CinemaCon kicked off its Lionsgate showcase on Wednesday in part with a look at the latest John Wick spin-off from director Len Wiseman. Therein confirmed is the film’s official title, John Wick Presents: Ballerina, as is the appearance of franchise star Keanu Reeves in the Ana de Armas-led action thriller.
Barring a yet TBA synopsis, the film is set to take place between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4. In the interquel, de Armas stars as Rooney, a ballerina on a mission to hunt down the murderers of her family. The film also features reprising actors Anjelica Huston, Ian McShane and late actor Lance Reddick in his final screen role following his passing prior to the release of Chapter 4.
A trailer was also presented for the audience. The Wrap’s Kristen Lopez details the footage as follows:
The early-look trailer shows Rooney, a ballerina who trains in an all-female assassin school to learn the skills to slay the killers of her family. She’s described as “the new face of vengeance.”
The trailer features the smoothly shot and ultraviolent action scenes people expect from the “John Wick” films, set against the backdrop of frigid, snowy terrain and coldly-lit basements.
Variety’s Brent Lang also reveals Reeves’s return for the film in a scene from the trailer:
“How do I start doing what you do?” de Armas asks the legendary hit man. “Looks like you already have,” Reeves notes wryly.
Rounding out the cast are Gabriel Byrne, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Norman Reedus for the June 6, 2025 studio release. The film is penned by Shay Hatten, Michael Finch and Emerald Fennell and produced by Basil Iwaynk, Erica Lee, and by franchise helmer Chad Stahelski who was brought in to work with Wiseman on more action scenes.
Footage shown at CinemaCon on Wednesday is also drawing major approval from attendees, as posted in a few examples below.
Lead photo: Keanu Reeves in “John Wick: Chapter 4” from Lionsgate
