The John Wick universe returns to the big screen, this time with Ana de Armas front and center. Lionsgate has unveiled the full trailer for Ballerina, the franchise’s long-awaited spinoff, which sees de Armas step into the role of Eve Macarro — a Russian-trained ballerina-turned-assassin on a brutal mission of revenge.
Set between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, Ballerina expands the story of the Ruska Roma — the underground crime organization that trained Wick himself. Unity Phelan briefly introduced Eve’s character in Parabellum, but de Armas now fully brings her to life, torch in hand, axe swinging, and fists flying.
The Plot
In Ballerina, Eve Macarro sets out to avenge her family’s murder, throwing herself into a world of bloodshed, loyalty, and survival. Along the way, she crosses paths with the legendary John Wick, played once again by Keanu Reeves in a special appearance. Their face-off teases a showdown steeped in the franchise’s signature choreography and unrelenting violence.
Star-Studded Cast
Alongside de Armas and Reeves, Ballerina features an impressive ensemble:
- Anjelica Huston returns as The Director
- Ian McShane reprises his role as Winston
- Gabriel Byrne, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Norman Reedus join the ensemble
- The late Lance Reddick makes his final screen appearance as Charon
Behind the Scenes
Directed by Len Wiseman (Underworld), the film was penned by Shay Hatten, who previously co-wrote John Wick: Chapter 3. Franchise architect Chad Stahelski also returns as a producer and oversaw additional action sequences, reportedly extending the film’s release by a year to ensure it met the Wick standard of stunt-driven storytelling.
The film is produced by Stahelski, Basil Iwanyk, and Erica Lee — the same team behind all four mainline John Wick films — with executive production from Kaley Smalley Romo.
Franchise Legacy
Ballerina follows a massive year for the Wick universe. John Wick: Chapter 4 shattered franchise records with a global haul of over $440 million, pushing the total series box office past the $1 billion mark. The franchise also branched into television with Peacock’s 2023 prequel series The Continental, starring Mel Gibson.
For Ana de Armas, Ballerina is another high-octane turn after standout roles in No Time to Die and Ghosted. Her casting solidifies her position as one of the few women leading a major Hollywood action franchise. The Oscar-nominated actress (Blonde) brings both intensity and elegance to the screen — a fitting match for the Wick world.
Release Date
Ballerina hits theaters June 6, exclusively from Lionsgate.
Watch the full trailer below and get ready to return to the world of assassins, vendettas, and unrelenting action.