Lionsgate first revealed plans for the John Wick spinoff, Ballerina, back in 2017, with an aggressive push toward production in 2019. However, the journey to bring this film to the big screen has faced numerous challenges. Initially set for a June 2024 release, the timeline has been shifted, and the film is now slated for release this year. In the meantime, John Wick co-director Chad Stahelski took over the reins of the franchise, dedicating two weeks to additional photography to enrich the action sequences crafted by director Len Wiseman.
The recently released final trailer for Ballerina, which is set to hit theaters on June 6, showcases the intense confrontations between Eve, played by Ana de Armas, and the iconic John Wick, portrayed by Keanu Reeves. The narrative unfolds between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4, highlighting Eve’s training at the Ruska Roma ballet school that Wick encounters in Parabellum. The trailer teases thrilling battles, including Eve fending off a cleaver with impressive weaponry like a flamethrower and a katana.
Fans can expect notable cameos in the film, such as Norman Reedus warning Eve about the Continental Hotel’s tense situation and the familiar face of Winston Scott, portrayed by Ian McShane. Additionally, the trailer features the late Lance Reddick as the Continental’s concierge Charon, marking a poignant reminder of his contribution to the franchise.
As anticipation builds for Ballerina, there’s hope that the development of John Wick 5 will experience a more straightforward production process, benefiting from Stahelski’s oversight throughout. With its blend of intricate storytelling and dynamic action sequences, Ballerina aims to capture the essence of the beloved John Wick series while pushing the narrative forward.