From the World of John Wick: Ballerina

Ballerina, a spin-off in the John Wick universe, centers on the character Rooney, portrayed by Ana de Armas.

After witnessing her family’s murder, Rooney embarks on a ruthless mission for revenge, utilizing the skills she learned at the Ruska Roma ballet academy, an organization steeped in assassination and espionage.

Set between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4, the film delves into the lore of the assassin’s underworld while maintaining the high-octane action synonymous with the franchise.

Director and Production Team

The film is directed by Len Wiseman, known for Underworld and Live Free or Die Hard. It was written by Shay Hatten, who also contributed to the scripts of John Wick: Chapter 3 and Army of the Dead. Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, and Chad Stahelski, key figures behind the John Wick series, serve as producers. Keanu Reeves, who reprises his role as John Wick in a cameo, also has a production credit. The involvement of Thunder Road Films and Lionsgate reinforces the continuity within the John Wick universe.

Cast

• Ana de Armas as Rooney
• Keanu Reeves as John Wick (cameo)
• Ian McShane as Winston Scott, the manager of the Continental Hotel
• Lance Reddick as Charon, the Continental’s concierge
• Anjelica Huston as the Director of the Ruska Roma
• Gabriel Byrne
• Norman Reedus
• Catalina Sandino Moreno

Filming Locations

Principal photography took place in Prague, Czech Republic, starting in November 2022 and wrapping in early 2023. Prague’s historic architecture served as a backdrop for many action sequences, with additional filming in other parts of the Czech Republic to capture the film’s dark, gritty aesthetic. The production heavily relied on practical effects and intricate choreography to maintain the authentic action sequences that fans of the franchise have come to expect.

Release Date

Ballerina is scheduled for a theatrical release in the United States on June 7, 2024, distributed by Lionsgate. The film aims to expand the John Wick universe while offering a fresh perspective through its new protagonist.

Production Insights

The idea for a John Wick spin-off focused on a female assassin originated during the development of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, where a ballet school was introduced as part of the Ruska Roma organization. Ana de Armas was confirmed as the lead in 2021, and her commitment to performing her own stunts has been a significant highlight during production. The film’s director, Len Wiseman, sought to blend the franchise’s signature style with emotional depth, exploring Rooney’s personal vendetta and her connections to the assassin’s underworld.

Future Prospects

As part of the expanding John Wick franchise, Ballerina is expected to build upon the rich lore established by the main series. Alongside the prequel series The Continental, the film aims to solidify the franchise’s standing as a versatile action-packed cinematic universe.