Warning: the following contains spoilers for From the World of John Wick: Ballerina.
It was a summer blockbuster moment that thrilled fans: the return of Keanu Reeves as John Wick in the latest installment of the action-packed franchise, Ballerina. Directed by Len Wiseman, this new chapter, which hit theaters on June 6, follows the journey of Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro, a fierce assassin drawn into the deadly world of vengeance. But what makes this addition particularly intriguing is that it almost didn’t happen; director Chad Stahelski originally opposed the idea of Reeves reprising his iconic role.
In a revealing interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Stahelski explained that Wick was initially absent from the script. However, after the monumental success of John Wick: Chapter 4, he recognized the value of having Reeves back on board. In his words, the return of Wick would give Ballerina a fighting chance in an increasingly competitive landscape.
That wasn’t in the original script. To be honest, I was kind of against it. But I do see the benefit, and we wanted to help out [director Len Wiseman]. We had just opened John Wick 4 and it was huge. He couldn’t go back to the model of the first John Wick and do a little $18 million indie thing and try to build it up. In order to stay in the same game, you got to give him a fighting chance. And the easiest way to transfer that over  at least, from the studio point of view  was have Wick in Ballerina in a special timeline.
What This Means For Ballerina
Ballerina Originally Only Revolved Around Eve
Without John Wick, the original concept for Ballerina focused solely on Eve, devoid of any connections to the broader John Wick universe. Stahelski’s pivot enriched the narrative, allowing for a subplot between Wick and Eve, ultimately providing depth and context to the established franchise. Eve first encounters John Wick before pursuing her revenge, setting the stage for a unique perspective on Wick’s quest for safe passage through her eyes.
Wiseman shared that Wick’s role also adds more layers to Ballerina, creating additional tie-ins with Chapter 3. For instance, fans will be treated to scenes where Wick and Zero engage in a thrilling motorcycle chase, seamlessly blending the two storylines.
In the same interview, Stahelski reflected on whether John Wick could stand on its own without Reeves. He acknowledged that the discussion around Wick’s future has been complex but emphasized the importance of crafting an organic story that resonates. Notably, he clarified that it’s unlikely Wick will be part of the planned spinoff centered on Donnie Yen’s character, Caine.
Our Take On John Wick’s Return In Ballerina
John Wick’s Appearance Made Ballerina An Expansion Of The Franchise
Reeves’ involvement elevated the plot of Ballerina, amplifying its significance within the franchise. It bridged the gap between Chapter 3 and Chapter 4, stirring conversations about consequence and moral exits. Although Reeves’ dialogue is minimal, the thematic connections tie the film back to its roots and enrich Eve’s narrative.
While Eve’s character stands strong on her own, Wick’s presence bolsters the film’s overall impact. Although he plays an instrumental role in the climax, the question remains: how much did his actions truly influence Eve’s path? Ultimately, while John’s guidance may have lightened her journey, it doesn’t overshadow the burdens she bears turning into Ballerina. The journey remains hersâ€â€marked not just by survival, but by the indelible scars that accompany her fight for revenge.
Source: THR