Behind the Scenes: "Ballerina" - Fighting Like a Girl in John Wicks' Dark Universe
Tearing Up the Rulebook
"Emulate John Wick's combat style with feminine ferocity" in the John Wick universe
With "From the World of John Wick: Ballerina", we're diving headfirst into uncharted territory - a bold new spin-off diverging from the traditional John Wick formula. Len Wiseman, director of the legendary action films from the "Underworld" series, joins forces with lead actress Ana de Armas, known for her roles in "Knives Out" and "No Time to Die", in a film that blends the icy precision of John Wick action with heart-pounding emotional undertones. Buckle up as they take the franchise by storm, shattering expectations and carving out a unique narrative that's unlike anything we've seen before.
A Daring New Path
In an exclusive interview with ntv.de, the talented duo breaks down their personal demands for a truly badass action heroine and explains why Ballerina isn't just another "female John Wick". This isn't a carbon copy; it's a new story, crafted with a strong female protagonist who flourishes in her own right.
A Woman for the Job
ntv.de: Congratulations on "Ballerina" - a fantastic film. Spin-offs can often leave us skeptical.
Len Wiseman: That's great! I love it when skeptics are converted! I share the same doubts when I'm not directly involved in a project. So, it's gratifying to win over those who thought, "I'm not sure this is going to be good..."
The Unconventional Tonic
How did you bring your unique style to this franchise?
Wiseman: My style just comes from what inspires me. It's not a conscious process – I don't think, "How do I bring in my style?" Many early action films served as inspiration. Things like Die Hard, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and The French Connection all had a profound impact on my visual approach. When I set foot on this project, I was determined to create something fresh and different, while still maintaining the franchise's dark, compelling atmosphere.
Raising the Action Bar
How did you strive to keep the quality of the John Wick films intact?
Wiseman: Maintaining the tone was crucial. The John Wick films have a distinct mood, and I wanted to preserve that. Besides the tone, of course, the action is essential. The action sequences in John Wick are nothing short of breathtaking, so it was vital to meet that standard without compromising the integrity of Ballerina. We focused intensely on every detail, poured our hearts into every punch and kick, and pushed the boundaries of action cinema.
A Female Powerhouse
It was exhilarating to see a female lead in a genre typically dominated by men.
Ana de Armas: One of the first things I made clear to Len was my enthusiasm for the project and my conviction that it had potential. But I also made it clear that I didn't want to be a mere imitation of John Wick; I wanted to stand on equal footing and give it my all. I told him, "Please don't treat me any differently because I'm a woman." Luckily, we shared the same vision. We knew from the beginning that this wouldn't be a replica of John Wick's story, but a unique character with her own motivations, strengths, and weaknesses.
Wicked Symbiosis
Badass women and brutal violence. Does Eve possess a sense of liberation, an outlet for her suppressed emotions, or is she merely a tool in this world of darkness?
Wiseman: Violence is what Eve has endured throughout her life. The anger that permeates the action scenes stems from her profound experiences and painful past. We aimed for emotionally charged action scenes that would resonate with the audience. For example, during the restaurant scene, the sudden, unexpected attacks from seemingly innocent bystanders provide a playful contrast to the tense, intimate drama that unfolds later in the cave scene with Lena. There, the action is infused with raw emotion as Eve confronts her past and grapples with her deepest fears and desires.
Paving the Way for a New Era
De Armas: Our collaboration was an incredibly rewarding, uncomplicated process. Len was always open to new ideas, and our shared vision for Eve's character evolved naturally. Prior to filming, there was an extensive three- to four-month training period during which I focused on understanding the physicality of Eve's action sequences. On set, we collaborated closely to refine each scene, ensuring that Eve's evolution throughout the film felt authentic and emotionally compelling.
collaboration and evolution
How much influence did the John Wick team (Chad Stahelski) have on the development of the action sequences, and where did you draw the line?
Wiseman: Chad eased up on his involvement during pre-production, granting us the creative freedom to develop Ballerina's unique style independently. However, when it came to action sequences, we worked closely with Len Wiseman's stunt team, 87Eleven, to innovate and push the boundaries of what was possible. Their creativity, combined with an open-minded approach, led to some of the film's most memorable action sequences, such as the flamethrower duel.
Simple Beginnings and Brilliant Endings?
Wiseman: Right now, the focus is on this first film. But I would love to delve deeper into Eve's story, from her humble beginnings to her eventual dominance of the assassin world. The possibilities are endless, and the universe is rich with potential.
So, get ready to take the red pill and dive headfirst into a world where action, emotion, and a brave new heroine collide. "Ballerina" proves that the best is yet to come in the twisted, mesmerizing universe of John Wick.
In the world of entertainment and movies-and-tv, "Ballerina" stands out as a daring new addition to the action genre, featuring Keanu Reeves' dark universe with a female protagonist, Ana de Armas, taking center stage. This film, Following Len Wiseman's unique style, combines the violence and film genre of the John Wick series with a heartfelt storyline, setting new standards for entertainment and redefining the concept of action movies.
