The John Wick universe expands with a spin-off, Ballerina. Starring Ana de Armas as Eve (or Rooney, as the character was known—also played by a different actor, in John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum), who is on a revenge spree (at this point, revenge is the raison d'etre for anything in the John Wick universe).

Ballerina boasts an impressive cast of returning John Wick veterans alongside new faces. The Walking Dead star Norman Reedus, Academy Award nominee Gabriel Byrne, and Catalina Sandino Moreno are the newest addition to this ensemble. Ian McShane returns as Winston, the enigmatic manager of The Continental Hotel; the late Lance Reddick will make his final appearance as Charon; Anjelica Huston is back as The Director.

And then, there's the appearance of Keanu Reeves as John Wick. When he's not voicing corporate videos for dubious corporation, Reeves returns in order take out Eve. But how? Didn't he *spoiler alert* shuffle off the mortal coil in John Wick: Chapter 4? Well, apparently, the murderous events in Ballerina take place between John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4. Although, we will definitely see John Wick again as a John Wick: Chapter 5 is currently in production. How will he returns from the dead is still up in the air. (Someone out there is now writing fan fic about this.)

But Is the appearance of John Wick enough to give Ballerina a boost before it can fly on its own? After the meh showing of The Continental, another spin-off showing a young Winston and Charon before taking over managerial duties at The Continental Hotel and the rumours of extensive reshoots of Ballerina, we are reserving judgement until the movie's release.

Ballerina will be in theatres 5 June 2025