Ever since we saw Ana de Armas taking names and kicking ass as Cuban intelligence operative Paloma in James Bond's 'No Time To Die,' we've been eager to see her take the lead in an action movie of her own. Enter 'From The World Of John Wick: Ballerina' (or 'Ballerina' for short), director Len Wiseman's upcoming midquel set between 'John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum' and 'Chapter 4.' In this film, de Armas plays Ruska Roman ballerina Rooney, who seeks vengeance against the hitmen responsible for her family's murder. This quest leads her to retrain as a deadly assassin. Just another day in the John Wick universe, right?
Check out the action-packed trailer below: "Do you like to dance? I know a school where they teach dancers." This is how Ian McShane's character, Winston, a hotelier for hitmen, greets a bloodied young Rooney at the start of the trailer. Although there might be a fouetté and a tutu or two at the Tarkovsky Theatre, where Rooney trains under Ruska Roman mob boss and part-time mentor The Director (played by Anjelica Huston), 'Nutcracker' isn't just a dance in the John Wick Universe—it's a way of life. Before you know it, de Armas' Rooney is arming up, shattering glass, taking down enemies, and—in a cool end-of-teaser moment—meeting the Baba Yaga himself, Mr. John Wick.
"How do I start doing what you do?" asks Rooney. "Looks like you already have," replies Keanu Reeves' character, John Wick, in his familiar gruff tone. With new faces like Gabriel Byrne, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Norman Reedus joining the JWU for 'Ballerina,' and a welcome appearance from the late, great Lance Reddick as Charon, the film is set to expand the John Wick universe even further. Following the success of the Prime Video prequel series 'The Continental' and the recent announcements of a Caine movie starring Donnie Yen and a 'John Wick: Chapter 4' sequel series called 'Under The High Table,' 'Ballerina's' bold new trailer is a testament to the Wick franchise's bright future. We can look forward to watching de Armas' Rooney seek her revenge when 'Ballerina' hits cinemas on 6 June, 2025.
