Discover Ballerina 2025, the gripping action-thriller set in the John Wick universe starring Ana de Armas. Get the full review, cast details, and critical reception of this explosive spin-off.
Ballerina 2025: A Fierce and Graceful Addition to the John Wick Universe
The John Wick universe expands its cinematic footprint with Ballerina 2025, an action-packed spin-off that brings both emotional depth and relentless combat sequences to the big screen. Directed by Len Wiseman and written by Shay Hatten, the film stars Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro—a ballerina turned assassin—with a compelling backstory and ties to the ruthless world fans have come to love.
Released in U.S. theaters on June 6, 2025, by Lionsgate, Ballerina positions itself as a sidequel to John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and takes place prior to the events of John Wick: Chapter 4. With a $90 million budget, the film has grossed $57.1 million globally so far. Though box office numbers fell short of expectations, the movie has received a largely positive critical response.
Plot Summary: The Rise of Eve Macarro
Eve Macarro is introduced as the daughter of Javier, a member of the Ruska Roma, and a Cultist woman. After the Cult targets their family, Eve and her father flee. During their escape, her mother is killed. Years later, the Cult launches another brutal attack, killing Eve’s guards and fatally injuring her father. Before dying, Javier helps Eve escape. She’s taken to the Ruska Roma and trained as both a ballerina and an assassin under the guidance of the Director and mentor Nogi.
After 12 years of intensive training, Eve successfully completes her first protection assignment. However, she’s soon attacked by a Cult assassin and decides to investigate further. The Director warns her not to violate the truce with the Cult, but Eve is driven by revenge. This sets her on a dangerous path that takes her to Prague, where she crosses paths with Daniel Pine—son of the Cult leader, the Chancellor—who is protecting his daughter Ella from the same dark forces.
The narrative twists when Eve learns that Lena, a top Cult assassin, is actually her long-lost sister. In a shocking turn, Lena dies in a grenade attack ordered by the Chancellor. To settle the growing tensions, the Director sends John Wick to eliminate Eve. However, John empathizes with Eve’s mission and gives her 30 minutes to complete her vengeance. Eve eventually confronts and kills the Chancellor, rescuing Ella and narrowly escaping John. The film ends with Eve vanishing into the shadows, knowing a bounty has now been placed on her head.
Cast Highlights
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Ana de Armas stars as Eve Macarro, delivering a strong performance that balances vulnerability and ferocity.
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Anjelica Huston reprises her role as the Director of the Ruska Roma, offering gravitas and intensity.
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Gabriel Byrne plays the main antagonist, the Chancellor, leader of a deadly assassin cult.
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Norman Reedus appears as Daniel Pine, a former cult member trying to protect his daughter.
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Ian McShane and Keanu Reeves return as Winston and John Wick respectively, anchoring the story within the familiar universe.
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Lance Reddick makes his final posthumous appearance as Charon, adding emotional weight to the film.
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Catalina Sandino Moreno portrays Lena, Eve’s sister and a formidable cult assassin.
Production Journey
The journey to Ballerina began in 2017 when Lionsgate acquired Shay Hatten’s spec script. Initially envisioned as a separate action film, it was later adapted into the John Wick timeline. Len Wiseman was brought on as director in 2019, and Ana de Armas was officially confirmed in 2022. Filming began in Prague in late 2022, with additional action sequences shot in early 2024. Rumors of major reshoots led by Chad Stahelski were later clarified as brief additional photography.
Musically, the film shifted direction mid-production. Although Marco Beltrami and Anna Drubich were initially hired, they were replaced by franchise veterans Tyler Bates and Joel J. Richard. Songs like “Hand That Feeds” by Halsey and Amy Lee, and the theme song “Fight Like a Girl” by Evanescence and K.Flay, added a fierce tone to the film.
Marketing & Release
The first teaser for Ballerina premiered at CinemaCon 2024, followed by the official trailer in September. Titled John Wick Presents: Ballerina, the film was marketed as a direct tie-in to the franchise, tapping into its loyal fanbase. Originally set for a 2024 release, the film was delayed by a year and finally hit theaters on June 6, 2025.
Box Office Performance
Despite strong anticipation, Ballerina opened to $24.5 million in its first weekend—falling short of its projected $28–30 million. Competing against Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, the film ranked second in the box office. It has since amassed $31.1 million in North America and $26 million internationally, bringing its total to $57.1 million.
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Critical Reception
Critics gave Ballerina a generally positive nod. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 76% approval rating based on 241 reviews. The consensus reads:
“Equipping a steely Ana de Armas with creatively brutal action choreography and a pleasingly kooky origin story, Ballerina pirouettes gracefully onto the Wickverse’s centerstage.”
On Metacritic, the film scored a more reserved 59/100, suggesting mixed or average reviews. However, audiences were far more generous: CinemaScore graded it “A–” while PostTrak reported 87% positive feedback.
Notable Critic Opinions:
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Alison Willmore (Vulture): “It’s absurd, thrilling, and gorgeous. While Ballerina doesn’t start off as a real John Wick movie, it sure ends as one.”
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Clint Gage (IGN): “A spinoff that understands why John Wick succeeded—packed with creative, bloody, and breathtaking fight scenes.”
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Justin Clark (Slant Magazine): More critical, stating the film lacks a unique mythology and feels like a recycled 87Eleven project.
A Graceful Yet Brutal Addition
Ballerina succeeds in blending the poetic elegance of ballet with the brutal aesthetic of the John Wick franchise. Ana de Armas cements her place as a legitimate action star, while the film deepens the Wickverse lore with emotionally rich storytelling and stylish combat. Though its box office performance was modest, its critical acclaim and world-building strength suggest a promising future for spin-offs in the franchise.