Ballerina: A New Chapter of Elegance and Vengeance in the John Wick Universe
As the John Wick saga continues to captivate audiences with its intense choreography of violence and underworld intrigue, Ballerina offers a fresh yet familiar expansion to the franchise’s neo-noir tapestry. Helmed by director Len Wiseman, this spin-off centers on a deadly assassin—portrayed by Ana de Armas—seeking revenge amid a world of ruthless killers. Positioned between John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, the film promises a seamless blend of grit, high-octane combat, and the elegant savagery fans expect from the Wick universe. De Armas is joined by an ensemble cast, including Gabriel Byrne and Norman Reedus, with familiar faces like Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, Anjelica Huston, and the late Lance Reddick in his last performance, reprising their iconic roles to anchor this new chapter.
The origins of Ballerina can be traced back to 2017 when Lionsgate acquired Shay Hatten’s initial spec script, evolving into a critical contribution to Parabellum and Chapter 4. After hiring Wiseman to direct in 2019, the production came to life in Prague, Czech Republic, with further action sequences filmed in early 2024. Scheduled for release on June 6, 2025, Ballerina is set to combine the franchise’s brutal elegance with a nuanced exploration of a female assassin’s quest for vengeance. As de Armas steps into the deadly dance of Wick’s world, audiences can expect a fierce, graceful performance that intensifies the franchise’s legacy of stylized violence and loyalty to the code of honor among killers.