mastering firearm handling, close-quarters combat, and the specific physical demands of portraying a professional dancer.
Narrative Placement and Timeline Integration
One of the most complex aspects of Ballerina is its placement within the existing franchise timeline. The film is a mid-quel, taking place during the chronological window between the end of Chapter 3 and the beginning of Chapter 4. This specific timeframe allows the film to flesh out the world-building elements that were moving at breakneck speed in the main series.
During this period, John Wick is essentially "underground," preparing for his final assault against the High Table. Ballerina uses this vacuum to show how other corners of the underworld are reacting to the chaos caused by Wick's excommunication. It provides a localized perspective on the High Table's influence, specifically how they manage their "assets" like the Ruska Roma.
Connections to the Main Franchise
- The Continental Hotel: The film features the iconic New York Continental, serving as a neutral ground where Eve interacts with established characters.
- Winston and Charon: Ian McShane reprises his role as Winston, providing the dry wit and cryptic guidance he is known for. The late Lance Reddick also appears as Charon, marking one of his final and most poignant screen performances, filmed prior to his passing.
- The Director: Anjelica Huston returns to provide the connective tissue between Eve's training and the larger Ruska Roma hierarchy.
- John Wick’s Cameo: Keanu Reeves appears in a significant supporting capacity, rather than a mere blink-and-you-miss-it cameo. His presence serves to validate Eve's skills and link her journey to the central mythos of the "Baba Yaga."
Technical Execution and "Gun-fu" Choreography
The John Wick franchise is defined by its commitment to long-take action sequences and practical stunts. Directed by Len Wiseman, with significant creative input and reshoots overseen by franchise creator Chad Stahelski, Ballerina maintains these high standards while introducing a more fluid, dance-influenced fighting style.
Ana de Armas's combat style as Eve Macarro is distinct from John Wick’s more grounded, judo-heavy approach. Because of her background in ballet, her movements are characterized by agility, flexibility, and rotational momentum. The fight choreography utilizes her smaller frame to her advantage, focusing on using an opponent's weight against them and utilizing environment-based improvisation.
The production utilized 87Eleven Action Design, the world-class stunt team responsible for the entire Wick series. This ensured that the "visual grammar" of the action remained consistent. Viewers in 2026 often cite the "Snowy Village" sequence—a major set piece in the film—as a pinnacle of the franchise's choreography, blending traditional firearm usage with ice-skating-inspired movement patterns.
Production History and the Path to 2025
The road to the screen for Ballerina was not without its challenges. Originally slated for a 2024 release, Lionsgate made the decision to delay the film by a full year to June 6, 2025. This delay was primarily intended to allow Chad Stahelski, who signed a deal to oversee the entire John Wick and Highlander franchises, to work closely with Len Wiseman on refining the action sequences.
These additional photography periods were not a sign of "trouble" in the traditional sense but rather a commitment to the "Wick Standard." The studio recognized that after the massive success of John Wick: Chapter 4, the first spin-off could not afford to be a "diet" version of the main series. By 2026, looking back at the reception, it is clear that the extra year of polishing allowed the film to achieve the necessary technical polish to stand alongside its predecessors.
| Feature | John Wick Series (Chapters 1-4) | Ballerina (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Protagonist | John Wick (Keanu Reeves) | Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas) |
| Primary Motivation | Retirement/Survival/Legacy | Revenge/Justice for Family |
| Fighting Style | Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Tactical Firearms | Balletic Agility, Gymnastics, Concealed Blades |
| Core Theme | Consequences and the "Impossible Task" | The Cost of Training and Identity Loss |
| Timeline | Linear progression through 2023 | Set between Chapter 3 and Chapter 4 |
| Key Location | The Continental Global Network | The Tarkovsky Theater and European Safehouses |
Impact on the John Wick Franchise Lore
By 2026, Ballerina has significantly expanded the "Underworld" mythology. It specifically answers questions regarding the High Table’s recruitment. While previous films focused on the enforcement of rules, Ballerina focuses on the "manufacturing" of assassins.
