In an exclusive interview with ComingSoon, actress Ana de Armas (known for Knives Out, Blonde, Blade Runner 2049) opens up about her intense training, overcoming fears, and taking on the physically demanding role of Eve Macarro in Ballerina, a spin-off from the John Wick universe.
A Deadly Ballerina with Purpose
Set between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, Ballerina follows Eve Macarro, a ballerina-trained assassin who embarks on a mission of vengeance for her father’s death. As part of the Ruska Roma, Eve undergoes rigorous training to embrace the deadly traditions of her lineage.
The film, which hits theaters on June 6, 2025, puts Ana de Armas at the center of the action, both emotionally and physically.
Ana de Armas on Doing Her Own Stunts
When asked how much of the stunt work she performed, de Armas responded:
“Except for the extremely dangerous falls, hits, throws into walls, and a few sequences involving fire, I did everything else. I wanted to be present in every moment. That’s the reason I said yes to the movie. It wasn’t just about delivering lines—it was about fully embodying the character.”
She emphasized how empowering the training process was and the importance of authenticity in fight scenes:
“We wanted long takes where you could clearly see it was me from start to finish. No choppy cuts, no stand-ins—just real, physical performance.”
Redefining “Fight Like a Girl”
The film challenges traditional ideas with its powerful female lead. When asked about her own experiences of having to fight for her worth in Hollywood, de Armas shared:
“It’s been a part of my journey since the beginning. As a woman in this industry, you constantly have to stand your ground. You have to fight for your creative choices and values.”
Facing Fire and Fear
One of the most intense challenges for de Armas was handling a flamethrower. She recounted:
“The day before shooting, I had to rehearse with it and ended up in tears. It was emotionally overwhelming. But I got used to it, trusted the safety protocols, and eventually had fun with it.”
Overcoming fear isn’t new for de Armas. She reflected on her journey moving from Spain to the U.S., learning English, and taking on demanding roles:
“Every major step terrified me—from acting in Knives Out to portraying Marilyn Monroe. But I embrace challenges; they make every moment unforgettable.”
Final Thoughts
With Ballerina, Ana de Armas redefines what it means to be a modern action star. Her commitment to authenticity and pushing her own limits brings a new level of depth to the John Wick franchise. Fans can expect a thrilling, emotionally charged performance when the film hits theaters in 2025.
