Ahead of the release of her highly anticipated John Wick spinoff, Ballerina, actress Ana de Armas is reflecting on her significant role in another major film franchise: James Bond. De Armas portrayed the Bond Girl Paloma in 2021's No Time to Die, and in a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, she shared her experiences on set and her thoughts on representation in action films.
"Being in a Bond movie was a dream come true for so many reasons. I think I didn’t even know the meaning of it until I was actually in it. It was magical, I had a wonderful experience, it was so much fun," de Armas expressed. "Paloma is one of my favorite characters from everything I've ever done. She turned out to be really special." Her affection for the character is evident, and she has since become an advocate for Latinas in action films, asserting, "I do advocate for Latinas to be in action films. Trust me, you don't want to mess with that."
De Armas rose to fame in 2019 with her role as Marta Cabrera in Knives Out, where she also worked alongside Daniel Craig. She fondly recalled their collaboration, stating, "I loved working with Daniel. Daniel is a great partner on set. He's a wonderful actor. He's so much fun. He's hilarious." Their chemistry on screen was a pleasant surprise, as de Armas noted, "The James Bond thing didn't even come because Daniel and I had worked together; it was a really great coincidence that that happened."
As the Bond franchise undergoes a transformation under the control of Amazon MGM, which gained full creative authority earlier in 2025, de Armas has shared her thoughts on the future of the franchise. In 2024, she mentioned, "There's no need for a female Bond. There shouldn't be any need to steal someone else's character. What I would like is that the female roles in the Bond films, even though Bond will continue to be a man, are brought to life in a different way." This perspective emphasizes her desire for richer, more nuanced female characters rather than simply replacing iconic roles.
While her time in the Bond universe may be behind her, de Armas is set to lead the first spinoff feature film in the John Wick franchise, Ballerina, which will hit theaters on June 6, 2025. The film features a star-studded cast, including Gabriel Byrne, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Norman Reedus, and takes place between John Wick Chapter 3 and Chapter 4. De Armas described her experience stepping into the world of John Wick as particularly special, saying, "I have had the pleasure of working with Keanu three times already, and Ballerina was particularly special because it was me stepping into his world. I respect and appreciate Keanu as an artist, as a person and as a friend; he’s a leader and force on set, and always a gentleman."
In the realm of action films, de Armas has faced questions about her future roles, including speculation about taking over from Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman after Patty Jenkins’ third film was scrapped. Although she did not take on that role, her performance in Ballerina is expected to showcase her action prowess, having performed intense stunts and fight scenes, including breaking plates over people's faces.
Beyond her action roles, de Armas starred as Marilyn Monroe in the critically acclaimed film Blonde, which faced its share of backlash upon release. However, the film's author praised de Armas for her portrayal, highlighting her versatility as an actress. De Armas's range extends beyond action and drama; she has become a symbol of inspiration for many Latina actresses, advocating for their visibility and importance in the film industry.
As she continues to navigate her career, de Armas remains committed to her mission of elevating Latina representation in Hollywood. "I want Latina actresses to star in their own movies, rather than be a co-star or side-character in someone else’s film," she said, reflecting a broader desire for inclusivity in the industry.
With the release of Ballerina on the horizon, de Armas is poised to make her mark in the action genre, proving that she is not only a talented actress but also a strong advocate for diversity and representation in film. Her journey from Paloma to leading lady is a testament to her dedication and passion for her craft, and audiences can look forward to seeing her continue to break barriers in the years to come.
