Ana de Armas brings a distinct approach to the action arena in “Ballerina,” elevating the franchise with her fresh fighting style. Her performance, rooted in Ana de Armas training and fighting style in Ballerina, establishes Eve as a new assassin in the John Wick universe, distinguished by her inventive tactics on the battlefield.
Eve’s Distinct Combat Methods in the John Wick Universe
Debuting as Eve in 2025’s “Ballerina,” Ana de Armas introduces a character whose path diverges notably from John Wick himself. While both characters aim for survival and vengeance, Eve’s journey begins with her initiation into the Ruska Roma as she seeks justice against the cult responsible for her father’s death. This context sets her apart from Keanu Reeves’ Baba Yaga, as she carves a new legacy under the guidance of the Director and trainers like Nogi.
Eve faces a recurring challenge on the battlefield—her comparative lack of brute strength, especially when up against larger male adversaries. Training sequences show Nogi urging her to “fight like a girl,” advising her to overturn expectations and not hesitate to use unorthodox maneuvers, including tactics others would consider fighting dirty. These lessons underpin her entire approach, utilizing her agility, intelligence, and willingness to break the rules to outwit enemies, regardless of their size or number.
The result is a protagonist who relies less on overpowering force and more on creativity, endurance, and the element of surprise. Unlike John Wick, who can go toe-to-toe with many foes through strength, Eve’s fights are marked by unorthodox attacks and tactical improvisation, making every encounter unpredictable.
How Eve’s Resourcefulness Defines Her Battles
Throughout “Ballerina,” Eve demonstrates a keen ability to adapt to her environment and turn any available item into a weapon. The franchise previously established John Wick’s reputation for using everyday objects, but Eve’s inventiveness puts her in a league of her own. In the pivotal weapons shop scene, with the odds stacked against her, she wedges a rifle against a door for defense while searching for more effective weapons, showing quick thinking under pressure.
Her ingenuity extends to explosive tactics, such as using grenades she discovers to eliminate multiple attackers, while strategically sheltering behind heavy doors or tables from the resulting blasts. This destructive flair sets her style apart, but her adaptability does not stop at explosives. In high-stakes moments, Eve will use whatever is at hand—be it smashing an opponent with stacks of plates while searching for her firearm or employing a fire hose to counter a flamethrower. These improvisations not only showcase her survival instincts but highlight the practical creativity fueling her every move.
A Head-to-Head Clash: Eve Versus John Wick
One of “Ballerina’s” most intense moments arrives when Eve finds herself in direct conflict with John Wick. Sent by the Director, John is tasked with eliminating Eve in the Chancellor’s secluded town. Despite being wounded from previous confrontations, Eve refuses to back down, resulting in a fight fueled by both skill and desperation.
During this faceoff, both fighters are reduced to basics: their guns and fists. While Eve demonstrates resilience and a relentless spirit, John’s higher experience level becomes evident as he gains the upper hand, bringing her close to defeat. Even so, the context of their battle reveals deeper layers of character—John is not invested in killing her outright, instead urging restraint and giving her multiple chances to walk away.
The outcome underscores the divide between Eve and John’s abilities. John Wick’s years of expertise, honed by numerous battles and a reputation for lethal inventiveness, outclass Eve’s comparative inexperience. Still, her determination and skill keep her alive, as John ultimately chooses to spare her rather than end her quest.
The Demanding Preparation Behind Eve’s Action Sequences
Ana de Armas’s transformation into Eve required more than just acting skill—it involved rigorous physical and mental training. In a discussion with The Hollywood Reporter, de Armas emphasized the relentless demands of preparing for “Ballerina,” requiring extraordinary levels of dedication, discipline, and focus. She revealed,
endurance and the level of discipline and commitment and focus
—Ana de Armas, Actor, as central aspects that pushed her limits throughout filming.
Her daily regimen included a structured, low-calorie diet and exhaustive workout sessions. Each day involved at least 90 minutes of strength training, extensive hours devoted to stunt coordination, specialized practice at shooting ranges, and nightly treadmill runs while wearing a weighted vest. De Armas described training for months in the lead-up to production—far beyond the typical few weeks most roles require.
These demanding preparations enabled de Armas to embody a physically capable and believable assassin. Her ability to convincingly perform Eve’s acrobatic and inventive fight scenes has become a distinctive mark of “Ballerina,” ensuring her place in the rich lineage of John Wick’s most formidable characters.
Eve’s Impact and the Future of the John Wick Universe
Ana de Armas’s portrayal of Eve has given “Ballerina” a memorable and compelling addition to the John Wick saga. Her mix of unorthodox fighting tactics, resourcefulness, and relentless determination introduces a contrast to the sheer might and reputation of John Wick. While she is not yet at his level in terms of experience or lethal efficiency, Eve stands out as a character who brings fresh dynamics and possible new storylines to the franchise.
As the John Wick universe continues to grow, the introduction of characters like Eve demonstrates the potential for new perspectives and fighting styles. Ana de Armas training and fighting style in Ballerina suggests that future installments could further explore her evolution, perhaps even challenging John Wick’s legacy in new and unexpected ways.
