Ana de Armas Shines in ‘Ballerina,’ Expanding the John Wick Universe

The John Wick universe has long been a cinematic powerhouse, redefining action films with its intricate choreography and shadowy assassin lore. In June 2025, fans were introduced to a fresh perspective on this world with Ballerina, a spinoff starring Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro. Directed by Len Wiseman, the film delves into Eve’s quest for vengeance, but does it manage to stand on its own?

The plot behind Eve Macarro’s vengeance

Ballerina unfolds between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 and Chapter 4, presenting Eve Macarro’s origin story. Orphaned at a young age and driven by the murder of her father, Eve trains under the Ruska Roma, led by The Director (played by Anjelica Huston). This rigorous upbringing transforms her into one of their deadliest assassins.

However, Eve’s thirst for revenge defines her path, pushing her to confront the men responsible for her father’s death. The tragedy of her backstory is poignant but familiar, echoing the motivations seen in John Wick’s own tale of loss. As noted by critics, the film’s reliance on this trope occasionally weighs down its emotional impact, leaving some viewers yearning for a deeper connection between Eve and her father. (Bigshinyrobot)

A new perspective with familiar elements

The challenge of a spinoff lies in balancing homage with innovation. Ballerina tackles this by delivering action sequences reminiscent of the original franchise, yet infused with Eve’s unique fighting style. Critics have highlighted her adaptability, as she improvises weapons and tactics to overcome adversaries. From dinner plates to grenades, her resourcefulness brings both intensity and humor to the screen. (Wgxa)

Despite these strengths, the film occasionally falls into the shadow of its predecessor. Action scenes in clubs and “final boss” battles with hordes of enemies evoke déjà vu for fans of the John Wick series. This familiarity raises the question: can Ballerina truly carve out its own identity?

Keanu Reeves’ return as John Wick

One of the most anticipated elements of Ballerina was the return of Keanu Reeves as John Wick. His brief but impactful appearances connect the spinoff to its roots while offering moments of mentorship and conflict with Eve. Notably, their confrontation reflects Wick’s internal struggle—he respects Eve’s mission but hesitates to fully endorse her methods. These scenes add depth to both characters and enrich the narrative. (Ign)

However, some critics argue that Reeves’ involvement, particularly in the final act, undermines Eve’s achievements. By stepping back into the spotlight, Wick risks overshadowing the new protagonist’s journey, a sentiment shared by viewers who hoped for a more Eve-centric resolution.

A lighter tone and fresh humor

Where Ballerina truly distinguishes itself is in its tone. Unlike the often somber atmosphere of the main franchise, this spinoff embraces humor and a lighter touch. The film’s creative use of props—such as duct tape and freezer doors—elicits laughter while maintaining the high-stakes energy fans expect. Moments like these highlight the filmmakers’ willingness to subvert audience expectations and inject levity into the Wick-verse. (Wgxa)

Additionally, Gabriel Byrne’s portrayal of the villain brings an entertaining flair to the story. His scenery-chewing performance adds a theatrical dimension, contrasting with the stoic gravitas of previous John Wick antagonists.

The future of the John Wick universe

Ballerina sets the stage for further expansion of the Wick universe. Its exploration of the Ruska Roma and their traditions offers a glimpse into the complex world beyond John Wick himself. Eve’s tattoo, “Luxe en tenebris” (Latin for “light in darkness”), symbolizes her role as a beacon of hope amidst the chaos. This thematic shift, coupled with the promise of sequels, hints at a broader narrative scope. (Bigshinyrobot)

However, the spinoff’s success hinges on its ability to refine its identity. By learning from the missteps of Ballerina, future installments can strike a more balanced tone, allowing new characters like Eve to shine without being overshadowed by their predecessors.

In its quest to expand the John Wick universe, Ballerina offers both thrilling action and a fresh perspective, though it occasionally stumbles under the weight of its legacy. As fans look ahead to potential sequels, the hope is for a deeper dive into Eve’s story and a bolder departure from familiar tropes.