allerina, officially titled From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, is an American action thriller film set to be released in 2025. Directed by Len Wiseman and penned by Shay Hatten, this film marks the
fifth chapter in the acclaimed John Wick franchise.The narrative unfolds in the timeline between John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, released in 2019, and Chapter 4, which premiered in 2023.
The film features Ana de Armas in the lead role of Eve Macarro, a ballerina turned assassin, and includes a talented supporting cast comprising Gabriel Byrne, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Norman Reedus.
Notably, several actors reprise their roles from earlier installments, including Anjelica Huston, Lance Reddick—who makes his final screen appearance—Ian McShane, and the franchise’s iconic star, Keanu Reeves.
In 2017, Lionsgate secured the rights to Hatten’s speculative screenplay for a spin-off film, which subsequently led to his involvement in the final script for “Parabellum” and his role as the lead writer for “Chapter 4.
” By October 2019, Wiseman was appointed as the director of the project, while Chad Stahelski, who had helmed the previous installments of the John Wick franchise, was confirmed as a producer by May 2020.
The film, titled “Ballerina,” was officially announced in April 2022, with Ana de Armas cast in the lead role, taking over from Unity Phelan, who had portrayed the character Macarro in “Parabellum.
” Principal photography for “Ballerina” took place in Prague from November 2022 to January 2023, with additional action sequences filmed starting in February 2024, further enhancing the film’s dynamic visual narrative.
Plot
In 2017, Lionsgate secured the rights to Hatten’s speculative screenplay for a spin-off film, which subsequently led to his involvement in the final script for “Parabellum” and his role as the lead writer for “Chapt.” By October 2019,
Wiseman was appointed as the director of the project, while Chad Stahelski, who had helmed the previous installments erof the John Wick franchise, was confirmed as a producer by May 2020.
The film, titled “Ballerina,” was officially announced in April 2022, with Ana de Armas cast in the lead role, taking over from Unity Phelan, who had portrayed the character Macarro in “Parabellum.”
Principal photography for “Ballerina” took place in Prague from November 2022 to January 2023, with additional action sequences filmed starting in February 2024, further enhancing the film’s dynamic visual narrative.
Over the course of twelve years, Eve undergoes rigorous training as both a ballerina and a Kikimora assassin/bodyguard, guided by the Director and Nogi.
During this time, she encounters John Wick, who attempts to steer her away from a life steeped in violence, though his counsel falls on deaf ears.
Eve ultimately solidifies her status as a Kikimora by eliminating an older member of the order, marking a significant milestone in her dark career.
Her first assignment as a protector involves safeguarding heiress Katla Park, a task she accomplishes with notable success, which leads to her taking on additional contracts.
However, after executing a target, Eve finds herself ambushed by an assassin, whom she swiftly dispatches, only to discover that the attacker is affiliated with a mysterious Cult.
Driven by a thirst for vengeance, she approaches the Director for answers regarding the Cult’s motives.
Yet, her quest for retribution is met with resistance, as the Director firmly prohibits her from pursuing the matter, citing a fragile and longstanding truce between the Cult and the Ruska Roma that must not be jeopardized.
Eve defies the Director’s orders and makes her way to the New York Continental, where she is granted an audience with Winston by Charon.
During their meeting, Winston informs her that a Cultist named Daniel Pine is currently residing at the Prague Continental, with a substantial bounty placed on his head.
Determined to find him, Eve travels to Prague and secures a room at the hotel.
Unbeknownst to her, several Cultists, led by the ruthless Lena, are also present, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to claim the bounty.
As Eve stealthily enters Pine’s room, she discovers his daughter, Ella, whom Pine has been protecting after she managed to escape from the Cult’s clutches.
However, when the Cult learns that Eve has spared Pine’s life, Lena retaliates by raising the bounty on him.
This prompts a violent confrontation, with Cultists and mercenaries launching an attack on Pine. In the chaos, Eve comes to Pine’s aid, and he entrusts Ella’s safety to her.
Unfortunately, the situation escalates when Cultist Dex inflicts a severe injury on Pine, while Lena successfully incapacitates Eve and abducts Ella. In a surprising turn of events, the staff at the Prague Continental intervene, choosing to spare Eve and executing two captured Cultists and mercenaries for their assault.
Eve embarks on a mission to acquire weapons from the notorious arms dealer Frank, but her plans are abruptly interrupted when the Cult launches an assault on his shop.
In a fierce confrontation, Eve successfully eliminates the Cultists, prompting Frank to assist her in pinpointing the location of the Cult’s stronghold and providing her with transportation.
Her pursuit leads her to the town of Hallstatt, where she quickly finds herself under siege, as the entire populace is affiliated with the Cult, many of whom are skilled assassins that the organization has sheltered.
Eventually, Eve is captured and taken before the Chancellor, who uncovers her connection to the Ruska Roma.
In a tense exchange, Eve discloses her intentions for revenge, while the Chancellor reveals a shocking familial link: Pine is his son, and Ella is his granddaughter.
He recalls Eve from the past, informing her that Lena, whom he had abandoned during a hasty escape due to fears of her indoctrination by the Cult, is her older sister.
Just as Eve manages to break free from her captors, she is confronted by Lena, who unveils their shared bloodline. However, their reunion is cut short when the Chancellor, overhearing their conversation, orders their execution.
In the chaos that ensues, Cult grenades detonate, resulting in Lena’s tragic demise while Eve seizes the opportunity to escape.
