The anticipated Ballerina movie, a spinoff set within the John Wick universe, features intense action sequences, according to its star Ana de Armas. The film centers on a character seeking revenge for the death of her family.
Ana de Armas plays Eve Macarro, a young assassin training within the traditions of the Ruska Roma. She recounted a challenging rehearsal for a scene involving a flamethrower, describing the experience as emotional before filming began.
Speaking about the rehearsal, de Armas detailed practicing with a stunt performer. She explained that seeing the performer covered for protection and simulating being burned caused her to cry initially, even knowing it was controlled for the production.
After that initial rehearsal, de Armas stated she was ready for filming the actual scene. She said she subsequently performed the action, involving a flamethrower on numerous simulated targets.
The film is set chronologically between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4. This placement allows the Ballerina movie to explore elements of the established world and potentially fill narrative gaps within the series timeline.
Director Len Wiseman has described the film as more than a typical spinoff, suggesting it offers a distinct perspective and contributes to the broader mythology. The John Wick universe is known for its detailed lore and elaborate action choreography.
The cast includes Keanu Reeves reprising his role as John Wick, along with Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Norman Reedus, Ian McShane, Sharon Duncan-Brewster and David Castañeda. Len Wiseman directed the film from a script by Shay Hatten. Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, and Chad Stahelski are attached as producers.
The actioner is expected to showcase extensive stunt work and elaborate set pieces, a hallmark of the films it derives from. A sequence highlighted involves the star wielding a flamethrower.
The performer expressed admiration for the stunt team's work after the demanding rehearsal and filming.
"It's amazing to see what the stunt performers do — I can't believe you guys put yourself through this," de Armas said. "It's unbelievable."
The Ballerina movie is scheduled to open on June 6.
