From the World of John Wick: Ballerina (2025)
🎬 Overview & Release Info
From the World of John Wick: Ballerina is a high-octane spin-off to the John Wick saga, officially released on June 6, 2025, after a year-long delay caused by additional action reshoots . Directed initially by Len Wiseman, with Chad Stahelski stepping in to reshoot extensive action sequences, it deepens the franchise’s universe while showcasing its trademark style
🌟 Plot Synopsis & Timeline
Set between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, the film follows Eve Macarro—a ballet dancer turned assassin—on a personal quest for vengeance after witnessing her father’s murder. Trained by the Ruska Roma under The Director (Anjelica Huston), Eve infiltrates a deadly cult led by The Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne) in the Austrian village of Hallstatt. In a dramatic twist, John Wick (Keanu Reeves) appears to aid Eve, helping her confront the Chancellor and realign her path—though this cameo introduces some timeline inconsistencies with Wick’s known injuries
🎭 Star-Studded Cast
-
Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro, the titular ballerina-turned-assassin
-
Keanu Reeves reprises John Wick, delivering a pivotal supporting role
-
Anjelica Huston returns as The Director, leader of the Ruska Roma
-
Ian McShane as Winston Scott, the Continental’s formidable manager
-
Lance Reddick in his final screen role as Charon, the Continental concierge
-
Gabriel Byrne, Norman Reedus, Catalina Sandino Moreno, David Castañeda, and Sharon Duncan-Brewster fill key roles in Eve’s universe
💸 Budget & Box Office
With a budget estimated between $50–80 million, filmed predominantly in Prague and Hallstatt, Ballerina grossed $55.6 million worldwide, despite competition from Lilo & Stitch, earning praise for exceeding expectations
🗣 Critical & Audience Reception
-
Critics appreciated Ana de Armas’s performance and the film’s sleek, stylized violence—but noted a thin plot and timeline issues due to Wick’s late appearance
-
Audience feedback was strong: earning a CinemaScore “A–” and 87% positive PostTrak rating, with many recommending it for its action-packed entertainment value