The film introduces the concept that the Ruska Roma is just one of several "schools" that feed the High Table's ecosystem. It also explores the internal politics of these organizations. We see that the Director is not just a teacher but a powerful political player who must navigate the fallout of John Wick's actions. Eve’s story shows that even within these rigid structures, there is room for personal agency—though it often comes at a blood-soaked price.
The success of Ana de Armas in this role has also led to the greenlighting of further spin-offs. In 2026, the "Wick-verse" is no longer just about one man; it is about a world where every character has a potential story. The film's ending leaves Eve Macarro's future open, positioning her as a contemporary to Wick who could potentially appear in a future John Wick: Chapter 5 or her own sequel.
Training and Preparation: The Ana de Armas Approach
To embody Eve Macarro, Ana de Armas had to undergo a transformation that exceeded her previous work. Reports from the set detailed a five-month training camp that began shortly after she finished filming Ghosted. Her preparation included:
- Tactical Firearms Training: Working with Taran Butler (who trained Keanu Reeves), she mastered the "reloading under pressure" techniques that are a hallmark of the series.
- Ballet Fundamentals: To ensure the "Ballerina" title felt authentic, de Armas worked with professional choreographers to mimic the poise and footwork of a prima ballerina.
- Stunt Endurance: Because the film relies on long takes, she had to build the cardiovascular stamina to perform fight sequences that lasted several minutes without a cut.
This dedication is visible on screen. There is a palpable sense of physical exhaustion in her performance that mirrors the "wear and tear" Keanu Reeves brought to his role. This shared DNA of suffering for the art form is what makes her character feel like a legitimate part of the franchise rather than a superficial addition.
FAQ
Is John Wick actually in the Ballerina movie?
Yes, Keanu Reeves appears as John Wick in Ballerina. His role is more than a cameo; he appears in multiple scenes to provide a bridge between Eve Macarro’s story and the larger events of the franchise. His appearance is set chronologically after he receives his "ticket" from the Director in Chapter 3.
Why was the Ballerina movie delayed from 2024 to 2025?
The film was delayed to ensure the action sequences met the high standards set by the main John Wick chapters. Lionsgate and franchise creator Chad Stahelski wanted to add more elaborate stunts and refine the "gun-fu" choreography, requiring additional filming and post-production time.
Does Ana de Armas do her own stunts in Ballerina?
Ana de Armas performed a significant portion of her own stunts and fight choreography. While professional stunt doubles were used for high-risk maneuvers to ensure safety, the film emphasizes long takes that feature the actress’s face, proving her direct involvement in the physical combat.
How does Ballerina connect to The Continental TV series?
While both are spin-offs of the John Wick universe, Ballerina is a direct cinematic continuation set in the modern timeline (between Chapters 3 and 4). The Continental is a prequel set in the 1970s. They are connected through the lore of the High Table and the history of the hotel itself.
Who is the villain in Ballerina?
The film features Gabriel Linke (played by David Castañeda) and other figures within the underworld who are tied to the murder of Eve’s father. The film also explores the antagonistic nature of the High Table’s bureaucracy, which treats its assassins as expendable tools.
Will there be a Ballerina 2 with Ana de Armas?
As of 2026, following the strong box office performance and positive critical reception of the first film, discussions for a sequel are ongoing. The character of Eve Macarro is expected to return either in her own sequel or as a major character in the rumored John Wick: Chapter 5.
Practical Recommendation for Viewers
To fully appreciate Ana de Armas’s performance and the narrative weight of Ballerina, it is recommended to re-watch the Tarkovsky Theater sequence in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. This provides the necessary context for the Ruska Roma culture and the harsh reality of Eve’s upbringing. Furthermore, pay close attention to the background details of the Continental in Ballerina, as they contain numerous "Easter eggs" that hint at the future direction of the franchise as it moves toward the next decade of storytelling.
