The John Wick universe just got bigger and bolder with the release of Ballerina, a thrilling spin-off that follows the journey of Eve Macarro, played by Ana de Armas. Blending high-octane action with emotional storytelling, Ballerina not only introduces a fierce new protagonist but also deepens the lore of the assassin underworld fans have come to love.
But how exactly does Eve’s story tie into John Wick’s legendary saga, and what does the film’s explosive ending mean for the future of the franchise? Let’s break down the ending of Ballerina, explore its connections to John Wick, and see what’s next for this ever-expanding cinematic universe.
How Does Ballerina End? The Final Showdown Explained
Ana de Armas stars as Eve Macarro in Ballerina, a high-octane spin-off from the John Wick universe. The film’s climax is a tense, emotional rollercoaster that leaves Eve a wanted woman, her fate uncertain but her resolve stronger than ever. The story follows Eve, a dancer-turned-assassin raised by the same Ruska Roma organization that trained John Wick, as she seeks vengeance for her father’s murder and confronts a deadly cult led by the enigmatic Chancellor.
In the film’s final act, Eve travels to a remote Austrian town to face the Chancellor, who is revealed to be her maternal grandfather. The stakes are personal—her father was killed for trying to save her from a life of violence.
As Eve closes in, the Chancellor appeals to the Director (the head of the Ruska Roma) for help, prompting the Director to send John Wick himself to intervene. Wick, still alive at this point in the timeline (between John Wick: Chapter 3 and Chapter 4), offers Eve a chance to walk away, warning her of the consequences of her choices.
Eve refuses to back down, leading to a climactic confrontation. Instead of killing her as ordered, John Wick gives Eve thirty minutes to finish her mission. As the deadline approaches, Wick even assists her—acting as a sniper to clear a path—allowing Eve to confront and defeat the Chancellor finally.
After rescuing Ella, the kidnapped daughter of a former cult member, Eve returns to her father and attends a ballet performance. Just as she seems to find a moment of peace, her phone buzzes with an alert: there’s now a $5 million bounty on her head. Eve quietly slips away, ready to face whatever comes next.
What Is Eve’s Connection to John Wick?
How Their Stories Intertwine
Eve’s journey bears many similarities to John Wick’s. Both characters are orphans adopted by the Ruska Roma after losing their parents to violence. Winston Scott, the New York Continental manager, played a key role in Eve’s adoption, hinting at deeper connections within the assassin underworld.
Like John, Eve is driven by loss and a thirst for vengeance, but she’s also searching for identity and purpose in a world that constantly demands violence.
Early in the film, Eve seeks advice from John Wick, who urges her to leave the assassin’s life before it’s too late—a warning he never heeded. Their relationship is complex: John recognizes something of himself in Eve and ultimately chooses not to kill her despite being ordered to do so. Instead, he helps her, acting as a guardian angel and allowing her to complete her mission.
This decision is significant within the John Wick universe, where loyalty, respect, and personal codes often override orders. John’s choice to spare Eve and even aid her sets up the possibility for future alliances—and conflicts—between the two.
Why Didn’t John Wick Kill Eve?
The Baba Yaga’s Choice
John Wick’s refusal to kill Eve is rooted in their shared history and mutual understanding. Earlier in the film, Eve approaches John for guidance as she begins her career as an assassin. John, weary from his violent path, advises her to walk away while she still can. When they meet again under far more dangerous circumstances, John’s empathy and respect for Eve’s struggle influence his decision.
John has a precedent for sparing those with whom he shares a connection, as seen in previous films. In John Wick: Chapter 2, he spares Cassian due to their history, even though it complicates his situation. With Eve, John recognizes her determination and the pain that drives her, choosing to give her a chance rather than becoming her executioner.
What Does the Ending Set Up for the John Wick Universe?
New Threats, New Alliances, and a Potential Sequel
The ending of Ballerina leaves Eve on the run, a $5 million bounty on her head, and the assassin world’s attention squarely focused on her. Director Len Wiseman has hinted that this was a deliberate choice, emphasizing the theme of consequences that runs through the John Wick franchise.
The open-ended finale sets the stage for Eve’s next chapter, which could see her battling waves of assassins in New York, much like John Wick did in his saga.
There’s also the unresolved threat of the Chancellor’s cult. As the Chancellor warns Eve before his death, “You kill me, you’ve cut the head off the snake, but the body still lives.” This foreshadows further conflict with the remnants of the cult and the broader criminal underworld.
While Ballerina 2 has not been officially confirmed, the film’s ending and positive reception make a sequel highly likely. The John Wick universe is expanding, with John Wick 5 and other spin-offs in development, suggesting that Eve’s story is far from over.
Will There Be a Ballerina Sequel?
The Future of Eve Macarro
Although Lionsgate has not officially announced Ballerina 2, the film’s conclusion and the ongoing expansion of the John Wick universe strongly suggest that a sequel is in the works. Director Len Wiseman has teased that the story is far from over, with Eve now facing the consequences of her actions and the continued threat of the Chancellor’s followers.
A sequel would likely follow Eve as she navigates the deadly world of contract killers, hunted by those seeking the bounty on her head. The parallels to John Wick’s journey are clear, but Eve’s unique perspective and motivations promise new twists and challenges.
What Does Ballerina Mean for the John Wick Franchise?
Expanding the Assassin Universe
Ballerina not only deepens the mythology of the John Wick universe but also introduces a compelling new protagonist in Eve Macarro. Her story echoes John Wick’s yet stands on its own, exploring themes of family, destiny, and the search for meaning in a violent world.
The film’s ending leaves the door wide open for future crossovers, team-ups, and rivalries. With John Wick’s fate uncertain after Chapter 4, Eve could become the new face of the franchise, carrying on the legacy of Baba Yaga while forging her path.
Final Thoughts
Ballerina delivers a gripping new chapter in the John Wick universe, weaving Eve’s quest for vengeance into the larger world of assassins and secret societies. The film’s ending not only connects Eve’s fate to John Wick’s legacy but also sets the stage for more action-packed stories ahead. With Eve now a key player and the assassin underworld closing in, fans can look forward to even more thrilling adventures in this ever-expanding franchise.
About Ballerina
Ballerina is an upcoming American action thriller film directed by Len Wiseman, from a screenplay he co-wrote with Shay Hatten in collaboration with Emerald Fennell, from an original story by Hatten.
It is intended to be the fifth film and seventh installment overall of the John Wick franchise.
Starring Ana de Armas as Rooney, a ballerina-assassin previously portrayed by Unity Phelan in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019), with Ian McShane and Keanu Reeves reprising their roles from previous films, filming began in November 2022, in Prague.
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