Ana de Armas Returns to Action in ‘John Wick’ Spin-Off ‘Ballerina’
Ana de Armas is an assassin in pointe shoes in the new John Wick spin-off, Ballerina.
As John looks for allies in John Wick 3 he meets with the Roma mafia’s leader, The Director (played by Anjelica Huston). As they talk they walk by ballerinas of various ages practicing and warming up; some are covered in the same style of tattoos John is. It quickly becomes clear that these dancers aren’t just dancers. They’re part of the organization. Assassins? Spies? We’re going to find out in the newest spin-off in the Wick Universe: Ballerina.
via Lionsgate
What We Know About Ballerina
Ballerina was announced around the release of Parabellum and it’s one of two expansions in the works. The other, The Continental, is a show that focuses on the hotels that serve as neutral zones. It takes place before Wick’s time. It’s not clear if Ballerina‘s story will be woven into John’s storyline or if it’ll be a stand-alone with some cameos, but it’s in the same time period. It’s been confirmed that Ian McShane and Keanu Reeves are reprising their roles, but not to what extent.
The movie is led by Ana de Armas, whose action scenes stand out in No Time to Die. Her performance left a lot of folks asking for a Bond-style movie with de Armas at the center. Glad Hollywood decided to agree – and to include her in one of the best action franchises of all time.
via MGM
Behind the Camera
Len Wiseman (the guy behind the Underworld franchise) is directing. Wick Universe co-creator Chad Stahelski talked to THR about having him join the franchise:
“Having him on board and approaching some of the action design from a slightly different perspective, meaning the set pieces, the character involvement, how and what he wants to do during the action sequences, makes it kind of fresh. So, we’re not just copying ourselves over and over again with gun-fu or something like that. And because the character is different, we’re going to get a different take on things. But as far as the level, the competence or the style of action? Yes. I plan to be there to assist whenever I can. And our 87eleven stunt team will be very actively involved in helping Len in all his action needs.”
The screenplay is by the ever-amazing Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman). I am hoping that her work on this means we’ll get a multifaceted woman that kicks ass and not just another “strong” woman that’s written like a dude. Between Ana de Armas and Fennell, I have faith.
