Ballerina: everything we know about the upcoming John Wick spin-off

John Wick: Chapter 4 has smashed box office records and cemented Keanu Reeves as an action icon. The bullet-ridden, body-shattering fourth instalment sends titular assassin Wick on a global journey to bring down the High Table, resulting in jaw-dropping action sequences that mix kung-fu, gun-fu and (in Reeves' words) car-fu.

If you watched the movie during its opening weekend, you were undoubtedly left breathless by its onslaught of mayhem. However, you may have questions about what's coming next in the Wickiverse. Initially, there was a plan to shoot John Wick 4 and John Wick 5 back-to-back, but this was nixed owing to the COVID pandemic.

Despair, not – we are getting another movie in this enjoyably violent universe, albeit not centered around Wick himself. Enter the Ballerina...

 

What is the story of Ballerina?

Keanu Reeves has revealed to Collider that Ballerina occurs between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4. The same Collider article drops details about the story, namely that it centres around a character called Rooney who is "a young assassin seeking vengeance for the murder of her family".

Who is starring in Ballerina?

Oscar nominee Ana de Armas is playing the eponymous killer and will be adding to the action credentials that she established in No Time To Die. She charmed and kicked ass in that movie as fledgling CIA agent Paloma, working alongside Daniel Craig's 007. We imagine that the action of Ballerina will have a much tougher, more brutal edge if the John Wick movies are anything to go by.

Is John Wick appearing in Ballerina?

Yes, Reeves' unstoppable force of nature will be appearing in the movie. He will be joined by his John Wick series compatriots Ian McShane, playing Winston, and the late Lance Reddick as Charon. Also on-board: Angelica Huston as the Director who appeared in the third John Wick movie.

Who is directing Ballerina?

Ballerina is being directed by action specialist Len Wiseman. He's helmed the Transporter movies with Jason Statham, the fourth Die Hard film with Bruce Willis and the first Underworld movie, starring Kate Beckinsale. He clearly knows his way around a thrilling set piece, so let's see if Wiseman can live up to the gauntlet thrown down by John Wick helmer Chad Stahelski.

When is Ballerina due for release?

Ballerina is due for release in "spring or summer" of 2024, according to Lionsgate chair Joe Drake.

 

Can't wait that long? Stave off those cravings with another dose of John Wick: Chapter 4 at Cineworld. Click here to book your tickets.