The John Wick franchise just took a bold step forward. With the release of its first major spin-off, Ballerina, the spotlight shifts from Keanu Reeves’ iconic assassin to a new face of vengeance: Eve, played by Ana de Armas. And while Keanu does appear, this isn’t his story.
So now the question is this: Can Ana de Armas lead the Wick universe into its next chapter?
Let’s talk about it.
From Side Roles to Center Stage
It’s wild to look back at where this franchise and Ana de Armas began. The John Wick series started as a modest, low-budget action film. Now, it’s a full-blown cinematic universe with four mainline films, a prequel series (The Continental), John Wick 5 in development, and now Ballerina expanding the mythos even further.
Ana de Armas’ rise feels just as dramatic. One of her earliest English-language roles was in Knock Knock which was ironically opposite Keanu Reeves. Since then, she’s become a household name with standout roles in Blade Runner 2049, Knives Out, No Time to Die, and Blonde. Now, she’s stepping fully into action-hero territory, and Ballerina proves she belongs there.
What Ballerina Gets Right
Right out of the gate, Ballerina feels like a natural extension of the Wick universe. The action is stylish and precise. The world-building continues to be rich and mysterious. And Ana de Armas’ Eve fits into it all like she was always meant to be there.
Some quick highlights that show how well this movie works:
- Inventive Set Pieces: Flamethrowers, ice skate combat, and grenades raining down like confetti, it’s a wild ride, full of creative violence.
- Tight Choreography: The action here is peak Wick. Brutal, beautiful, and expertly shot.
- World Expansion: Ballerina digs deeper into the culture of assassins without over-explaining, keeping the same air of mystery that made the originals so effective.
- John Wick’s Role: Keanu’s appearance doesn’t overshadow Eve. It’s not a cheap cameo it feels earned and grounded within the story.
Where It Stumbles (Slightly)
While Ballerina mostly delivers, it’s not without a few cracks.
- Pacing Issues: The film moves so fast in its second half that transitions between scenes can feel abrupt.
- Action Overload: There’s a lot of action…maybe too much. By the end, the impact of each set piece starts to fade a little.
But none of these flaws break the movie. It still stands as a worthy addition to the franchise and a compelling case for Ana de Armas to take the reins moving forward.
The Evolution of the Wick Universe
What Ballerina does so well is give us a new perspective. With John Wick, we’re dropped into a world that’s already in motion. He’s a legend. There’s mystery and mythos built around him.
But with Eve, we get to see the journey from trauma and loss to deadly skill. Her story grounds the universe in a different way. It makes the world feel fuller. And that’s exactly what you want from a spin-off.
This doesn’t have to be about replacing John Wick. Keanu is still around. He’ll be in John Wick 5. But what Ballerina proves is that this universe is big enough for more than one lead. Just like Star Wars has its main episodes and side stories, the Wick world can grow through fresh characters who still carry the spirit of what made the original so special.
Final Verdict: Yes, She Can
Ana de Armas is the future of this franchise or at least a vital part of it. Ballerina shows us that the John Wick universe can survive, evolve, and thrive even when the spotlight shifts.
As long as the focus stays on character, creative action, and expanding the mythology without losing its mystique, this franchise has legs. And Ana de Armas just proved she can run and shoot with the best of them.
Rather Watch?
