Ballerina (2025 film), marketed as From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, is an American action thriller directed by Len Wiseman and written by Shay Hatten. Released on June 6, 2025, by Lionsgate, it is a spin-off within the John Wick franchise, set between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019) and John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023).
The film stars Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro, a ballerina assassin avenging her father’s death. The supporting cast includes Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Norman Reedus, Ian McShane, Keanu Reeves, and Lance Reddick in his final on-screen role. With a budget of $90 million, the movie grossed over $133 million worldwide and received generally positive reviews.
Plot
Eve Macarro, the daughter of assassins, is raised within the Ruska Roma, a syndicate of killers masked as dancers. After her father is killed during a raid by a cult known as the Chancellor’s followers, Eve dedicates her life to training as both a ballerina and assassin.
As she seeks revenge, Eve uncovers shocking truths about her family, including the revelation that her long-lost sister Lena serves the cult. John Wick himself intervenes, urging Eve to abandon her violent path, but ultimately allows her to finish her mission. The film ends with Eve killing the Chancellor, saving Pine’s daughter Ella, and going into hiding with a bounty on her head.
Cast
- Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro
- Anjelica Huston as the Director
- Gabriel Byrne as the Chancellor
- Lance Reddick as Charon
- Norman Reedus as Daniel Pine
- Catalina Sandino Moreno as Lena
- Ian McShane as Winston Scott
- Keanu Reeves as John Wick
Supporting appearances include Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Jung Doo-hong, David Castañeda, Anne Parillaud, and Juliet Doherty.
Production
The concept of Ballerina originated from Shay Hatten’s 2017 script about a ballerina-assassin, later integrated into the John Wick universe. Lionsgate confirmed Len Wiseman as director in 2019, while Chad Stahelski returned as producer.
In 2021, Ana de Armas joined the project, with Emerald Fennell later contributing revisions to the script. Filming began in Prague and Budapest in November 2022 and wrapped in early 2023. Additional photography took place in 2024, overseen by Stahelski.
Music was composed by Tyler Bates and Joel J. Richard, longtime John Wick collaborators.
Release
Ballerina was released theatrically in the United States on June 6, 2025, a year after its initial planned release date. It was distributed by Lionsgate under the John Wick branding.
Reception
Box Office
The film earned $133.8 million worldwide, including $58.1 million in the United States and Canada and $75.7 million internationally. It debuted second at the U.S. box office, behind Lilo & Stitch.
Critical Response
The film received generally positive reviews, with a 76% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a CinemaScore grade of A–. Critics praised Ana de Armas for her performance and the choreographed action scenes, though some felt the story leaned heavily on franchise familiarity.
Alison Willmore of Vulture described it as “absurd, thrilling, and gorgeous,” while IGN highlighted its “creative fight choreography and expansion of the Wickverse.”
Future
Producers have confirmed that a sequel to Ballerina (2025 film) is in early development, with Ana de Armas expected to return. Director Len Wiseman has teased that Eve will “face the consequences of her actions” in the next installment.
