Summary:
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Ballerina (2025) is a spin-off set between John Wick: Chapter 3 and Chapter 4.
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The cast is led by Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro, with several returning characters.
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The film features the final screen appearance of Lance Reddick as Charon.
Ballerina is the fifth installment in the John Wick franchise, introducing a new assassin while maintaining continuity with its signature characters. Set between Chapter 3 and Chapter 4, the film explores the backstory of a ballerina-turned-killer named Eve Macarro. Here’s a complete guide to the cast, their roles, and how they connect to the John Wick universe.
Who Plays the Lead in Ballerina and What Is Her Role?
Ana de Armas plays Eve Macarro, a ballerina who begins training in the deadly traditions of the Ruska Roma. Her character is introduced as a central figure in this standalone story, driven by vengeance for her father’s death. This role was originally portrayed by Unity Phelan in Parabellum, but de Armas takes over as the lead in the spin-off.
Victoria Comte portrays the younger version of Eve, adding depth to the character’s past. According to Ian McShane, the character remains under the protection of Winston and Charon at the New York Continental Hotel throughout the film.
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Which Returning Characters from John Wick Appear in Ballerina?
Anjelica Huston reprises her role as the Director, the head of the Ruska Roma who trains assassins like Eve in both ballet and combat.
Lance Reddick, in his final screen appearance, returns as Charon, the loyal concierge of the Continental Hotel. His posthumous appearance is significant, marking the end of a long-running character within the franchise.
Ian McShane returns as Winston Scott, owner of the New York Continental and longtime associate of John Wick. He continues to serve as a guiding figure within the assassin community.
Keanu Reeves also makes a notable return as John Wick, maintaining his reputation as a legendary hitman who remains entangled in the world’s dangerous undercurrents.
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Who Are the New Additions to the Ballerina Cast?
Gabriel Byrne plays the Chancellor, the film’s main antagonist who leads a town in direct opposition to Eve. His role brings a new dimension of conflict and authority outside of the traditional High Table structure.
Norman Reedus joins the universe as Daniel Pine, a mysterious character with undisclosed motives. Reedus described the choreography as far more structured compared to the raw action in his ongoing series The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon.
Sharon Duncan-Brewster plays Nogi, the mentor figure responsible for guiding Eve during her assassin training.
Catalina Sandino Moreno appears as Lena, an assassin aligned with the Chancellor, positioned as one of the obstacles in Eve’s path.
Choi Soo-young plays Katla Park, Eve’s protectee during her first field mission—an introduction to the real-world impact of her training.
Jung Doo-hong, Waris Ahluwalia, and David Castañeda also appear in undisclosed roles, rounding out the cast with actors from international and action-focused backgrounds.
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What Roles Do Supporting Cast Members Play in the Narrative?
Sharon Duncan-Brewster as Nogi and Choi Soo-young as Katla Park expand Eve’s storyline, adding mentorship and emotional stakes to her mission.
Catalina Sandino Moreno’s Lena serves as a high-level operative for the antagonist, reinforcing the challenges Eve must overcome.
Gabriel Byrne’s Chancellor introduces a political and social layer to the world of assassins, contrasting with the traditional centralized authority of the High Table.
Norman Reedus’ role as Daniel Pine remains mysterious but adds intrigue, with hints at deeper involvement in the wider universe.
Is Ballerina a Standalone or Essential Viewing for John Wick Fans?
While Ballerina is a spin-off, it exists directly between two key chapters in the John Wick timeline. It includes returning characters like John Wick, Winston, Charon, and the Director, making it an important bridge between Parabellum and Chapter 4.
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What Is the Film’s Production Background and Release Date?
The original spec script by Shay Hatten was picked up by Lionsgate in 2017. Hatten later worked on Parabellum and became the lead writer for Chapter 4. Len Wiseman was brought on as director in 2019, and by May 2020, Chad Stahelski was confirmed as a producer.
Principal photography began in Prague, Czechia, shortly after the full cast was confirmed in December 2022. Additional action sequences were filmed in February 2024 to elevate the franchise’s trademark style.
Ballerina is officially scheduled for theatrical release on June 6, 2025.
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