From the World of John Wick | Ballerina (2025) | Ana de Armas

"Ballerina" is an upcoming spin-off from the popular John Wick film series, set for release in 2025. Directed by Len Wiseman, the film stars Ana de Armas in the lead role as a ballerina-turned-assassin named Rooney, who embarks on a mission of vengeance after her family is murdered. The film builds upon the established John Wick universe, known for its intense action, intricate assassin lore, and highly stylized visuals.

Plot Overview

In Ballerina, Ana de Armas plays Rooney, a ballerina who has been trained in the deadly arts within the same assassin world that John Wick navigates. After the brutal murder of her family, Rooney sets out to hunt down those responsible, using her specialized skills honed through both ballet and assassin training. Her character's origin connects to the Ruska Roma, a crime syndicate led by The Director (played by Anjelica Huston), who trains young women in ballet and lethal combat.

The story will explore Rooney’s journey for revenge, showcasing the intersection between the grace of ballet and the brutal, unforgiving world of assassins.

Key Highlights

1. Ana de Armas in the Lead Role: Ana de Armas brings her charm, intensity, and physicality to the role of Rooney. Known for her work in action films like No Time to Die and The Gray Man, de Armas is no stranger to stunt-heavy roles. Her portrayal of Rooney promises to blend elegance and fierceness, with her character’s ballet background providing a unique spin on traditional combat choreography.

2. John Wick Universe Connections: Ballerina is set within the same universe as the John Wick films, meaning fans can expect familiar faces and locations from the main series. Keanu Reeves is expected to make a cameo as John Wick, further linking the spin-off to the larger narrative. Anjelica Huston also reprises her role as The Director, Rooney’s mentor who oversees the brutal training of young female assassins.

3. Director and Creative Team: Len Wiseman, known for his work on action films like Underworld and Live Free or Die Hard, is at the helm of Ballerina. His expertise in crafting visually dynamic and action-packed films will likely be a key factor in bringing the visceral and stylish world of John Wick to this spin-off. The film’s screenplay was co-written by Shay Hatten, who has also worked on John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4, ensuring continuity in tone and narrative.

4. Action and Choreography: The John Wick series is famous for its innovative fight choreography and intense action sequences, and Ballerina is expected to continue that tradition. Given that Rooney is a trained ballerina, the film is likely to feature combat scenes that blend dance-like fluidity with lethal precision. This unique style of fighting could set Ballerina apart from other action films, offering a fresh take on the genre.

5. Exploration of the Assassin Underworld: Ballerina will delve deeper into the secretive world of assassins, particularly focusing on the training and operations of the Ruska Roma syndicate. This will allow viewers to explore another facet of the highly organized, rule-bound underworld introduced in the John Wick series, expanding the lore and mythology of the franchise.

Cast and Characters

• Ana de Armas as Rooney: The central character of the film, a ballerina who seeks vengeance after her family’s murder. Rooney’s background in ballet serves as a foundation for her deadly skills as an assassin, making her a unique protagonist in the John Wick universe.

• Keanu Reeves as John Wick (Cameo): While John Wick is not the focus of the film, Keanu Reeves is expected to appear in a supporting or cameo role, tying the spin-off directly to the main series.

• Anjelica Huston as The Director: Returning from John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, Huston’s character is the leader of the Ruska Roma syndicate and is responsible for Rooney’s assassin training. She plays a significant role in Rooney’s journey.

• Ian McShane as Winston (Cameo): Another familiar face from the John Wick series, Winston, the manager of the Continental Hotel, could also make an appearance, further anchoring the film within the broader universe.

What to Expect

1. Innovative Fight Sequences: Like the main series, Ballerina will likely feature groundbreaking action sequences. Rooney’s ballerina background hints at a unique style of fighting that will combine the grace of dance with the brutality of combat, offering a fresh take on the fast-paced, close-quarters action that the John Wick films are known for.

2. Character-Driven Storyline: While Ballerina will certainly be action-heavy, the film is expected to dive deep into Rooney’s personal journey, exploring themes of loss, revenge, and survival. Ana de Armas’ ability to portray complex emotions will likely bring depth to the character, making her more than just a deadly assassin.

3. Expansion of the John Wick Universe: Ballerina is the first official spin-off in the John Wick franchise, potentially opening the door for more films or series set within this world. The film will expand on the intricacies of the assassin society, including new rules, factions, and characters that could feature in future projects.

"Ballerina" is shaping up to be a thrilling addition to the John Wick universe, with Ana de Armas leading the charge as a compelling new protagonist. Combining ballet with intense action sequences, the film promises to explore new depths of the assassin underworld while delivering the same high-octane, meticulously choreographed fights that have made the John Wick series a global phenomenon. Fans of the franchise, as well as action film enthusiasts, have much to look forward to in this highly anticipated spin-off.

