Ballerina

“Ballerina,” the latest installment in the John Wick universe, is highly anticipated as it expands the franchise’s already vast and stylish world of assassins and secret societies. Directed by Len Wiseman and starring Ana de Armas, the film marks the first spin-off in the John Wick universe and introduces a new perspective on the action-packed underworld that fans have come to love.

Here’s a breakdown and commentary on what makes Ballerina so intriguing:

1. New Protagonist, Familiar World

• Ana de Armas stars as Rooney, a female assassin who embarks on a revenge mission to track down those responsible for her family’s murder. Fans of the John Wick series may remember that this character was briefly introduced in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019) as part of the “Ruska Roma,” a faction within the John Wick universe led by Anjelica Huston’s character, “The Director.”

• Ballerina offers an opportunity to explore a female-led narrative within this universe, expanding beyond John Wick’s perspective and delving into the lives of other assassins who inhabit this dangerous world. Ana de Armas, who proved her action chops in No Time to Die (2021), brings a fresh dynamic to the role with her grace and intensity.

2. Ties to the John Wick Universe

• One of the most exciting aspects of Ballerina is that it keeps the connection to the broader John Wick universe alive. Keanu Reeves is confirmed to reprise his role as John Wick in a cameo, ensuring that fans will feel the continuity between this film and the main series.

• Ian McShane will also return as Winston, the enigmatic manager of the Continental Hotel, and Lance Reddick (who sadly passed away in 2023) will posthumously appear as Charon, further strengthening the film’s ties to the existing lore.

• While John Wick remains an elusive and mythic figure, Ballerina is set to explore different aspects of the assassin world, possibly expanding on the Ruska Roma and how they operate within the broader ecosystem of killers, contracts, and codes of honor.

3. Thematic Continuity: Revenge and Honor

• Like the main John Wick films, Ballerina is driven by the themes of revenge, honor, and survival. Rooney’s quest to avenge her family follows the familiar blueprint of Wick’s vengeance-driven path, but this new storyline could add more layers to the motivations behind such quests in this world.

• The John Wick universe has always played with the idea of loyalty to an unwritten set of rules that governs this shadowy society, and Ballerina will likely explore how women operate within this hyper-masculine, rigid system of honor. The title itself hints at a juxtaposition of beauty and violence, echoing the franchise’s overall theme of combining elegance with brutality.

4. Len Wiseman’s Direction

• Len Wiseman, known for directing Underworld (2003) and Live Free or Die Hard (2007), brings a polished, visually kinetic style to Ballerina. His experience with action-heavy films, particularly in terms of integrating strong female protagonists (as seen with Kate Beckinsale’s role in Underworld), makes him a fitting choice for directing this entry in the John Wick franchise.

• His ability to blend stylized action sequences with world-building is likely to mesh well with the franchise’s signature choreographed combat and high-octane sequences. Fans can expect Wiseman to deliver thrilling, inventive fight scenes, likely with the same level of intricacy and intensity seen in John Wick films.

5. Expanding the Assassin Universe

• The John Wick universe has always been lauded for its world-building, introducing fascinating elements like the Continental Hotel, the High Table, and the intricate system of markers and debts that govern the assassins. Ballerina will likely continue expanding this world, shedding light on the Ruska Roma and their distinct role in this society.

• It’s also possible that Ballerina will introduce new factions or characters, who could feature in future spin-offs or sequels, further enriching the shared universe. Fans have long been curious about the mysterious organizations that populate this world, and this film provides a fresh opportunity to explore these dark, secretive institutions.

6. Action Expectations: Ballet as Combat

• One of the most exciting possibilities for Ballerina is how the film might use ballet and dance as a form of combat. The training of Rooney as a ballerina assassin suggests that we’ll see highly choreographed, graceful fight scenes that blend the physical discipline of dance with the raw violence of assassinations.

• The John Wick franchise is known for its meticulous and innovative action choreography, blending different fighting styles like jiu-jitsu, gun-fu, and tactical combat. By integrating ballet, the action in Ballerina could introduce a unique visual element, with Ana de Armas likely performing fluid, acrobatic movements that contrast sharply with the lethal nature of her mission.

7. Impact on the John Wick Franchise

• Ballerina is part of Lionsgate’s effort to expand the John Wick universe through spin-offs, prequels, and side stories, much like the upcoming TV series The Continental, which focuses on the origins of the famous assassin hotel.

• If Ballerina is successful, it could open the door for more spin-offs centered around other characters or factions within the John Wick universe. This approach mimics what franchises like Marvel and Star Wars have done by expanding their universes through spin-off films and TV series, giving fans more entry points into the world.

8. Potential for Further Female-Centric Narratives

• Ballerina marks an important step toward bringing female characters into the spotlight within the John Wick franchise, which has traditionally been male-dominated. The success of Ana de Armas’ character could lead to further female-led narratives in this world, giving the franchise more diversity and broadening its appeal.

• In a genre where strong, dynamic female action heroes are often underrepresented, Ballerina stands to position Rooney as a compelling, complex character with the potential to lead future installments.

9. Reception and Anticipation

• The John Wick franchise has garnered a passionate fanbase due to its stylish action, world-building, and Keanu Reeves’ iconic portrayal of John Wick. Ballerina carries the weight of these expectations, but the involvement of Ana de Armas, a respected and rising star, has fueled excitement.

• Fans are eager to see how the John Wick franchise will evolve with new protagonists and perspectives, and whether Ballerina will deliver the same level of action and depth that has defined the series so far.

Conclusion

Ballerina promises to be a visually stunning and action-packed spin-off that both expands and deepens the John Wick universe. With Ana de Armas leading the charge and Len Wiseman at the helm, the film has the potential to introduce a fresh, female-driven narrative that complements the existing lore of assassins, revenge, and intricate world-building. By staying true to the franchise’s signature style while offering a new perspective, Ballerina could carve out its own unique space in this growing cinematic universe.