Ana de Armas brings unique assassin role in Ballerina, as both she and director Len Wiseman emphasized the film offers a distinct character not intended to imitate Keanu Reeves’ portrayal of John Wick. Their comments come as the movie faces mixed feedback from viewers, with many questioning whether Ballerina is a genuine addition to the “World of John Wick” or an attempt to capitalize on the franchise without delivering fresh content.
Shaping a Standalone Hero: Eve Macarro Differentiates from John Wick
Director Len Wiseman, renowned for his previous work on Underworld, Live Free or Die Hard starring Bruce Willis, and Total Recall with Colin Farrell, took on the challenge of creating a new leading figure within the universe associated with John Wick. According to Wiseman, he wanted Eve Macarro, played by Ana de Armas, to have a distinct identity and voice, one that would not merely replicate what fans have come to expect from the iconic assassin played by Keanu Reeves.
The seeds for Ballerina were planted in 2017 when Lionsgate Films obtained Shay Hatten’s screenplay for an action thriller. Initially, the concept was intended as part of the third John Wick movie, introducing Unity Phelan as the ballerina. By 2021, Ana de Armas was approached for the title role, and her official casting was announced in 2022, solidifying the film’s commitment to offering a new perspective.
Observers on social media expressed skepticism over the necessity of extending the John Wick universe, especially after the underwhelming response to The Continental series. The absence of Keanu Reeves as the lead in a related story also sparked doubts about whether another spin-off could stand on its own.
Len Wiseman addressed these concerns directly, explaining that his aim was not to deliver a copycat film but to rely on de Armas’ own strengths to define the combat style and character arc of Eve Macarro. This deliberate approach was meant to distance Ballerina from becoming a simple derivative of its predecessor.
She’s a new assassin, so it was much more survival action than attack action. She’s jumping into a world where she’s up against a lot of very seasoned assassins.
—Len Wiseman, Director
Wiseman worked closely with the production designer, tracking how Ana de Armas’ physical abilities—such as her expertise in kicks—could be integrated organically into her performance. By constructing action sequences and set pieces that played to the actress’s strengths, Wiseman aimed to highlight a different kind of assassin than the audience had seen from Reeves’ John Wick, using both her Cuban and Spanish background as part of her character’s unique style.
Ana de Armas Outlines Eve Macarro’s Distinct Path
Ana de Armas made it clear that she never aimed to portray a female version of John Wick. Responding to the public’s skepticism, de Armas shared that she faced considerable pressure going into the project but remained steadfast that her character offered something new.
John Wick is very experienced, and she’s not. She’s just starting in this world, and she will have to learn the consequences of not listening to people’s advice and telling her to stop pursuing this or that.
—Ana de Armas, Actress
Unlike John Wick, who returns to the assassin underworld with a history and reputation, Eve Macarro is depicted as a novice navigating a dangerous landscape populated by veteran killers. Both characters share a drive for vengeance rooted in pain, yet Macarro’s arc revolves around learning from mistakes and consequences rather than relying on the skills of a seasoned enforcer.
Production designer insights and Wiseman’s direction ensured that the physicality and emotional depth of Ana de Armas’ character felt authentic, rather than manufactured as a mere counterpart to Reeves’ legendary hitman.
Reception and Future of the John Wick Spin-off
Despite efforts from Len Wiseman and Ana de Armas, Ballerina faced polarized reactions. Some critics and fans have labeled the project as an unnecessary extension of a franchise that has already expanded with mixed results, particularly after The Continental. However, the filmmakers continue to argue that the film’s value lies in taking bold steps away from well-trodden territory, instead offering a different perspective within the assassin-filled world.
The arrival of Ballerina in theaters worldwide adds a new chapter to the John Wick saga, potentially signaling further spin-offs or standalone stories that could focus on a wider range of characters, rather than relying on the shadow of Keanu Reeves’ original creation. For audiences and critics alike, the question remains: can a new assassin, portrayed by Ana de Armas, carve out her own legacy in this turbulent, violent world, or will comparisons to the enduring figure of John Wick continue to dominate the conversation?
