Ana de Armas’s emotional flamethrower stunt in Ballerina became a focal point on set, as the actress broke down in tears after performing a risky scene that pushed her far beyond her comfort zone. The dramatic moment unfolded during the filming of the John Wick spin-off, leaving both fans and crew members shaken by the intensity and real danger involved.
How High-Stakes Stunts Shape Cinema
The world of film has often been defined by its appetite for risk, with daring stunts serving as some of the most memorable elements. Early cinema legends like Buster Keaton pioneered this approach, famously standing still as a house wall collapsed around him in Steamboat Bill Jr, fully aware that a miscalculation could be fatal. Such commitment lent authenticity and thrill to his performances, marking him as an icon whose legacy still influences Hollywood.
The tradition of risk-taking in movies has continued over generations, with contemporary stars like Tom Cruise pushing the boundaries of on-screen danger. Cruise famously scaled the heights of the Burj Khalifa for Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, demonstrating a fearlessness that sets him apart. The willingness of actors to perform these dangerous stunts, despite significant personal risk, often makes their films stand out and captivates audiences worldwide.
Ana de Armas Confronts Fear on the ‘Ballerina’ Set
Stepping into the spotlight as the lead in Ballerina, Ana de Armas found herself facing a new level of challenge. Known for her roles in major action movies, de Armas is no stranger to physically demanding scenes. However, the John Wick spin-off demanded a stunt involving actual flamethrowers, raising the stakes far higher than anything she had previously encountered.
Unlike her reported future co-star Tom Cruise, de Armas admits she’s less at ease with dangerous stunts. During filming, the prospect of working with live flames brought her to a breaking point—so much so that it left her visibly shaken and in tears after the scene wrapped.
Behind the Scenes: The Stunt Coordinators Speak Out
Stunt coordinators Jackson Spidell and Stephen Dunley were charged with managing the perilous sequences on Ballerina. In an interview with Den of Geek, Dunley spoke candidly about the emotional toll the flamethrower scene took on de Armas:
“You know it’s not a natural thing to deliberately set someone on fire. So for her coming in and doing it, there was an emotional thing,”
— Stephen Dunley, Stunt Coordinator
Dunley further explained the emphasis on taking every possible precaution to ensure safety, given the inherent risks involved:
“Obviously, flamethrowers are dangerous weapons, so we’ve gotta have a lot of safety procedures in place and spend the time to be able to do that.”
— Stephen Dunley, Stunt Coordinator
The intensive preparation and strict safety protocols highlight the severity of the stunt, and its emotional aftermath underscored just how taxing such moments can be even for experienced professionals.
Star Power and Franchise Momentum Fuel Success
Ballerina not only stars Ana de Armas, but also features Anjelica Huston, Keanu Reeves, and Gabriel Byrne, further boosting the film’s draw. Fans of the John Wick franchise have responded enthusiastically, helping the movie approach a $100 million global box office milestone shortly after its release in early June.
The film’s mix of high-caliber stunts and popular actors has created strong buzz and ensured that the spin-off stands out within the action-movie landscape.
What the Future Holds After a Standout Stunt
The impact of Ana de Armas’s emotional flamethrower stunt in Ballerina is likely to resonate both within the film industry and among audiences. The sequence not only tested de Armas’s limits, but also showcased the ongoing tradition of powerful, high-risk filmmaking that dates back to figures like Buster Keaton and continues with stars such as Tom Cruise. As Ballerina cements its place in the John Wick universe, the daring performances and behind-the-scenes dedication from stunt coordinators Stephen Dunley and Jackson Spidell set a new benchmark for what’s possible in modern action cinema.
