‘Ballerina’ SHOCKS Fans! Director Says It’s NOT What You Think!

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In essence, the John Wick universe is now our realm, with the series that started as a moderately budgeted action movie in 2014 transforming into a global phenomenon under director Chad Stahelski’s innovative vision of an indomitable assassin. Across four films, we’ve witnessed extraordinary gun-fu fight sequences, remarkable practical stunts, and a nuanced and memorable portrayal by franchise lead Keanu Reeves. Coming soon is the first interconnected film not featuring the actor, titled Ballerina, and its director has clarified that it isn’t a spinoff or sequel to the John Wick films but instead stands independently within this dynamic universe.

In an interview with CinemaBlend, From the World of John Wick: Ballerina director Len Wiseman discussed the independent creative vision of his upcoming action film. Despite being heavily promoted as a direct continuation of the John Wick movies, Wiseman doesn’t consider it a spinoff or direct sequel. Rather, the filmmaker views the story as running in parallel with that of Wick’s, as the movie takes place between two other films in the series, as he puts it.

The events occur somewhere between Chapters Three and Four. Discovering its connection to the number three was an exciting adventure for me. Intriguingly, this felt more engaging than if it were a spin-off, as it’s essentially a parallel tale unfolding within the same universe during Chapter Three, and John Wick’s involvement with our timeline adds to the intrigue. I found it captivating because it wasn’t a sequel or spin-off but an integral part of that world’s storyline.

The World of ‘John Wick’ Will Continue to Expand With New Projects

The film titled “Ballerina” has caught people’s attention with its previews and promotional materials, presenting a style and stunt choreography reminiscent of the “John Wick” series, but featuring an entirely distinct main character. In this movie, Ana De Armas portrays the protagonist, Eva, who seeks vengeance as suggested by the trailers. By casting a female lead, the world of “John Wick” faithfully expands on its title, delving into the life of another formidable assassin and demonstrating how her journey eventually crosses with that of John Wick’s.

As a devoted fan myself, it’s always thrilling to delve back into the intricate universe of assassins portrayed in “John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum”. Even though I’m aware of how Keanu Reeves’ character’s story unfolds in the mainline series up to Chapter 4, experiencing the world post-Wick’s actions in this film adds an extra layer of excitement. The introduction of Ana de Armas’ character offers a fresh perspective and potentially hints at connections to the fourth installment. Rewatching the films with this new chronological order can breathe life into older scenes, revealing subtleties that enhance my appreciation for this action-packed series.

As a dedicated cinephile, I was thrilled to learn at CinemaCon 2025 that Lionsgate isn’t limiting the world of John Wick to just Keanu Reeves’ character. Apart from an animated prequel and John Wick: Chapter 5, they’ve announced a standalone film focusing on Donnie Yen‘s character, Caine. This movie, likely set post-John Wick: Chapter 4, will expand the universe of John Wick in a unique way, steering clear of traditional sequel or spinoff labels. The franchise is boldly forging its own path, aiming to break free from industry norms and carve out a distinctive niche in cinematic history.

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2025-05-31 22:40