Ana de Armas is a highly acclaimed Cuban-Spanish actress who has garnered international recognition for her versatile performances in a variety of genres, from action-packed blockbusters to intimate dramas. Known for her beauty, charisma, and impressive acting skills, de Armas has become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents.

Early Life and Background

• Full Name: Ana Celia de Armas Caso
• Date of Birth: April 30, 1988
• Place of Birth: Havana, Cuba
• Nationality: Cuban-Spanish

Ana de Armas was born and raised in Havana, Cuba, and at the age of 14, she enrolled in the National Theater School of Cuba. Her natural talent was evident early on, and she landed a role in a Cuban-Spanish film at just 16. Eager to explore more opportunities, Ana moved to Spain when she was 18, where her acting career truly began to take shape.

Career Beginnings in Spain

Ana gained recognition in Spain with her role in the popular teen drama series "El Internado" (2007–2010), where she played Carolina Leal. Her time in Spain established her as a rising star, but she eventually set her sights on Hollywood, seeking new opportunities in the international film industry.

Breakthrough in Hollywood

1. "Knock Knock" (2015): Ana de Armas made her Hollywood debut alongside Keanu Reeves in this psychological thriller. While the film received mixed reviews, her performance stood out, marking the beginning of her rise in Hollywood.

2. "Blade Runner 2049" (2017): Ana’s role as Joi, a holographic AI companion, in Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic Blade Runner 2049 significantly elevated her career. Her performance was praised for its emotional depth and subtlety, making her a breakout star and earning her attention from both audiences and filmmakers.

Major Career Successes

1. "Knives Out" (2019): Ana’s star power skyrocketed with her role as Marta Cabrera, the kind-hearted nurse in Rian Johnson’s Knives Out. Her performance was widely acclaimed, earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy). This film demonstrated her ability to lead a large ensemble cast, holding her own alongside veteran actors like Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, and Jamie Lee Curtis.

2. "No Time to Die" (2021): Ana de Armas reunited with Daniel Craig in the James Bond film No Time to Die, where she played the role of Paloma, a Cuban CIA operative. Though her screen time was limited, her action-packed performance left a lasting impression on viewers and critics, cementing her ability to thrive in high-stakes, action-heavy roles.

3. "The Gray Man" (2022): In the Russo Brothers' action thriller The Gray Man, Ana starred alongside Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans, further proving her ability to excel in fast-paced, high-octane films. Her performance added to her growing reputation as an action star.

4. "Blonde" (2022): One of Ana de Armas' most challenging and talked-about roles to date was her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in the biographical drama Blonde. The film, based on Joyce Carol Oates' novel, was a deeply personal and harrowing depiction of Monroe’s life. Ana’s performance was widely praised for its vulnerability and intensity, and she earned her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her portrayal.

Future Projects

1. "Ballerina" (2025): Ana de Armas is set to star in "Ballerina", a spin-off from the John Wick universe. In the film, she plays Rooney, a ballerina-turned-assassin seeking revenge. This action-packed role is highly anticipated and marks Ana’s entry into one of Hollywood's most popular action franchises.

2. "Ghosted" (2023): In this romantic action-comedy film, Ana de Armas starred alongside Chris Evans again, playing a mysterious woman who gets involved in an unexpected espionage adventure. The film added to her action-comedy repertoire, showcasing her versatility in lighter, more comedic roles.

Acting Style and Impact

Ana de Armas is known for her ability to bring emotional depth and nuance to her characters, often portraying women with resilience, vulnerability, and strength. She has a natural on-screen presence that draws viewers in, whether she’s starring in a drama, thriller, or action-packed blockbuster. Her seamless transition between genres—ranging from thrillers to romantic dramas and high-octane action films—has established her as a versatile and dynamic actress.

Personal Life

Ana de Armas moved to Los Angeles to further her acting career and has since become a prominent figure in Hollywood. She has been involved in high-profile relationships, including a much-publicized romance with actor Ben Affleck during 2020. Ana is fluent in Spanish and English and often speaks about her Cuban heritage, maintaining a strong connection to her roots.

Ana de Armas has rapidly ascended to Hollywood stardom, earning acclaim for her range, captivating performances, and ability to thrive in diverse roles. From her breakout in Blade Runner 2049 to her award-nominated portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in Blonde, Ana has proven herself to be one of the most talented and versatile actresses of her generation. As she continues to take on high-profile roles in both action films like Ballerina and complex dramas, her star power is only set to rise further.