‘John Wick: Ballerina’ Second Trailer Drops – Keanu Reeves Returns for High-Stakes Action

The highly anticipated second trailer for John Wick: Ballerina has arrived, offering a thrilling glimpse into the latest expansion of the John Wick universe.

The spin-off introduces a fresh storyline while bringing back some familiar characters, including the legendary John Wick himself, played by Keanu Reeves.

Ana de Armas Takes the Lead

Ana de Armas stars as Eve Macarro, a Russian ballerina-turned-assassin driven by a desire for vengeance against those who killed her family.

The trailer reveals Eve navigating a dangerous world filled with deadly enemies, showcasing de Armas’ strength and intensity in the action-packed sequences.

The role marks a significant shift for de Armas, who previously impressed audiences with her action skills in No Time to Die alongside Daniel Craig and Ghosted with Chris Evans.

Keanu Reeves Returns as John Wick

In an exciting turn, Keanu Reeves reprises his iconic role as John Wick. The trailer hints at a complex dynamic between Wick and Eve — initially positioned as rivals, the two eventually join forces.

The on-screen chemistry and shared mission between de Armas and Reeves add another layer of intrigue to the film.

An All-Star Cast and Creative Team

Beyond de Armas and Reeves, Ballerina features an impressive supporting cast, including Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, the late Lance Reddick, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Norman Reedus, and Ian McShane.

The film is directed by Len Wiseman (Underworld) and written by Shay Hatten (Army of the Dead). Chad Stahelski, the mastermind behind the first four John Wick films, serves as a producer, ensuring the franchise’s signature action style remains intact.

Expanding the John Wick Universe

Ballerina is set between John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4, providing a deeper exploration of the assassin underworld. The film expands on a character initially portrayed by Unity Phelan in Parabellum, with de Armas now taking on the role.

The timeline placement ensures that the story fits seamlessly into the established John Wick narrative.

A High-Stakes, Action-Packed Ride

The trailer delivers exactly what fans expect from the franchise — brutal, meticulously choreographed action sequences set against a gritty, neon-lit backdrop.

Eve’s transformation from a ballet dancer to a lethal assassin is underscored by intense fight scenes, dramatic confrontations, and moments of quiet vulnerability.

The film’s dark tone and fast-paced action reinforce the signature style that has made the John Wick series a global phenomenon.

Delays and Production Enhancements

Originally scheduled for a June 2024 release, Ballerina was pushed back to allow Wiseman and Stahelski to fine-tune the action sequences and elevate the film’s production quality.

Lionsgate’s decision reflects the studio’s commitment to maintaining the high standards set by the John Wick franchise.

Box Office Legacy and Expectations

The John Wick franchise has become a massive box office success, with the first four films collectively earning over $1 billion worldwide. The most recent installment, John Wick: Chapter 4, became the highest-grossing film in the series, surpassing $440 million globally.

Ballerina is poised to build on this legacy, with de Armas’ star power and Reeves’ return expected to draw large audiences.

De Armas’ Rise as an Action Star

De Armas’ transition into action films has been met with critical and commercial success. Her performance in No Time to Die as CIA agent Paloma earned praise for her charisma and combat skills.

Her turn as Eve Macarro in Ballerina is expected to further cement her status as a leading action star. In addition to her action roles, de Armas received her first Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in Blonde (2023), demonstrating her versatility as an actress.

Building on the Franchise’s Momentum

Ballerina isn’t the first attempt to expand the John Wick universe. The prequel miniseries The Continental, which explores the origins of the assassin hotel, debuted on Peacock in September 2023, starring Mel Gibson.

Ballerina builds on this momentum by offering a deeper look into the assassin network and introducing a fresh perspective through Eve’s story.

Final Countdown to Release

With Ballerina hitting theaters on June 6, the countdown is on for fans of the John Wick franchise. The film promises to deliver the high-octane action, complex characters, and intricate world-building that have defined the series.

Ana de Armas’ turn as Eve Macarro, alongside Keanu Reeves’ return as John Wick, makes Ballerina one of the most anticipated releases of the year.