Ana de Armas performing stunts in Ballerina movie takes center stage as she opens up about the emotional journey and physical challenges behind her role as assassin Eve Macarro in the John Wick spin-off. The upcoming action film, set for release on June 6, 2025, places the actress’s dedication to her craft and willingness to face her fears in the spotlight, highlighting how far she went to bring authenticity to her performance.
Ana de Armas Embarks on an Action-Filled Journey as Eve Macarro
Stepping into the shoes of Eve Macarro, Ana de Armas joins the John Wick universe with a character deeply rooted in vengeance and rigorous training. The film, situated between John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, introduces Eve as a ballerina-assassin who begins her education in the deadly traditions of the Ruska Roma. Driven by the need to avenge her father’s death, Eve sets out on a mission that requires both emotional and physical resilience.
“Taking place between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, Eve Macarro, a ballerina-assassin, begins to train in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma and sets out to exact revenge for her father’s death,”
reads the official synopsis for the film.
Ballerina, the anticipated action spin-off, promises a fresh perspective within the World of John Wick, with Ana de Armas’s portrayal of Eve Macarro poised to leave a mark when it opens in theaters next summer.
Commitment to Performing Her Own Stunts
Ana de Armas has established herself in Hollywood with diverse roles, but her commitment to performing stunts for Ballerina stands out as a defining experience. When asked about the extent of her involvement in the film’s action sequences, she revealed the depth of her participation.
“I mean, I think except for the really, really dangerous falls or hits or throws on the walls or a few things with the fire, I did everything else. I wanted to be a part of it. It’s the experience I wanna have. That’s why I said yes to the movie. That’s also my contribution. It’s not just my face and a few dialogue scenes. It was so empowering to go through the training. I could feel myself getting more competent and better at it. And then you just wanna have that on camera. I wanted the audience to see it was me [in] the fight scenes. We tried to choreograph things that were like long takes so people could see, like, it was actually me from beginning to end. Like, we didn’t want anything choppy and weird cuts or here and there it was like, Let’s just power through. And it was so difficult.”
—Ana de Armas, Actress
The decision to do as many stunts as possible came from a genuine desire to connect with the material and the audience. Ana’s dedication resulted in painstakingly choreographed fight scenes, captured in long takes designed to showcase her authenticity, with minimal cinematic trickery. She credits the demanding training for empowering her, helping her become increasingly competent with each session, and allowing moviegoers to see her performing the physical feats rather than a stunt double.
Overcoming Challenges as a Woman in Entertainment
Beyond her physical feats, Ana de Armas discussed the broader significance of her journey for women in film, noting that fighting “like a girl” is an aspiration and a necessity in her industry. She reflected on her struggles and triumphs both on and off screen.
“My whole life? It’s always been a part of my character, my values, just the way I just see life as a woman and as a woman in the business, as an actress, as an artist. Like the things I wanna create and the things I wanna do. And there’s always, there’s always that kind of fight that you have with the world, with your people around you that you just have to, you know, put your foot down and keep your grounds and just not move from there. Just whatever happens, you know? And so it’s, it’s always been a constant thing and the target moves and you just move with it and then just keep going.”
—Ana de Armas, Actress
Her words speak to the ongoing challenges women face in the entertainment world, where perseverance, courage, and advocacy for oneself become as essential as talent. Forging her path from her early days in Spain to success in the US, Ana’s resolve illustrates her commitment to making a lasting impact and motivating others who share the same dreams.
Learning to Face Fear on Set
A major emotional hurdle for Ana de Armas during the filming of Ballerina involved confronting her fear of fire, a necessary step for portraying a character who wields a flamethrower with confidence. The process tested her limits, resulting in a particularly vulnerable moment on set.
“She’s not, yeah. For me, it was different. I saw the flamethrower, they asked me to rehearse with it the day before we started shooting, and I had to burn the stuntman, and it was too much for me. I started crying. It was not a good thing to see. But, you know, it was, I got it out of my system. I got comfortable with it. I knew everyone was safe. And then I had a lot of fun with it.”
—Ana de Armas, Actress
Though Eve Macarro is fearless with fire, Ana’s initial reaction to handling a flamethrower was intense. Rehearsing a scene that involved directing the flames at a stunt performer brought her to tears, underscoring the real anxieties that actors face when tasked with dangerous stunts. Ana’s honesty about her emotions highlights the reality of preparing for action roles and the responsibility to ensure safety for everyone involved.
Personal Growth Through Overcoming Fear
Throughout her career, Ana de Armas has continually faced new challenges, both in taking on difficult roles and adapting to life in new environments. She discussed the importance of embracing fear as a path to growth and artistic fulfillment.
She explained that reinventing herself, pursuing new roles, and working with acclaimed actors, such as in Knives Out or embodying marilyn monroe in Blonde, required her to constantly step outside her comfort zone. Ana’s journey from Spain to the US forced her to learn a new language and culture, while immersing herself in projects that were, by her own admission, intimidating at every stage. According to Ana, these experiences, though nerve-wracking, contribute to the special memories and sense of accomplishment that make a career in the arts meaningful.
Ana de Armas Prepares for a Landmark Role
As the release of Ballerina approaches, anticipation grows around Ana de Armas’s performance as Eve Macarro. Her determination to perform her own stunts, face emotional and physical challenges, and advocate for herself in a demanding industry all contribute to the excitement surrounding the film. Audiences will see not only an expertly choreographed action movie but also the story of an actress who brought everything she had to her character, pushing beyond limits and inspiring viewers.
Ballerina arrives in theaters on June 6, 2025, giving fans of the World of John Wick, and admirers of Ana de Armas, an opportunity to witness her resilience and artistry in a role that redefines what it means to perform—and prevail—against all odds.
