July 6, 2025, saw the release of the high-octane John Wick spin-off Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro a ballerina turned assassin. Directed by Len Wiseman and set between John Wick: Chapter 3 and Chapter 4, the film brings a fresh female-led twist to the franchise
The Rise of a New Assassin
Set between the explosive events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, Ballerina marks the first official female-led spin-off in the globally adored franchise. Directed by Len Wiseman, known for Underworld, the film follows Eve Macarro, played by Ana de Armas, a lethal assassin trained through ballet in the shadowy Ruska Roma organization.
This is not your average revenge thriller Ballerina blends elegance with brutality, delivering a poetic form of violence that only the John Wick world could perfect.
Budget Breakdown: A Mid-Range Gamble with High Stakes
The production budget is reported to be between $50–80 million, placing it slightly below John Wick: Chapter 4 ($100 million), but above the first film in the franchise ($20–30 million).
The scale of the film is grand — set across multiple international locations with elaborately choreographed fight scenes, a high-octane score, and slick cinematography. Despite a smaller budget than its franchise siblings, Ballerina still looks and feels premium.
Box Office Performance (as of June 9, 2025)
- Thursday Previews (June 6): $3.75 million
- Opening Weekend (June 6–8): $25 million (Domestic)
- Worldwide Gross (by June 9): $51 million
Though Ballerina opened slightly below expectations, it performed better than the original John Wick film and is considered a solid launch for a spin-off especially given that it’s led by a fresh face in a previously male-dominated series.
Critics point out the success of Ana de Armas’ performance, whose intensity, emotional range, and physicality breathe new life into the world of contract killers and vendettas.
Franchise Expansion & Future Teases
What makes Ballerina even more important is what it represents: the evolution of the John Wick universe. With Keanu Reeves making a cameo as John Wick himself and other familiar faces like Ian McShane, Anjelica Huston, and the late Lance Reddick, the film doesn’t just expand the lore — it connects the dots between storylines, characters, and syndicates.
The movie sets the stage for:
- More spin-offs (Sofia’s story? The Bowery King? Maybe even Caine from Chapter 4)
- A deeper dive into Ruska Roma’s origins
- Potential for a female-led assassin franchise to stand on its own
Global Response & Critical Reception
So far, Ballerina has received:
- CinemaScore: A–
- PostTrak Audience Score: 87% positive
- Rotten Tomatoes (Critics): 73%
- Rotten Tomatoes (Audience): 86%
Audiences are responding well to the stylized violence, emotional backstory, and visuals, with special praise for the “ballet-meets-gun-fu” fight scenes. Some critics felt the plot was thinner than previous John Wick entries, but most agreed it’s a visually compelling and fresh angle on a familiar formula.
The Action Style: Ballet Meets Brutality
If John Wick was about martial arts-inspired gunplay, Ballerina brings a new grace to violence. The combat choreography leans into balletic motion, creating a unique aesthetic where every shot, spin, and takedown looks like a dark performance piece. The stylized fights draw inspiration from both classical dance and martial arts a visual signature that could define this sub-series.
Tribute to Lance Reddick
The film also serves as one of the final screen appearances of the late Lance Reddick, who reprised his iconic role as Charon, the concierge of The Continental. His presence adds a sense of weight and nostalgia a respectful nod to the roots of the franchise.
Final Verdict
Ballerina is more than just another action spin-off it’s a bridge to a broader, more inclusive franchise, and a spotlight for Ana de Armas to shine as a leading lady in a genre still dominated by men. With solid box office numbers, positive reception, and cinematic ambition, it’s paving the way for the next generation of Wick-style storytelling.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, this film offers adrenaline, art, and emotional depth in equal measure.
