Keanu Reeves has recently opened up about his role in the upcoming John Wick spin-off film, Ballerina, set to hit theaters on June 6, 2025. This film, which stars Ana de Armas, showcases a new chapter in the John Wick universe, focusing on a character named Eve Macarro as she trains to become an assassin.
Reeves, who has been a staple in all four John Wick movies, will appear in a smaller capacity in Ballerina. Although he was absent from the first spin-off, The Continental, Reeves will return to the franchise, albeit briefly. He spent eight days on set for this film, which is set between John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4. During a recent screening of the documentary Wick is Pain, hosted by The Hollywood Reporter, Reeves praised de Armas as a "wonderful artist" and expressed his excitement about the project.
"It was really cool to have a chance to put the suit on. I’ve worked with Ana a couple of times, and she’s a wonderful artist, and she committed to the action," Reeves said. He also elaborated on his involvement in the film, stating, "I just had like eight days on it, but it was fun to play the role again, and I’m excited for people to see the film. It’s in the spirit of John Wick and has new characters and opens up some stuff, so hopefully people like it." His comments indicate that despite the smaller role, his character will still play a significant part in the unfolding narrative.
While it seemed that Ballerina could be Reeves' last appearance as John Wick, the franchise is far from over. At CinemaCon, Lionsgate announced that a fifth installment of the John Wick series is in the works, with both Reeves and director Chad Stahelski set to return. Details about the plot and additional casting for the fifth film remain under wraps, but fans are eager for more information.
In addition to Ballerina, another spin-off film centered around the character Caine, played by Donnie Yen, is set to begin production in Hong Kong later this year. The only other confirmed cast member for this project is Rina Sawayama, who will reprise her role as Akira from John Wick: Chapter 4. As for Reeves' involvement in the Caine spin-off, details are still unclear.
In a recent interview with Empire Magazine, de Armas shared her excitement about the film and her experiences working with Reeves. She noted that he was "immediately" on board when they reached out to him and has been "very excited" about the film. De Armas revealed that Reeves was already brainstorming ideas for a sequel on his last day of filming, indicating his commitment to the franchise and its future.
"He's very excited about this movie. Immediately when we reached out to him, he was on board and wanted to be in it. I've been in two previous films with Keanu, and I just didn't think he was gonna throw me on the floor this many times! It was a whole different environment to be in with him," de Armas said, hinting at the intense fight scenes that will feature in Ballerina.
The film will see Eve going rogue to avenge her father, which brings her into conflict with Wick. Although the trailer does not showcase a close fight scene between the two characters, de Armas has teased that there will be intense close combat. This dynamic between Eve and Wick adds an intriguing layer to the story, as they find themselves on opposite sides.
Director Len Wiseman also weighed in on the film, explaining that Eve is in a different state of mind compared to Wick, who is "trying to get out" of the assassin lifestyle. De Armas described her character as young and emotional, admitting that she "makes mistakes" throughout the film due to her "rage" and desire for revenge.
While neither Wiseman nor Reeves has confirmed plans for a second spin-off, the success of Ballerina could significantly impact the future of the franchise. Reeves' enthusiasm for the film and his role as an executive producer for the John Wick spinoff TV series further indicate that the franchise is poised for continued expansion.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming release of Ballerina, fans are left wondering what the future holds for both the spin-off and the main series. With Reeves' commitment to the franchise and the introduction of new characters, the John Wick universe continues to evolve, promising thrilling action and complex narratives that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
In summary, Ballerina is set to deliver an exciting new chapter in the John Wick saga, with Ana de Armas taking center stage and Keanu Reeves making a brief but impactful return. As the franchise gears up for its next installment, fans can look forward to more high-octane action and compelling storytelling that has become synonymous with the John Wick brand.
