From the World of John Wick: Ballerina isn't just another action sequel dressed in leather and blood. It’s the first time the franchise steps outside John Wick’s shadow to tell a new story — and it does so with Ana de Armas leading the charge.

Ana de Armas stars as Eve, a ballerina turned vengeful assassin

De Armas plays Eve Macarro, a dancer who trains to become an assassin after her family is brutally killed. What begins as a quest for revenge quickly pulls her into the violent underworld of the High Table. But Eve’s journey isn’t just about survival — it’s about transformation. And that transformation is choreographed with the precision and grace only this franchise could deliver.

Eve’s background in ballet isn’t just for show. Her fighting style is built around it. Smooth, fluid, and deadly. As de Armas explained, her combat scenes were tailored to her strengths — especially her kicking. The result is a unique brand of violence that feels both elegant and explosive. Think John Wick’s gun-fu, but with pointe shoes and flamethrowers.

Keanu Reeves returns in a small but significant role

Though Ballerina isn’t about John Wick, Keanu Reeves does make an appearance. And not just a cameo. Reeves spent eight days on set reprising the role that made him iconic. But don’t expect him to steal the spotlight. His screen time is limited, and his role is more complex than just “bad guys go boom.”

In fact, Wick isn't always on Eve’s side. Latest trailers suggest he’s been sent to stop her from disrupting the fragile peace between crime syndicates. It’s a twist that adds layers to their dynamic — and shows that even John Wick can’t break the rules of the underworld.

The film fills the gap between John Wick 3 and 4

Set between the events of Chapter 3 — Parabellum and Chapter 4, Ballerina slots neatly into the existing timeline. It even brings back familiar faces like Ian McShane’s Winston, Anjelica Huston’s Director, and the late Lance Reddick’s Charon. Plus, it introduces a new player in Daniel Pine, played by Norman Reedus.

Redus’s character is a wildcard, and little is known about his allegiance. But his presence alongside Eve and Wick hints at a deeper game being played beneath the surface of the High Table’s control.

Flamethrowers, fingerprints, and a new type of assassin

One of the most talked-about weapons in Ballerina’s marketing is Eve’s flamethrower. Ana de Armas revealed that filming those scenes was emotionally intense — partly because of the sheer destruction involved. “I broke down in tears,” she said. “Then I burned a hundred people.”

But Eve doesn’t rely on fire alone. The trailers tease a variety of tools and tactics, including a memorable scene where she points a gun across a table at an unknown target. It's a moment that captures her cold determination — and shows that she’s just as calculated as Wick, if not more so.

Ballerina isn’t just a spin-off — it’s a evolution

For over a decade, the John Wick series has set the bar for action choreography. Ballerina builds on that legacy while adding its own flavor. It’s a story about gender, grief, and grit — told through bloodied tutus and shattered glass.

More importantly, it gives the franchise something it hasn't had before: a lead who isn’t a middle-aged man with a beard. Eve Macarro isn’t stepping into John Wick’s shoes — she’s creating her own dance of death. And with a weaponized elegance that’s impossible to ignore.

What Ballerina means for the future of the John Wick universe

With Ballerina, Lionsgate isn’t just testing an idea — they’re expanding a world. The fact that this film exists alongside an animated prequel and another spin-off starring Donnie Yen shows that the High Table is ready to diversify its storytelling.

And if Eve’s story is any indication, that expansion might actually make the universe stronger. Not just by adding more blood and bullets, but by adding characters who bring something new to the fight.

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina hits theaters June 6.