Ballerina
gets a new trailer, confirming a Keanu Reeves action scene in the John Wick spinoff. After the success of the first four John Wick movies, a spinoff is now on the way from director Len Wiseman. The Ballerina story features Ana de Armas starring as Eve, an ᴀssᴀssin who embarks on a mission for revenge following the murder of her family. Reeves is confirmed to appear in a cameo capacity in the film alongside Ian McShane as Winston and the late Lance Reddick as Charon, though the full extent of his role has remained a mystery.
Lionsgate now shares a special Oscars trailer for Ballerina, showcasing a closer look at several of de Armas’ action sequences. In addition to showing a bit more from the colorful club shootout, another scene shows Eve seemingly fighting in a high-end lounge setting. A brief clip at the end also shows Reeves doing Wick’s signature pistol reload, teasing his participation in at least one action sequence. Check it out below:
What The Ballerina Trailer Means For The John Wick Spinoff
Will The Spinoff Recapture The Magic Of The Previous 4 Movies?
Prior to this latest footage, trailers suggested that Wick’s return would be in more of a mentorship capacity to Eve. This latest trailer, however, confirms that the movie will be putting Wick himself back into the action. It remains to be seen whether Wick’s action sequence will feature him on his own or if de Armas’ Eve will be fighting alongside him. What’s notable, however, is that Ballerina will have the first Wick action sequence not to be directed by franchise creator Chad Stahelski.
Right now, there’s a major question mark regarding whether Ballerina will be able to live up to what was accomplished in the four previous films, especially after the acclaimed John Wick: Chapter 4. By giving audiences an action sequence with Wick himself, the spinoff may be able to win over some more skeptical viewers. Wick’s return may not be enough, however, if the action itself isn’t on the same level.
John Wick: Chapter 4 was a franchise highlight, grossing $440 million and scoring 94% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
Our Take On The New Ballerina Trailer
Len Wiseman Has Big Shoes To Fill
Stahelski has undeniably been key to the success of the John Wick movies thus far, in large part due to his background as a stuntman. Wiseman doesn’t share this same background and is known for directing two Underworld movies starring Kate Beckinsale and Live Free or Die Hard (2007). Stahelski is reported to have help shepherd Ballerina to the finish line, though, which could mean it ends up on the right track.
Bringing back Reeves as Wick and not including him in an action sequence could have been frustrating for viewers, so it’s a positive sign that he’ll get at least one standout shoot out. Plus, with John Wick 5 still not a sure thing, this could well be the last time audiences get to see Reeves playing this character. It remains to be seen how Ballerina fares with viewers, but the latest trailer is a positive sign of what’s to come.
Source: Lionsgate