The legendary underworld of assassins, forged in the neon-drenched shadows of the John Wick franchise, is spinning into new territory — and this time, it pirouettes with deadly precision. With Ballerina, the newest entry in the Wick cinematic universe, the saga of stoic vengeance finds an elegant but brutal new face.
Directed by Len Wiseman and starring Ana de Armas, Ballerina is not just a spin-off — it’s a stylistic extension of a world where elegance meets unflinching violence, and where the rules of engagement are written in both code and blood.
From the Shadows of the Continental to Center Stage
First teased in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, the character of Rooney — a ballerina with secrets darker than stage lighting — finally gets her moment in the spotlight. Played then briefly, and now reimagined by Ana de Armas, Rooney is not just a dancer. She’s an assassin trained in the same ballet academy run by The Director
(Anjelica Huston), where grace is as important as grit.
In Ballerina, we follow Rooney on a chilling path of vengeance as she hunts down those responsible for her family’s murder. It’s a familiar theme for Wick fans, but with a fresh perspective: feminine rage wrapped in discipline, and ballet slippers laced tight for bloodshed.
The Vision: Style Meets Substance
Director Len Wiseman (Underworld, Live Free or Die Hard) brings a kinetic energy to the film, combining high-octane action with noirish visuals. The trailer already hints at beautifully choreographed action sequences — a deadly pas de deux of bullets, blades, and balletic movement.
Cinematographer Dan Laustsen, who lent his signature shadow play to the John Wick films, returns with the same rich palette of deep blues, stark reds, and streetlight haze. And yes — there are rumors of cameos from franchise regulars, including the indelible Keanu Reeves and the ever-watchful Ian McShane as Winston.
A New Kind of Action Heroine
Ana de Armas, coming off her buzz-worthy performance in No Time to Die, has reportedly undergone months of combat and ballet training for the role. Sources close to the production describe her as “fierce, fluid, and unforgettable.”
What sets Rooney apart is not just her motivation, but her method. Unlike Wick’s brute efficiency, Rooney blends dexterity with deception — a dancer who uses momentum as a weapon, and beauty as a trap.
Her performance, early reviews suggest, doesn’t just stand shoulder-to-shoulder with John Wick — it twirls, strikes, and soars past expectations.
Expanding the Wick-Verse
Ballerina marks the first full-length spin-off in the expanding John Wick universe, following the recent limited series The Continental, which explored the rules and rituals behind the assassin hotel. Lionsgate has hinted that Ballerina could be the first in a new trilogy, with additional characters already being tested for potential solo features.
Given the global success of the main franchise — grossing over $1 billion across four films — it’s no surprise the studio is eager to develop a broader ecosystem.
Release Date & What’s Next
Ballerina is slated to release worldwide in 2025, with an aggressive rollout planned across theaters and premium digital platforms. The film is already generating Oscar buzz for action choreography and set design, something rarely seen for genre films.
As fans count down the days, one thing is clear: Ballerina isn’t just riding John Wick’s coattails — she’s leaping into a league of her own.
In a world built on rules, consequences, and an underground society of killers, Ballerina offers a fresh vision — fierce yet poetic, violent yet vulnerable. It doesn’t just expand the John Wick universe — it elevates it.
As Rooney aims her sights and spins into action, one can only imagine what Keanu’s Baba Yaga would think:
“She’s not coming for vengeance… she’s coming for balance.”
Last Updated on: Saturday, June 14, 2025 7:14 pm by Muthangi Anil Kumar | Published by: Muthangi Anil Kumar on Saturday, June 14, 2025 7:14 pm | News Categories: Entertainment, News
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