In an exclusive interview, Oscar-nominated actress Ana de Armas opens up about her transformation into Eve Macarro, the deadly ballerina-assassin at the heart of the highly anticipated John Wick spinoff, Ballerina. The Cuban-Spanish actress reveals the grueling months of preparation that went into embodying a character who seamlessly blends the elegance of ballet with the brutal efficiency of an elite killer.
From Knives Out to Killing Machines
Ana de Armas during intensive ballet training for her role as Eve Macarro
Ana de Armas, known for her captivating performances in films like "Knives Out," "No Time to Die," and "Blonde," faced her most physically demanding role yet in Ballerina. The actress spent over six months preparing for the role, working with professional ballet instructors, combat choreographers, and weapons specialists to authentically portray Eve Macarro.
"The ballet training was honestly harder than the combat training. Ballet requires such precision, such control of every muscle in your body. When you combine that with the weapon work and the stunts, it becomes this beautiful but deadly dance."
The Ruska Roma Connection
In the John Wick universe, the Ruska Roma operates as a ballet academy that secretly trains orphans to become elite assassins. De Armas explains how this unique concept shaped her character development:
"Eve's story is deeply rooted in this idea that beauty and violence can coexist. She was trained from childhood to be both an artist and a weapon. That duality is what makes her so compelling and so dangerous. She's not just fighting for revenge; she's fighting to reclaim her identity."
Working with Chad Stahelski and the 87Eleven Team
Director Chad Stahelski, who helmed all four John Wick films, brought his signature style to Ballerina while allowing de Armas to bring her own interpretation to the character. The collaboration with the renowned 87Eleven action design team proved instrumental in creating Eve's unique fighting style.
"Chad understood that Eve needed to move differently than John Wick. Her violence is more graceful, more calculated. Every kill is choreographed like a dance sequence, but it's no less brutal."
The Physical Transformation
The preparation for Ballerina required de Armas to undergo an intense physical transformation. Working with ballet masters from the American Ballet Theatre and combat specialists from 87Eleven, she developed the muscle memory necessary to convincingly portray a character trained from childhood in both arts.
"I trained for three hours every morning in ballet, followed by two hours of combat choreography, and then an hour of weapons training. By the end of prep, I was thinking in ballet positions even during fight scenes. That muscle memory is what makes Eve's fighting style so unique."
Weapons training session with 87Eleven stunt coordinators
The Emotional Core
Beyond the physical demands, de Armas emphasizes the emotional depth that drives Eve's quest for vengeance. The film explores themes of family, identity, and the cost of violence that have made the John Wick franchise resonate with audiences worldwide.
"At its heart, this is a story about someone trying to find themselves after losing everything. Eve's journey is about more than revenge – it's about reclaiming her humanity while embracing the killer she was trained to be."
Joining the John Wick Universe
When asked about the pressure of starring in a spinoff of one of cinema's most beloved action franchises, de Armas acknowledges the responsibility while expressing confidence in the story they've created.
"I know fans have high expectations, and they should. We've created something that honors the John Wick legacy while telling a completely new story. Eve is her own character with her own motivations, but she exists in this incredible world that Chad and Keanu built."
Ballerina promises to expand the John Wick universe in exciting new directions when it hits theaters on June 6, 2025. With Ana de Armas bringing both grace and ferocity to the role of Eve Macarro, audiences can expect a film that honors the franchise's legacy while carving out its own unique identity in the world of elegant violence.