Lionsgate has provided the first look at its new movie “Ballerina,” a spinoff of the popular John Wick franchise. The film stars acclaimed actress Ana de Armas as Eve Maccaro, a ballerina seeking revenge for her father’s death.
“Ballerina” takes place between 2019’s “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum” and the upcoming fourth installment in 2023. In the movie, Eve Maccaro trains as a ballerina but then becomes an assassin after her father is killed. Like in “Chapter 3,” the film will feature the assassin group called the Ruska Roma, of which ballerinas are members.
While some fans were initially confused, Eve Maccaro is an original character created for “Ballerina” and not seen before in the John Wick movies. However, the film expands upon aspects from “Chapter 3” including the Ruska Roma. The trailer also hints John Wick himself, played by Keanu Reeves, and other familiar faces like Winston and Charon, may appear in “Ballerina” as the story connects to the larger John Wick universe.
Lionsgate has clarified any timeline questions, confirming “Ballerina” takes place at the same time as the events in “John Wick: Chapter 3.” Joining de Armas is an A-list cast including Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Norman Reedus and Sharon Duncan-Brewster. Len Wiseman directs from a script by “Chapter 3” writer Shay Hatten.
As the franchise expands its storytelling, “Ballerina” explores new characters and plotlines within the intricate world of assassins first seen in John Wick. It bridges the gap until the release of “Chapter 4” in 2023 while signaling a potential new direction with Ana de Armas in the lead role. Lionsgate also has a John Wick TV series called “Wick: Under the High Table” in development, showing its commitment to building out the franchise’s universe.
“Ballerina” promises to deliver the signature breathless action sequences and brutal violence the John Wick series is known for, now through the eyes of a new female protagonist seeking vengeance.
