The John Wick universe expands with its first major spinoff, Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas as a deadly assassin seeking revenge. Early reviews highlight her standout performance and the film’s intense action sequences. Set between John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4, the movie follows Eve Macarro, a ballerina trained by the Ruska Roma assassin clan.
Director Len Wiseman describes Eve’s journey as the opposite of John Wick’s. While Wick tries to leave his violent past, Eve embraces it.
“It’s kind of the opposite of John Wick’s story. Wick is trying to get out of his life as an assassin; Eve is wanting in — she wants to be a killer.”
Fans and critics who saw early screenings are calling it a worthy addition to the franchise.
What Critics and Fans Are Saying
Early reactions on social media praise Ana de Armas for making Eve a distinct character, not just a female version of John Wick. The action sequences, a hallmark of the franchise, are getting rave reviews.
BALLERINA is a visual exhibition to feel the ACTION. Vibrant, frenetic, intense & vengeful, and I’m not just referring to the film, but also to Ana de Armas. An actress capable of anything w/ an electric aura that will paralyze you into not moving from your seat. #BallerinaMoviepic.twitter.com/SioHF6scI7
— Jairo Jiménez @Tribeca (@jairojimenez_) June 4, 2025
“I had a blast with #BallerinaMovie, which has all the Wickism’s you’d expect, from fast-paced bloody shootouts to carnage-inducing brawls that push the creative limit.”
I had a blast with #BallerinaMovie which has all the Wickism’s you’d expect, from fast-paced bloody shoot outs to carnage inducing brawls that push the creative limit. It’s exhaustive in the way that the Wick films excel and has one of the best flamethrower scenes since Once Upon… pic.twitter.com/wCsqkD5GVJ
Another viewer appreciated how Eve fights differently from Wick:
“BALLERINA features some great stunt action & fight choreography. Thankfully, they did not try to make Ana de Armas’ Eve be a female John Wick. She stands on her own & handles business her way.”
#BallerinaMovie is a fucking blast…it’s a little slow to start out with, but once we get into the world we know it’s balls to wall action. Guys and glory all that fun stuff. I’ll watch Ana De Armas do anything especially blow dudes up with a flame thrower & some grenades. John… pic.twitter.com/H7OwP2fkni
The film’s visual style and emotional intensity also stand out.
“BALLERINA is a visual exhibition to feel the ACTION. Vibrant, frenetic, intense & vengeful, and I’m not just referring to the film, but also to Ana de Armas.”
#BallerinaMovie takes a bit to find its footing but really takes off in a blaze of glory. Sits really well in this middle ground of goofy and gritty that allows for exciting & memorable action sequences. Love Ana de Armas in this kind of vehicle. Summer movie season is here! pic.twitter.com/jDze2mFFnN
Some viewers were initially skeptical but left impressed.
“Walking out of #BallerinaMovie pleasantly surprised & still buzzing off some franchise-high action sequences. As someone who was very hesitant that Armas could live up to the John Wick name, I recommend releasing your worries and giving it a real shot.”
How Ballerina Compares to John Wick
While some say it doesn’t surpass the original films, many agree it holds its own.
“Ballerina is hands down one of the top three in the John Wick franchise!”
Others note that while it may not reach the heights of John Wick 4, it delivers thrilling moments.
“It doesn’t reach the heights of John Wick 1-4, but when it cooks, it sets the screen on fire!”
The action is described as brutal, inventive, and relentless, with creative weapons like flamethrowers, grenades, and even ice skates.
“Absolute mayhem from start to finish. Mind-blowing fight scenes, phenomenally choreographed and staged… incredible stunts and improvised weapons.”
Ana de Armas as an Action Star
De Armas, known for No Time to Die and The Gray Man, trained intensely for the role. She worked for months on combat skills, weapons handling, and stamina.
“The challenge in Ballerina had no comparison with anything I’ve done before. The training was three to four months, every day, many hours a day.”
Her preparation included screaming before takes to get into character.
“I would just start jumping and screaming to the top of my lungs before every take because you had to get yourself again to that level.”
Director Len Wiseman praised her dedication.
“Ana does this thing where she’ll rev herself up like it’s a V8 engine where she’s just screaming in the corner before she does a fight.”
Returning John Wick Favorites
Fans will see familiar faces, including Keanu Reeves as John Wick, Ian McShane as Winston, and the late Lance Reddick as Charon. Reeves’ appearance, though brief, is a highlight.
“When Keanu shows up? Pure GOOSEBUMPS.”
Reddick’s final performance is also emotional for fans.
“Seeing Lance Reddick again hits hard.”
The Story and Setting
The film follows Eve as she hunts down those who killed her family. Unlike Wick, who is a seasoned killer, Eve is still learning, making her fights messier and more desperate.
“I wanted people to see that she’s struggling, she’s overwhelmed. You really don’t know if she’s gonna make it.”
Shot in France, the movie uses stunning backdrops to contrast its brutal action.
Competition in 2025
Ballerina isn’t the only action movie in 2025. Nobody 2, starring Bob Odenkirk, releases in August and could rival it.
“Nobody 2 has the potential to be an incredibly impressive action movie.”
But Ballerina’s connection to the John Wick franchise gives it an edge.
Final Verdict
Early reviews suggest Ballerina is a strong spinoff with breathtaking action and a standout lead performance. While the story is simple, the execution keeps fans engaged.
“A worthy addition to the John Wick franchise. More please!”
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