Theatrical Release: June 6, 2025 | Streaming: September 25, 2025 (Starz), July 1, 2025 (PVOD) | Star: Ana de Armas | Director: Len Wiseman | Studio: Lionsgate | Box Office: $137.3 million worldwide | Budget: $90 million | Rotten Tomatoes: 76% critics, 92% audience
What is Ballerina? The first John Wick spin-off film, set between Chapter 3—Parabellum (2019) and Chapter 4 (2023). Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas), ballerina-assassin trained in the same Russian Roma program as John Wick, seeks revenge for her father’s murder. The film connects to main franchise through Winston (Ian McShane), Charon (Lance Reddick, in his final role), and John Wick himself (Keanu Reeves, cameo).
Why did it underperform? $137.3 million worldwide—25th highest-grossing 2025 film, but second-lowest John Wick entry (only 2014 original’s $86.1 million was lower). The John Wick franchise peaked with Chapter 4‘s $440 million (2023). Ballerina‘s drop suggests spin-off fatigue, or Ana de Armas’ action-star status unproven outside No Time to Die (2021).
What is the streaming strategy?
- July 1, 2025: PVOD (Premium Video-On-Demand)—$24.99 purchase, $19.99 rental
- September 25, 2025: Starz exclusive streaming (first pay-TV/SVOD window)
- Post-Starz: Prime Video (Lionsgate’s 2026 output deal)
This “accelerated” timeline—4 months theatrical-to-streaming versus traditional 6-8 months—reflects Lionsgate’s 2025 Starz deal extension.
Why Starz? Lionsgate owns Starz. The exclusive window drives subscriptions—Starz offered $23 annual deal (66% off) for Ballerina launch. The film’s 92% audience score (Certified Fresh) makes it streaming acquisition bait.
How is Ana de Armas’ performance? “Transformed,” per her own words: “I enjoyed every second. I was in a lot of pain, but it was part of the process. It changed my body, my endurance, my discipline.” She trained in ballet (obviously), martial arts, and weapons handling for 6 months. The role was physically demanding—Eve’s fighting style combines dance grace with Wick’s “gun-fu.”
Who else is in the cast?
- Anjelica Huston: The Director, returning from Chapter 3
- Gabriel Byrne: The Chancellor, new villain
- Norman Reedus: Daniel Pine, Eve’s love interest
- Catalina Sandino Moreno: Roma clan leader
- Keanu Reeves: John Wick (extended cameo, not mere glimpse)
What is the critical reception? 76% Rotten Tomatoes critics, 92% audience—”B+ CinemaScore equivalent,” per analysts. The gap suggests critics found it “formulaic” (John Wick without Wick), while audiences appreciated female-led action and de Armas’ commitment.
Is there sequel potential? Unclear. John Wick 5 (2025) and John Wick: Under the High Table (2026) take priority. If Ballerina streams 10+ million households on Starz, sequel likely. If not, Eve Macarro may appear in High Table series instead.
What does this mean for Ana de Armas? Post-Blonde (2022) Oscar nomination and Ghosted (2023) flop, Ballerina was action-star test. Streaming success may matter more than theatrical—Netflix’s The Gray Man (2022) underperformed theatrically but became platform’s #1 film. De Armas’ next: John Wick: Under the High Table (2026), then Ballerina 2 or prestige return.
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