One of the most action-packed releases of the year, Ballerina, was released digitally earlier this week. Fans now have the chance to revisit the first spinoff from The World of John Wick, which centers around Ruska Roma assassin Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas), who goes on her own quest for revenge in the same vein as Keanu Reeves’ character John Wick by tracking down the leader of a Mysterious Cult that was responsible for the death of her father years ago.
To celebrate the digital release of Ballerina, Lionsgate has shared an exclusive clip from a behind-the-scenes featurette included in the film’s bonus features with DiscussingFilm, showcasing the immense detail that went into one of the film’s best action sequences.
For a movie as jam-packed with choreography and stunt work as Ballerina, it’s essential that the action isn’t only impressive, but also tells a story of its own. That much is revealed in this exclusive clip (viewable below), which details the thought process behind the club scene in the movie, where Eve embarks on her first mission to protect an heiress from a group of kidnappers. Chad Stahelski, Executive Producer and director of the first four John Wick films, explains his love of the “a good club” scene in the clip, which also explains the sheer number of clubs featured in the John Wick film series thus far.
Ballerina Director Len Wiseman also explains in the clip the necessity of making this a grounded action sequence, utilizing unconventional yet still dangerous weapons, such as the plastic gun with rubber bullets that Eve is forced to use to fight off the kidnappers. Each action sequence in Ballerina features a different set of circumstances that requires Eve to think outside the box, whether that involves a stack of plates in a hilarious fight scene in the middle of the movie or a fire hose towards the end.
In the case of the action sequence in this exclusive clip, it’s about showcasing Eve’s first time out in the field, her inexperience, and how she eventually overcomes the obstacles and completes her first successful assignment.
Every ‘Ballerina’ Action Sequence Tells Its Own Story
Ana de Armas is also featured in the clip, discussing in detail how the physicality of her character is as essential to her development and arc as her dialogue. The behind-the-scenes look reveals how the characters’ movements and stumbling even help to convey Eve’s state of mind at this point in the story: frustrated at her mistakes, especially since it’s her first time on the job, with the situation proving difficult. It is not until the final fight of the club sequence that she comes into her own as a capable fighter, and the stunning choreography tells this story beautifully.
The behind-the-scenes clip also shows the impressive camera rigs and production design that went into Ballerina, giving viewers a new angle to experience the sequence and watch the movie magic at work. There will undoubtedly be plenty of other extras that break down the other, more complicated stunts in the film, such as the flamethrower fight or even how Keanu Reeves’ inclusion in the movie came to be. The only thing more impressive than action sequences in a John Wick film is how the creative team made them, and that’s something that can be experienced with the digital release of Ballerina.
Ballerina’s digital release is loaded with special features, providing new insights into the film that can’t be explicitly known unless you check them out. This exclusive clip is just one of many detailed looks at the work that went into making his remarkable film, with DiscussingFilm’s own review calling it “purely unbelievable action, and a meaningful deepening of the franchise lore.” The film is currently available to purchase digitally, with the 4K UHD and Blu-Ray physical release still pending a release date.
Release Date: June 6, 2025.
Directed by Len Wiseman.
Written by Shay Hatten.
Based on characters created by Derek Kolstad.
Produced by Chad Stahelski, Erica Lee, & Basil Iwanyk.
Executive Producers: Louise Rosner, Kaley Smalley Romo, & Kevan Van Thompson.
Main Cast: Ana de Armas, Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, Norman Reedus, Ian McShane, Keanu Reeves, Daniel Bernhardt, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Choi Soo-young, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Jung Doo-hong, & David Castañeda.
Cinematographer: Romain Lacourbas.
Composers: Tyler Bates & Joel J. Richard.
Production Companies: Summit Entertainment, Thunder Road Films, & 87eleven Action Design.
Distributor: Lionsgate.
Runtime: 125 minutes.
Rated R.
