Ana de Armas’ standout performance in No Time to Die continues to generate conversations as Ian McShane, her Ballerina co-star, has spoken out in her defense amid criticism regarding the length of her role. During recent promotions for Ballerina, McShane revealed that even with brief screen time as Paloma in the Bond film, de Armas made a lasting impression, highlighting the impact one scene can have when delivered with skill and presence.
Ian McShane Recognizes Ana de Armas’ Impact in the Bond Franchise
Ian McShane, who portrays Winston Scott in the John Wick series, has expressed admiration for Ana de Armas’ work over their time together in Ballerina. While the film has introduced de Armas as Eve Macarro, the daughter of assassins seeking revenge, McShane pointed to her earlier performance in No Time to Die as the moment he became her fan. He noted that though her role as CIA agent Paloma was brief, she demonstrated a commanding presence and impressive ability during her single action sequence.
The release of Ballerina brings several stars back to the John Wick universe, including Keanu Reeves, Anjelica Huston, and Lance Reddick in his final appearance. Yet, it is de Armas’ approach to action and intensity in her previous roles that has captured the attention of her castmates. Fans remember Ana de Armas from No Time to Die, where, despite her limited time on screen, she left a distinct mark on the franchise alongside Daniel Craig’s James Bond.
“People always said there should have been more of her [in that film]. Well, here’s Paloma blown up on the big screen as Eve Macarro in a John Wick movie.”
—Ian McShane, Actor
In an interview with Radio Times, McShane reiterated that one memorable scene is sometimes enough to prove an actor’s capability, stating:
“She had the one scene. All you need is one scene in a movie. She played Paloma, which is… she kicked ass in that.”
—Ian McShane, Actor
He further addressed the evolving direction of the John Wick franchise, emphasizing the introduction of a strong female lead as an important element:
“We needed a female dynamic in these movies. They’ve been so male-oriented before. I mean, women come and see us, sure, but it’s nice to have something that they can relate to on a personal level.”
—Ian McShane, Actor
The Reception and Box Office Performance of Ballerina
Ballerina, now in cinemas, amplifies the unique perspective brought by de Armas’ character Eve Macarro, presenting the audience with a female-driven narrative within the World of John Wick. Despite this, the film’s box office returns have so far lagged behind previous franchise entries, earning $50.5 million globally from an $80 million budget. The studio has already indicated plans to create a sequel, suggesting confidence in de Armas’ ability to draw viewers and shape the future of the series.
Reasons Behind the Appreciation for Ana de Armas’ Role in No Time to Die
In No Time to Die, Ana de Armas appears as Paloma, Bond’s contact from the CIA who plays a crucial role during the Havana mission. Her arrival injects energy and intensity into the story as she assists James Bond, portrayed by Daniel Craig, in infiltrating a Spectre gathering gone awry. Together, they navigate a treacherous situation, combating foes with precision and executing sleek choreography that distinguishes the action sequence.
The brevity of Paloma’s role sparked disappointment among viewers who had expected more based on marketing, yet many recognized that her effective and no-nonsense approach elevated the scene. Rather than overstaying her welcome, Paloma exits after helping Bond escape, leaving a distinct impression on audiences. Some fans and commentators have argued that prolonging her presence would have lessened the character’s impact within the carefully constructed world of the Bond films.
Among the notable figures weighing in on this debate, McShane’s remarks convey the idea that a single unforgettable moment can be more powerful than extended screen time, especially when it amplifies a character’s mystique and legacy. The possibility of future projects for Paloma, whether through an Amazon spinoff or other creative avenues, remains open for exploration as discussions around Ana de Armas continue to grow.
The Next Phase for Ana de Armas and the Franchise
With Ballerina offering Ana de Armas a larger platform to display the skills audiences glimpsed in No Time to Die, her portrayal as Eve Macarro is positioned to reflect a shift toward more inclusive storytelling in action cinema. While the film has not matched the opening success of previous John Wick entries, the groundwork has been laid for further character development and continued expansion of the franchise.
No Time to Die, featuring de Armas as Paloma, is currently available to rent on AppleTV, allowing new viewers and returning fans to evaluate the influence of her brief but celebrated role. Meanwhile, Ballerina’s theatrical run continues, fueling anticipation for how Ana de Armas and the World of John Wick might evolve in forthcoming installments.
