Ana de Armas praised for No Time to Die role after co-star Ian McShane revealed her brief but memorable appearance in the James Bond film made a lasting impression on him. McShane, who appears alongside de Armas in the John Wick spinoff Ballerina, cited her single action sequence in No Time to Die as the moment he became a fan, emphasizing how effectively she commanded the screen, even with limited screen time.
Ballerina Brings Together Franchise Stars
Ballerina, the latest installment set within the World of John Wick, is currently showing in theaters and features Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro, the daughter of two assassins seeking vengeance. The film reunites several key figures from previous entries, including Keanu Reeves, Anjelica Huston, Ian McShane reprising Winston Scott, and the late Lance Reddick in one of his final roles. McShane, during promotional appearances for Ballerina, reflected on the specific de Armas performance that first caught his attention.
He recounted how Ana de Armas, best known for diverse roles, stood out as the CIA agent Paloma in Daniel Craig’s final Bond outing. Despite her reluctance towards the “Bond girl” label and some fan disappointment over her limited appearance in the 2021 film, McShane shared his appreciation for what she accomplished onscreen. He addressed the public’s desire for more time with Paloma, recognizing that her brief role created a lasting impact that carried over into Ballerina.
People always said there should have been more of her [in that film]. Well, here’s Paloma blown up on the big screen as Eve Macarro in a John Wick movie.
—Ian McShane, Actor
This sentiment, voiced by McShane, connects the excitement of fans who wanted more from her Bond character with her expanded presence and dynamic action prowess in the John Wick universe.
De Armas’s Scene-Stealing Role in No Time to Die
In No Time to Die, released in 2021, Ana de Armas portrayed the skillful and assertive Paloma, a CIA operative who aids Bond during a high-intensity mission in Cuba. The character’s standout moment arrives during a carefully choreographed shootout scene in a bustling dance hall, where Paloma and Bond escape a deadly Spectre trap. Throughout this lone action sequence, de Armas demonstrates impressive physical and acting chops, though her character quickly exits the film after their daring escape.
The brevity of her appearance left some fans feeling shortchanged, as promotional materials suggested a larger role. Still, McShane stressed that her short screen time is what made the performance resonate so strongly, allowing her to craft a memorable and “badass” persona without overstaying her narrative welcome.
She had the one scene. All you need is one scene in a movie. She played Paloma, which is… she kicked ass in that.
—Ian McShane, Actor
He further highlighted how de Armas’s performance in No Time to Die not only proved her capability for high-octane action but also laid the groundwork for her central role in a female-driven story within the John Wick franchise.
The Shift Toward Female-Centric Action
Discussing the importance of expanding female roles in action films, Ian McShane acknowledged the significance of bringing a new dynamic to the predominantly male-oriented John Wick series. While women have always been present in the franchise, Ballerina marks a deliberate effort to spotlight experiences and perspectives that resonate with a broader audience.
We needed a female dynamic in these movies. They’ve been so male-oriented before. I mean, women come and see us, sure, but it’s nice to have something that they can relate to on a personal level.
—Ian McShane, Actor
Ballerina serves as a response to fans’ calls for more female-led stories, and de Armas’s casting reflects a growing acknowledgment that action heroes need not fit a singular mold. The presence of established stars like Keanu Reeves and Anjelica Huston, alongside de Armas, signals a willingness by the World of John Wick to evolve and diversify its storytelling approach.
Box Office Performance and Future Prospects
Although Ballerina has received praise for its performances and new narrative angle, its box office returns have not matched the high-water marks of previous John Wick installments. With a substantial $80 million production budget, the film has so far earned $50.5 million, falling short of initial expectations. Despite the lukewarm financial response, the studio behind Ballerina has already announced plans for a sequel, hinting at long-term confidence in Ana de Armas and the potential expansion of her character’s arc.
Why a Brief Role Resonates with Audiences
Ana de Armas’s whirlwind performance as Paloma in No Time to Die exemplifies how a single, well-executed scene can leave a strong impression on both audiences and colleagues. Her role as Bond’s CIA contact in Cuba centers on a single, action-filled sequence that blends ferocity, skill, and charisma. While the film’s promotion set higher expectations for her involvement, the concise appearance arguably intensified her impact, creating demand for future stories centered around her character.
Some fans have speculated that the character’s lasting popularity could prompt streaming platforms like Amazon, which now holds rights to much of the Bond franchise, to explore a Paloma-focused spinoff in the future. At present, Ballerina continues its theatrical run, and No Time to Die remains available online for rent, allowing viewers to revisit the standout scenes that cemented Ana de Armas’s reputation as a leading action star.
