Where does Ballerina fit into the John Wick timeline?
How does Ana de Armas’ hitwoman fit into John Wick’s world?
Ana de Armas is set to star in a new action spin-off that welcomes us into a familiar world from a brand new angle, but how does Ballerina fit into the wider John Wick timeline? Directed by Len Wiseman, this stand-alone action movie forms the latest instalment of a growing number of titles that have spun off from filmmaker Chad Stahelski’s primary John Wick franchise.
First released in 2014 and starring Keanu Reeves as its titular hitman, this gun-fu heavy thriller quickly became one of the hottest action series of recent years, spawning three direct sequels and a small screen spin-off called The Continental.
However, with Ballerina, Wick’s world returns to the big screen for more explosive set-piece moments with a new heroine leading the way. However, with the first trailer revealing a cameo appearance from Reeves’ Baba Yaga, it’s left many fans wondering how de Armas’ film fits into an already-established franchise… especially considering Wick’s fate at the end of John Wick 4.
If you’re wondering too, fear not. Here’s what you need to know about how Ballerina fits into the John Wick movie timeline.
Where does Ballerina fit into the John Wick timeline?
Despite Reeves previously stating that Ballerina takes place between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum and John Wick 4, its debut trailer actually revealed that the movie takes place in a different time period.
An official synopsis released alongside the trailer confirmed that the movie is set “during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum.” It’s here where we’ll meet Eve Macarro (de Armas), the young ballerina who swaps her dancing shoes for hand-to-hand combat when her father is murdered.
From there, we’ll watch her become a feared killer as she’s trained by the assassin academy known as the Ruska Roma.
In the first Ballerina trailer, we even glimpse some familiar faces from John Wick 3, including Anjelica Huston’s the Director. We also see snippets of Reeves' John Wick sporting the same facial injuries that he has during his third adventure.
They’re not the only franchise alums to make an appearance. Wick’s close ally and the owner of assassin-friendly hang-out The Continental Winston (Ian McShane) can be seen taking Eve under his wing to begin her training and the late Lance Reddick also pops up as Continental concierge Charon.
Ballerina will be released on 6 June 2025.