The much-anticipated Keanu Reeves and Ana de Armas reunion in Ballerina takes center stage this summer, marking a significant moment as two versatile actors join forces in the action-packed universe of “John Wick.” Their compelling connection, built over nearly a decade, has played a crucial role in the making of “Ballerina,” opening in theaters on Friday and poised to redefine the action genre in 2024.
A Decade in the Making: From “Knock Knock” to “Ballerina”
Years before Ana de Armas became known for dynamic action sequences, she starred alongside Keanu Reeves in the 2015 thriller “Knock Knock.” This was De Armas’ first Hollywood film, arriving in Los Angeles from Spain with only a basic command of English, which she learned phonetically for her role. The experience was challenging and marked the beginning of her international career. Reflecting on that period, de Armas once admitted,
“It was tough and I felt miserable at times and very lonely,”
adding,
“But I wanted to prove myself. I remember being in meetings with producers and they would be like, ‘OK, I’ll see you in a year when you learn English.’ Before I left the office, I would say, ‘I’ll see you in two months.’”
—Ana de Armas, Actress
Her collaboration with Reeves in “Knock Knock” was the start of a relationship built on professional respect and resilience, themes that now echo in “Ballerina.” Over the years, de Armas’ career soared, with standout roles in “Blade Runner 2049,” “Knives Out,” “No Time to Die,” and an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in “Blonde.” Now, nearly a decade later, she fronts her largest action role yet, showing just how far persistence and determination can take someone in Hollywood.
Stepping Into the Spotlight of Action Cinema
“Ballerina” marks Ana de Armas’ debut as the leading force in a blockbuster action film. Her journey, shaped by relentless self-improvement, brings new depth to the action genre. From featuring in major streaming releases like “The Gray Man” and “Blonde” to this big-screen event, de Armas has steadily expanded her reputation.
The film rides on the established popularity of the “John Wick” franchise, but also on de Armas’ ability to command attention. Industry analysts have forecasted an opening weekend gross of $35-40 million, a noteworthy figure for a spin-off title that underwent extensive reshoots. Early reviews have praised her portrayal as both fierce and nuanced, cementing her place within the franchise’s legacy.
Director Len Wiseman, who leads “Ballerina,” spoke to the pressures of entrusting such a beloved series to a new protagonist.
“It’s a lot to carry all on her shoulders. But she’ll be the first person to tell you: ‘Put it on. Let me carry the weight. I’m totally game.’”
—Len Wiseman, Director
Determination in Career and Life
De Armas brings a rare authenticity to celebrity, balancing her global fame with personal grounding. She engages freely with fans, participates in major events, and manages the intense demands of press tours. Interestingly, she chooses to spend part of her time in Vermont, a decision that surprises many considering her Cuban roots and dislike for cold weather.
“As soon as I went up there, I knew that was going to be a place that would bring me happiness and sanity and peace. But I know for a Cuban who doesn’t like cold very much, it’s very strange.”
—Ana de Armas, Actress
Her path to becoming an action star was as unexpected as her move to Vermont. From a young age in Cuba, de Armas aspired to be an actor and studied theater, never imagining she would lead an action film with grueling physical demands. Early in life, she faced serious asthma, making her later achievements—performing intense stunts and action sequences in movies like “Ballerina”—even more remarkable. She herself reflected on these transformations:
“I never thought I was going to do action,”
and
“I couldn’t run. I sometimes couldn’t play with my friends. I had to just be home and be still so I wouldn’t get an asthma attack. So I never thought of myself as someone athletic or able to run just a block. So this has been a surprise.”
—Ana de Armas, Actress
Rising from Havana to Hollywood: A Remarkable Ascent
Ana de Armas’ journey began in Havana’s National Theatre of Cuba, which she joined at age 14. By 18, she moved to Madrid and eventually landed in Los Angeles in 2014, starting her struggle for recognition anew. Now celebrated among the top Latina actors in Hollywood, she has witnessed how difficult the path for immigrants has become. After her own naturalization process, she commented on the changing climate for those seeking to follow in her footsteps:
“I got here at a time when things were definitely easier in that sense,”
she noted.
“So I just feel very lucky for that. But it’s difficult. Everything that’s going on is very difficult and very sad and really challenging for many people. I definitely wish things were different.”
—Ana de Armas, Actress
Why She Was Chosen for “Ballerina”: Hard Work and Charisma
Chad Stahelski, director of the original “John Wick” films, played a vital role in the transition of Ana de Armas to action star status. When producers considered her for “Ballerina,” Stahelski reviewed all her cinematic performances, discovering a balance of charisma and grit. He remarked on her versatile presence:
“How many people would have played the Bond girl kind of goofy like that?”
—Chad Stahelski, Director/Producer.
“I know that I can harden people up. I know I can make them the assassin, but getting the charm and the love and the humor out of someone is trickier. But she had it.”
—Chad Stahelski, Director/Producer
In “Knives Out,” Stahelski recognized how de Armas could transform from vulnerable to dangerous, saying,
“I like that in my action heroes… I don’t want to see the stoic, superhero vibe where everything’s going to be OK.”
—Chad Stahelski, Director/Producer
But it was de Armas’ life story and work ethic that ultimately set her apart.
“’John Wick’ is all hard work—and I don’t mean just in the training. You’ve got to love it and put yourself out there,”
Stahelski explained.
“When you get her story about how she came from the age of 12, got into acting, what she sacrificed, what she did, that’s what got my attention. ‘Oh, she’s a perseverer. She doesn’t just enjoy the view, she enjoys the climb.’”
—Chad Stahelski, Director/Producer
Pursuing Success Without a Safety Net
Asked about the perseverance that characterizes her career, Ana de Armas often points to her upbringing and the necessity to succeed, not just for herself, but for her family.
“Being Cuban, and my upbringing and my family and everything I’ve done, I’ve never had a plan B,”
she revealed.
“I’ve never had that thing of, ‘Well, if it doesn’t work, my family can help.’ Or, ‘I can do this other career.’ This was it. And I also knew, besides being the thing I loved the most, this was my survival. This is how I live. This is how I feed myself and my family. So it’s also a sense of, I don’t know, responsibility.”
—Ana de Armas, Actress
Her determination was evident even during the earliest auditions in Hollywood, where she navigated language barriers and overwhelming expectations. She explained,
“I was so committed to do it… I was so invested in the trying of it, just giving it a shot. When I give something a shot, I try my best, whatever that is. Then I can actually say: I gave it a shot.”
—Ana de Armas, Actress
Anticipation for “Ballerina” and the Legacy of the John Wick Universe
With “Ballerina,” the torch of action cinema passes to a new generation, symbolized by the reunion of Keanu Reeves and Ana de Armas. Their longtime connection and mutual respect bring authenticity and depth to the film. De Armas’ journey—marked by hard-won career breakthroughs, resilience in the face of industry skepticism, and powerful performances—has uniquely prepared her to helm a high-profile action release. Meanwhile, the enduring popularity of Keanu Reeves bolsters the film’s promise to both longtime “John Wick” followers and those eager for fresh faces in lead roles.
The response from critics and the industry has been cautiously optimistic, with positive buzz surrounding the unique chemistry between Reeves and de Armas, and the potential for “Ballerina” to launch new chapters in the beloved franchise. As audiences fill theaters, all eyes turn to the impact of this reunion and what it might mean for action movies in the years ahead.
