# **Ana de Armas Shines in the *John Wick* Spinoff: *Ballerina***
The *John Wick* universe is broadening yet again, this time with a vengeance-fueled spinoff featuring none other than Ana de Armas. The highly anticipated film, *Ballerina*, is slated for a June 2025 release, and it promises to deliver the explosive action and emotional drama that fans of the series have become accustomed to. With the first complete trailer now released, anticipation is mounting for this new installment in the *John Wick* narrative.
## **A Fresh Face of Revenge: Ana de Armas as Rooney**
In *Ballerina*, Ana de Armas takes on the character of Rooney, a young Ruska Roma dancer whose innocent facade masks a lethal assassin. Similar to John Wick, Rooney is propelled by a quest for retribution. The storyline revolves around her mission to avenge her family’s murder, a straightforward yet profound premise that resonates with the fundamental themes of the *John Wick* franchise.
The trailer highlights de Armas in action, merging elegance and ferocity in a manner that feels both novel and recognizable for series fans. Her interpretation of Rooney is poised to add a new dimension of emotional complexity to the franchise as she navigates a perilous world filled with treachery and violence.
## **A Recognizable World: Set Within *John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum***
One of the most captivating features of *Ballerina* is its timeline. The film unfolds during the events of *John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum*, granting fans an enriched insight into the Ruska Roma, the group that trained John Wick himself. This backdrop facilitates a seamless connection with familiar characters and locations while also broadening the universe in thrilling new directions.
The *John Wick* films have consistently been acclaimed for their elaborate world-building, and *Ballerina* is no different. The trailer teases the same underground realm of assassins, clandestine organizations, and codes of conduct that have endeared the franchise to fans. Viewers can look forward to more glimpses of the Continental Hotel, the mysterious sanctuary for assassins, alongside other key aspects of the *John Wick* universe.
## **Star-Studded Ensemble: Keanu Reeves, Norman Reedus, and More**
Expectations for *Ballerina* are soaring, largely due to its impressive cast. Alongside Ana de Armas, the movie features Keanu Reeves, returning as John Wick, and Norman Reedus, famed for his role in *The Walking Dead*. These recognizable faces are sure to thrill fans, as they contribute their unique charm and action skills to the film.
Additionally, *Ballerina* will bring back several major characters from the *John Wick* series. Ian McShane reprises his role as Winston, the roguish manager of the Continental, and the late Lance Reddick comes back as Charon, the dedicated concierge of the hotel. These characters have become fan favorites over time, and their presence in *Ballerina* helps anchor the spinoff to the greater *John Wick* storyline.
## **High Stakes and Elevated Expectations**
The *John Wick* franchise has emerged as a worldwide phenomenon, with *John Wick: Chapter 4* earning over $40 million globally, rendering it the highest-grossing entry in the series. With such success, the pressure mounts for *Ballerina* to meet expectations. Thankfully, the trailer indicates that the film is ready for the challenge, featuring intense action scenes, sleek cinematography, and compelling performances.
Ana de Armas has already showcased her action abilities in films like *No Time to Die* and *The Gray Man*, and *Ballerina* appears to be another platform for her skills. Her capacity to combine vulnerability with strength makes her the ideal choice for the role of Rooney, a character who is both a proficient assassin and a mourning daughter.
## **A New Chapter in the *John Wick* Universe**
With *Ballerina*, the *John Wick* franchise keeps evolving and expanding. The film provides a fresh viewpoint on the assassin world while remaining anchored to the elements that have garnered the series immense popularity. Fans can anticipate the same heart-pounding action, intricate world-building, and emotional depth that have characterized the *John Wick* films, but now with a new protagonist at the story’s heart.
As the release date draws near, excitement for *Ballerina* is bound to escalate. With a remarkable cast, an engaging narrative, and the support of one of the most successful action franchises in recent years, *Ballerina* is set to make a significant impact when it premieres in theaters in June 2025.
