The John Wick universe is expanding, and fans have just received their first taste of the action with a newly released behind-the-scenes (BTS) video from the upcoming spin-off, Ballerina. The footage reveals a gripping and physically intense fight sequence between Ana de Armas and Keanu Reeves, building excitement for the highly anticipated film.
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First Look: Ana de Armas Battles the Legendary John Wick
In the BTS clip, Ana de Armas, who stars as assassin Eve, is seen engaging in a tense, close-quarters combat sequence with Keanu Reeves, reprising his role as the infamous John Wick. The scene highlights de Armas’s agility and fierce combat choreography as she takes the offensive, throwing a flurry of calculated strikes at Reeves. Wick, relying on his iconic precision and brute force, counters her attacks with his signature calm and deadly skill.
The sequence appears to be more than just a physical showdown, it’s emotionally charged, suggesting a deeper narrative conflict between the two characters.
Plot: A Tale of Revenge in the John Wick Timeline
Ballerina is set in the same gritty underworld as the main John Wick films, taking place between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4. The story follows Eve, a trained assassin driven by vengeance as she sets out to hunt down those responsible for her father’s murder. Her journey not only crosses paths with John Wick but also challenges the codes and alliances of the assassin’s world.
The BTS footage confirms what fans have come to expect from the franchise: elegant violence, complex character motivations, and a haunting sense of justice in a world governed by chaos.
Crafting the Action: Choreography and Physical Demands
The behind-the-scenes video also sheds light on the immense physical preparation and stunt work involved in filming the combat scenes. Both de Armas and Reeves are seen training extensively, rehearsing their movements with precision and control. The choreography, intense and dynamic, stays true to the John Wick series’ reputation for carefully orchestrated action that feels both raw and refined.
Director Len Wiseman, known for his work on the Underworld franchise, appears to bring a sleek, stylized touch to the action, while maintaining the franchise’s grounded realism.
Star-Studded Cast and Upcoming Release
Alongside Ana de Armas and Keanu Reeves, Ballerina boasts an impressive supporting cast that includes Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Norman Reedus, Ian McShane, and the late Lance Reddick in one of his final roles. Each actor brings depth and legacy to a universe already rich with layered characters and intense world-building.
The film is slated for theatrical release on June 6, 2025, and is poised to expand the John Wick franchise with a fresh perspective through a female lead.
Why Fans Should Be Excited
With high-octane stunts, emotional stakes, and the return of beloved characters, Ballerina promises to deliver everything fans love about the John Wick saga—plus a bold, new heroine to root for. Ana de Armas, having already proven her action chops in No Time to Die, seems ready to carve her place as a formidable force in the assassin’s universe. As the countdown to June 2025 begins, this BTS video is a thrilling preview of the chaos, craft, and combat to come.
