Ana de Armas has taken her action star credentials to the next level with her intense preparation for the upcoming John Wick spin-off, “Ballerina.” The talented actress, known for her roles in “Knives Out” and “No Time to Die,” underwent rigorous training in Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing to bring her character, Eve Macarro, to life on the big screen.
Set between the events of “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum” and “Chapter 4,” “Ballerina” follows the journey of Eve, an orphan-turned-assassin who finds herself under the wing of Winston Scott, the Continental hotel owner played by Ian McShane. As Eve embarks on a quest for vengeance against those responsible for her family’s demise, she enters the dangerous world of contract killing.
The recently released trailer offers a glimpse into the high-octane action and intricate choreography that fans of the John Wick franchise have come to expect. De Armas’s dedication to her physical training is evident in the trailer’s intense sequences, showcasing her newly acquired skills in hand-to-hand combat and weapons handling.
‘We’ve been in Prague filming for four months. We still have one more month to go. And I’m in pain. You know, my body, my back, everything hurts. I’m complaining, I’m sore, I’m bruised,’ de Armas said while on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon a little while ago.
Ana said: ‘Bond was fifteen minutes. This is a whole movie, another level. But the other day, Keanu and I were rehearsing our very difficult stunt scene, and this man is just rolling and throwing me and doing crazy stunts.’
‘And I’m like – I can’t complain anymore because he is doing it! He truly is the best.’
Director Len Wiseman has crafted a film that seamlessly integrates into the larger John Wick universe. Viewers can expect to see familiar faces, including Keanu Reeves reprising his role as the legendary hitman John Wick. The late Lance Reddick also makes his final onscreen appearance as Charon, the Continental’s concierge, adding a bittersweet note to the film’s release.
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New additions to the cast include Anjelica Huston as The Director, a character whose role in Eve’s journey remains shrouded in mystery. The film promises to expand on the rich mythology of the John Wick world while introducing fresh elements and characters.
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One of the trailer’s standout moments features an innovative action sequence involving a flamethrower and a firehose, hinting at the creative and explosive set pieces audiences can anticipate. While some scenes may draw comparisons to other action films, “Ballerina” appears to carve out its own unique space within the genre.
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The trailer’s use of a reimagined version of Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer” adds an unexpected and oddly fitting musical backdrop to the intense visuals, creating a distinct atmosphere that sets “Ballerina” apart from its predecessors.
The film was originally slated to arrive June 7, 2024, but it was delayed a year to June 6, 2025 for it’s theatrical release date.
