John Wick Spin-Off: Ballerina Hits Theaters In 2025

The John Wick universe is expanding, and Ballerina (2025) is leading the charge. As the first official spin-off from the high-octane franchise starring Keanu Reeves, this new chapter introduces a fresh female lead while keeping the gun-fu energy fans know and love. Scheduled for release on June 6, 2025, Ballerina stars Ana de Armas in the role of Eve, a deadly assassin trained in a brutal underworld ballet academy.

If you’re a fan of the John Wick films, this spin-off promises familiar faces, new action set pieces, and deeper lore. Here’s everything we know so far about Ballerina, from the plot and cast to its production and connection to the Wick universe.

Plot: A Deadly Dance of Revenge

Set chronologically between John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, Ballerina follows Eve Macarro, a trained ballerina who doubles as a ruthless assassin. After her family is murdered, Eve embarks on a violent journey of revenge across the shadowy criminal underworld governed by the High Table.

The film is expected to delve deeper into the mysterious Ruska Roma syndicate — the same group that once trained John Wick himself. Fans of Chapter 3 may remember the ballet academy and its fierce leader, the Director, played by Anjelica Huston. In Ballerina, we return to that chilling world, only now through Eve’s perspective.

Ana de Armas Leads the Charge

Award-nominated actress Ana de Armas takes on her most intense role yet. Best known for Knives Out, No Time to Die, and Blonde, Ana brings both emotional depth and physical prowess to the role of Eve. She underwent extensive combat and choreography training to embody the character — blending elegance with lethal force.

In a recent interview, Ana revealed that one scene involving a flamethrower was so intense she broke down in tears after filming. Her commitment to realism and physicality is already earning praise from early previews.

Returning Faces from the Wick Universe

Ballerina may be a spin-off, but it’s far from a stand-alone story. Several iconic characters from the main franchise make an appearance, tying the film closely to the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 and 4.

Keanu Reeves returns briefly as John Wick
Ian McShane reprises his role as Winston, the Continental manager
Anjelica Huston returns as the Director of the ballet academy
Lance Reddick appears as Charon in his final on-screen performance before his passing in 2023

These cameos solidify Ballerina as a key piece of the Wick timeline and not just a side story.

Direction and Production Quality

Directed by Len Wiseman (Underworld, Live Free or Die Hard), Ballerina combines brutal action choreography with haunting visuals. Wiseman aimed to balance the graceful elegance of ballet with the hard-hitting style fans expect from a John Wick spin-off.

Crucially, Chad Stahelski, director of all four John Wick films, returned to oversee the action scenes. In early 2024, additional fight scenes were filmed under Stahelski’s direction to ensure the film matched the franchise’s kinetic intensity.

Trailer and Early Reception

The official trailer for Ballerina dropped in early May 2025, instantly going viral. The two-minute teaser showcases Ana de Armas wielding a katana, leaping through fiery explosions, and eliminating foes with balletic precision. The flamethrower scene — already infamous — closes the trailer with a literal bang.

Fans praised the trailer’s visuals, choreography, and tone, saying the film feels like a true spiritual successor to the original series. On social media, the excitement was palpable, with hashtags like #BallerinaMovie, #JohnWickSpinOff, and #AnaDeArmas trending within hours.

What Makes Ballerina Different?

While Ballerina fits neatly into the Wick mythos, it introduces a new voice and style. Where John was a stoic gunslinger, Eve is emotionally driven — her rage rooted in personal loss. The film explores themes of grief, identity, and survival, giving it a slightly more introspective tone without sacrificing action.

Moreover, Ballerina represents a meaningful step forward for female-led action films. With Ana de Armas at the center, backed by a strong creative team, the film is set to become a milestone in the genre.

The Future of the John Wick Universe

Ballerina is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Lionsgate has already launched The Continental — a prequel miniseries exploring the origins of Winston and the famous assassin hotel. Additional spin-offs and possibly a John Wick: Chapter 5 are also rumored.

If Ballerina performs well at the box office, it could become the launching pad for more interconnected stories within the John Wick cinematic universe, much like the MCU or Star Wars.

Final Thoughts

With a killer cast, stunning choreography, and a rich narrative backdrop, Ballerina (2025) is poised to be one of the standout action films of the year. Whether you’re a hardcore Wick fan or new to the franchise, this spin-off promises high stakes, intense action, and a powerful female lead at the center of it all.

Mark your calendars for June 6, 2025 — because Ballerina is ready to dance with death.