Since its debut in 2014, the John Wick franchise has redefined action cinema, captivating audiences with its unique blend of stylish gun-fu and compelling storytelling. Keanu Reeves’ portrayal of the titular character, John Wick, has set a high bar for cinematic action heroes. As we look ahead, a new installment is poised to expand this universe: From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, slated for release in June 2025. This begs the question—how does Ballerina fit into the expansive timeline of John Wick? Let’s delve into it.
When Does Ballerina Happen in the John Wick Timeline?
If you’re curious about Ballerina’s timeline within the John Wick saga, the official trailer provides some clarity. The synopsis clearly states that the film occurs during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. While this might seem straightforward, the trailer also offers subtle visual callbacks to Chapter 3, including scenes from alternative perspectives, like John Wick’s visit to The Director.
As for whether we might see John Wick return after the events of Chapter 4, you might be disappointed. While he won’t take center stage in Ballerina, Lionsgate has already confirmed a John Wick: Chapter 5 is in the works, so hope remains for those epic action sequences.
Does Ballerina Alter the Original John Wick Timeline?
Another pressing question is whether Ballerina will impact the established John Wick timeline. The short answer is no; Ballerina maintains the integrity of the original timeline. Although it was initially intended to be set between Chapters 3 and 4, its placement has shifted to occur alongside Chapter 3, allowing for parallel storylines.
This means while Ana De Armas’ character, Eve, embarks on her training as an assassin, John Wick is also stepping into perilous situations elsewhere. The trailer hints at Wick’s injuries, adding depth to their simultaneous narratives.
What’s intriguing is that Ballerina delves into Eve’s backstory, showcasing her as a child before she was groomed for the assassin life. This could indicate future appearances in subsequent John Wick films, including the anticipated John Wick 5.
What Does Keanu Reeves Think of Ballerina?
In a recent interview, Keanu Reeves shared his excitement about his cameo in Ballerina, referring to it as a “cool story.” He praised the film’s director, Len Wiseman, for beautifully capturing the essence of the John Wick world. Reeves mentioned that there is a natural reason for his involvement in Ballerina, making it an organic continuation of the franchise’s storyline.
He also spoke highly of Ana De Armas, admiring her dedication to action sequences and how enjoyable it was to collaborate with her. As he put it, “Working with Ana was great. She really loves action, and she’s really good at it.”
Ana echoed Reeves’ sentiments during an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, expressing both the challenges and joy of working on a project of this caliber. She shared her experience filming in Prague and the physical demands of action scenes, noting how Reeves’ commitment inspired her to push through her own challenges.
With Keanu Reeves endorsing Ballerina, expectations are high. The movie promises to meld thrilling action with engaging storytelling, making its June 6, 2025 release a highly anticipated event. Stay tuned as we uncover more about this exciting chapter in the John Wick universe, and share your thoughts on what Ballerina might bring to the table.
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