Lionsgate just delivered a knockout blow to action cinema with the upcoming release of Ballerina, a high-octane spin-off in the John Wick universe. The new film stars Ana de Armas as Rooney, a deadly assassin on a relentless path of vengeance. Studios confirmed the release date for June 6, 2025, igniting fan excitement across social media.
Hollywood shakes as “Ballerina” explodes into John Wick universe
De Armas steps into the shoes of a character first glimpsed in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. Rooney, trained by the same ballet academy that raised Wick, tracks down the murderers of her family. The plot promises brutal choreography, intense emotion, and a fresh layer to the already rich John Wick mythos.
Director Len Wiseman, known for Underworld and Live Free or Die Hard, helms the spin-off. Franchise creator Chad Stahelski also returns as producer, ensuring the tone and world-building stay true to the original series. Wiseman declared that Ballerina will offer “the grace of dance with the violence of revenge.”
Shiftdelete.netLionsgate revealed key casting choices to build excitement. Anjelica Huston, who portrayed The Director in Parabellum, reprises her role, connecting the timelines. Keanu Reeves also makes a cameo appearance as John Wick, directly tying Rooney’s journey into the central narrative. Ian McShane and the late Lance Reddick also appear, with Reddick’s scenes filmed before his untimely passing.
Lionsgate confirms John Wick 5 and a new game. Intense combat, strategic planning, and an underground world are expected.
The studio confirmed the film’s runtime of 123 minutes, promising a packed experience of balletic brutality. Fans of Atomic Blonde and John Wick will find familiar, stylized violence mixed with emotional storytelling. Ana de Armas trained in ballet and weapons handling for months, building anticipation for her physical performance.
Ballerina marks the first theatrical expansion of the John Wick universe beyond Reeves’ character. It also signals Lionsgate’s intention to develop more spin-offs, including upcoming series The Continental. Executives claim the franchise’s popularity makes it ideal for multiple storylines and formats.
Industry insiders expect Ballerina to dominate summer box offices. Analysts already predict a strong opening weekend fueled by loyal fans and fresh audiences. With elegant rage and fierce focus, Rooney could become the next face of action cinema.
Lionsgate has set the stage. Ana de Armas holds the blade. The ballet of bullets begins this summer.
