The new action film Ballerina brings something fresh to the world of John Wick. Rather than focusing on John himself, this movie tells the story of Rooney, a young female assassin played by Ana de Armas. After witnessing the murder of her family, she sets out on a mission to track down those responsible. While keeping the intense action and stylish cinematography that fans expect, Ballerina shifts the tone slightly. It dives deeper into personal revenge and emotional trauma, showing us a character who is both deadly and deeply hurt. This expansion of the Wick universe allows viewers to see the broader world of trained killers and secret alliances while giving the spotlight to a compelling new lead. By introducing fresh faces while still tying into the original series, the movie feels both new and familiar.
A Successful Box Office Start Despite Competition
Ballerina was finally released in June 2025, after its launch had been pushed back due to extra filming and post-production edits. Despite these delays, the movie made a solid start. It brought in $51 million globally during its opening weekend. In the United States, it earned around $25 million, and international markets contributed another $26 million. This was especially impressive given the number of other films competing at the time. The film’s good performance shows that fans were eager for more stories in the John Wick world. Studios had placed a lot of hope in Ballerina, and the early box office numbers seem to support the decision to build the franchise further. While it didn’t reach the top spot, finishing in second place was still seen as a victory for a spin-off led by a new character.
Ana de Armas Wins Praise for Her Performance
Viewers and critics alike have praised Ana de Armas for her work in Ballerina. She brings a powerful mix of strength, precision, and emotion to the role of Rooney. Her fight scenes are convincing and intense, but what stands out even more is the emotional weight she gives to her performance. Rooney’s grief and determination are clear, and that makes her story more than just action. Many people were impressed with how she made the character feel both tough and vulnerable at the same time. While some fans were confused by certain elements of the timeline—especially seeing characters who had died in other films—most agreed that the action and strong acting made up for it. Her performance could open the door for more female-led action films in this franchise and beyond.
Familiar Faces and Fresh Additions to the Cast
One of the things that makes Ballerina stand out is how it combines characters we already know with brand-new ones. Keanu Reeves returns briefly as John Wick, tying the film clearly into the larger series. Ian McShane is back as Winston, the manager of the Continental Hotel, and Lance Reddick makes a posthumous appearance as Charon. These returning actors help ground the film in the world fans love. But the film also introduces new characters that bring something fresh. Norman Reedus plays a mysterious figure whose role may expand in future stories. Catalina Sandino Moreno plays a key supporting role and reportedly powered through back pain during filming to complete her scenes. The mix of old and new makes the film exciting for longtime fans and accessible to newcomers.
What Comes Next for the Franchise?
Although nothing official has been announced, the creative team behind Ballerina has shared interest in continuing Rooney’s story. The ending leaves room for another chapter, and hints throughout the film suggest a deeper storyline that could be explored later. Director Len Wiseman and producer Erica Lee have both said they’d like to revisit these characters. This is in line with the broader plans for the John Wick universe, which has already seen the TV spin-off The Continental and talks about a fifth John Wick movie. With Ballerina performing well and drawing positive attention, a sequel seems likely. The film also showed that there is room for more diverse stories within this world, whether they follow Rooney or other characters entirely. This might just be the beginning of a wider universe built around the original John Wick films.
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