When you think “John Wick universe” , you probably imagine Keanu Reeves in a tailored suit, doing flips off balconies while shooting multiple bad guys at once. But now Netflix and Lionsgate want to shake things up with a new kind of killer — one who pirouettes before she kills and dances through danger like it’s just another night at the opera house.

Enter: Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro , the ballet-trained assassin taking center stage in Ballerina , a standalone film set between John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4 . This isn’t just a spinoff. It’s more like a full-on expansion pack for the John Wick universe — with fewer suits and more split kicks.

🎬 What’s Ballerina About?

Ballerina follows Eve Macarro, a deadly operative trained by the elusive Ruska Roma syndicate. She’s fueled by grief, revenge, and possibly an irrational hatred for people who step on dance floors without asking first.

Set in the gap between two major Wick events, the movie dives into a darker, frostier side of the underworld — this time centered around Eastern European crime dynasties, flamethrower duels, and ballet schools that double as assassin academies. Because why teach pliés when you can teach how to kill someone with a pointe shoe?

👑 Directed By Len Wiseman (Yeah, That Underworld Guy)

The film is helmed by Len Wiseman , best known for creating the Underworld franchise — so we’re deep in stylish action territory here. Wiseman wanted to explore the unseen corners of the Wick-verse, especially the mysterious Ruska Roma , led by none other than Anjelica Huston ’s icy matriarch, The Director.

And no, The Director doesn’t run a daycare. She runs a black-market ballet school where little girls grow up learning both Swan Lake and how to slit throats.

“I wanted to show what really does take place there—what’s behind the veil,” said Wiseman.
Translation: Get ready for ritualistic tattoos, brutal combat training, and way too much eyeliner.

🤡 Ana de Armas Trains Harder Than Your Ex-Gym Rat Roommate

Playing such a physically demanding role meant Ana de Armas had to train extensively — not just in ballet, but in fight choreography, wire work, and emotional storytelling. And she killed it.

“I loved the way she uses all that pain and frustration and not knowing about her past… to seek revenge,” Ana explained, proving once again that she’s not just Hollywood’s sweetheart — she’s also capable of doing backflips mid-murder spree.

Eve brings something new to the Wick world: empathy. Unlike John, whose entire motivation is based on losing dogs (yes, really), Eve has been holding onto lifelong trauma. So when she finally snaps, it’s not just satisfying — it’s cathartic.

🔫 And Yes, John Wick Is In It. Kind Of.

Keanu Reeves returns briefly as everyone’s favorite grim reaper in a three-piece suit. But don’t worry — this isn’t just a token cameo to sell tickets.

Wick actually plays a meaningful role in the story, helping shape Eve’s journey. And true to form, he even asked for more action scenes during production.

“He read the script and said, ‘This is pretty fucking cool,’” said producer Basil Iwanyk.
“Then he said, ‘I think I need more action at the end.’”

Of course he did. That man has never met a stunt he didn’t want to do himself.

🕯️ Familiar Faces Return

Ian McShane reprises his role as Winston, the philosophical manager of the Continental Hotel. He also shared a surprising twist:
Winston has known Eve since she was a child.

Spoiler alert? Maybe. But trust us — it adds depth to the entire universe.

Anjelica Huston also returns as The Director, and let’s just say she’s got a lot more screen time this time around. Ruthless? Absolutely. Fashion-forward? Without question.

“She’s fierce and powerful… audiences are going to love her and root for her.” – Anjelica Huston

Well, until they don’t.

🌍 Ballerina Expands the Wick-iverse

Director Len Wiseman emphasized that Ballerina wasn’t made from a rigid “franchise bible.” Instead, it evolved organically through conversations with Chad Stahelski (the brains behind the Wick-verse) and Thunder Road Films.

The goal? Expand the mythology, not just the mayhem.

“It gives fans a layered experience,” Wiseman said. “You start to recognize what scene this is, or whisper, ‘Oh shit, is that where Ana was during this time?’”

In short: Rewatching previous John Wick films after seeing Ballerina will feel like discovering hidden easter eggs in Ready Player One .

🏛️ Bonus: The Ruska Roma Gets Its Own Deep Dive

If you thought the Ruska Roma was just some shady ballet cult with knives, you were only half right.

In Ballerina , we dive deeper into their world — their rituals, training methods, and how exactly one becomes a dancing death machine. Think of it as Hogwarts meets Fight Club, with fewer wands and more wirework.

“The Ruska Roma is a surrogate family,” explains Huston. “But don’t get too comfortable. You’re either dancing or dying.”

Also read:

• “The Flood Is Coming” : Robert Pattinson and Denzel Washington Team Up for Netflix’s Unconventional Heist Thriller
• Ballerina: Why the John Wick Spinoff Shows the Franchise’s Biggest Risk
• Arnold Schwarzenegger Is Back in ‘FUBAR’ Season 2 — Dancing, Tanks and Old Spy Scores