The John Wick universe expands further with Ballerina, a highly anticipated spin-off starring Ana de Armas as a vengeful assassin trained in the brutal artistry of killing. Directed by Len Wiseman (Underworld, Live Free or Die Hard), Ballerina explores the secretive and deadly world glimpsed in the main series, diving deeper into the lore of The High Table, the Continental, and the dark lives of its agents.
Plot Overview
Set between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, Ballerina follows Rooney (Ana de Armas), a highly skilled assassin who was trained at the ballet academy seen in Parabellum. After discovering that her family’s murder was orchestrated by members of The High Table, Rooney sets out on a ruthless quest for revenge.
The trailer teases a deadly game of cat and mouse as Rooney uncovers hidden truths, battles other assassins, and confronts her own past. Along the way, she encounters familiar faces, including Winston (Ian McShane), The Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne), and even a cameo by John Wick himself (Keanu Reeves).
Trailer Highlights
- Intense Action Sequences: The trailer delivers high-octane gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, and intricately choreographed set pieces reminiscent of the John Wick films.
- Ballet Meets Brutality: Echoing her training, Rooney’s fighting style blends grace with lethal efficiency, showcasing a unique visual style.
- The Underworld Expands: New locations, including another Continental Hotel and hidden training grounds, offer a deeper look at the John Wick universe.
- Connections to John Wick: Teasers of Wick’s cameo highlight the shared stakes in their intertwined world, with brief nods to his ongoing war against The High Table.
- New Villains: Rooney faces off against a chilling adversary, played by Gabriel Byrne, whose ties to her past add a personal edge to the conflict.
Cast and Crew
- Ana de Armas as Rooney, the fierce and graceful assassin
- Keanu Reeves as John Wick (cameo appearance)
- Ian McShane as Winston, the manager of The Continental
- Laurence Fishburne as The Bowery King, Wick’s ally and an underground power player
- Gabriel Byrne as Viktor, a High Table enforcer with a vendetta
- Directed by Len Wiseman
- Written by Shay Hatten (John Wick: Chapter 3, Army of the Dead)
Themes and Tone
Ballerina maintains the John Wick franchise’s themes of loyalty, vengeance, and the consequences of violence. The spin-off introduces a fresh perspective by focusing on a female assassin navigating a male-dominated underworld, blending elegance with unrelenting savagery.
Visuals and Budget
With a reported budget of $90 million, Ballerina promises sleek cinematography, stunning action choreography, and a moody aesthetic. The trailer showcases a mix of neon-drenched cityscapes, shadowy interiors, and stylish European locales, staying true to the series’ visual style.
Release Date
Ballerina is slated for a theatrical release on June 7, 2025, positioning itself as a summer blockbuster.
Final Thoughts
The trailer for Ballerina delivers everything fans of the John Wick universe could hope for: thrilling action, rich world-building, and a compelling new lead in Ana de Armas. With its blend of style, lore, and visceral combat, the film is set to be a must-watch for action aficionados and fans of the franchise.
Get ready to witness the grace and fury of a new assassin. Ballerina takes the stage this summer, and the underworld will never be the same.
