Warning: This article contains spoilers forJohn Wick: Chapter 4.
Keanu Reeves is able to return inFrom the World of John Wick: Ballerinafor one major reason. Reeves has played the title character in theJohn Wickfranchise since the first movie debuted in 2014, however the character died at the end of the most recent installment in the action series, 2023’sJohn Wick: Chapter 4.Ballerinais set to focus on a completely different character, the assassin Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas), but it will feature other characters from the universe including Anjelica Huston as The Director, Ian McShane as Winston Scott, and Lance Reddick as Charon.
While it was preceded by the Peacock prequel miniseriesThe Continental: From the World of John Wick, which premiered in 2023 and follows a younger version of Winston Scott (Colin Woodell), theupcomingBallerinawill be the first feature-length spinoff in the franchise. This may explain why it has much deeper connections to the franchise at large and more returning characters. This includes the return of John Wick himself, asKeanu Reeves was confirmed to be reprising the iconic rolein the first official trailer for the movie, which arrived on June 07, 2025.
When Ballerina Takes Place In The John Wick Timeline
Ana de Armas' spinoff movie Ballerina expands the John Wick universe, and when it takes place in the franchise timeline is officially confirmed.
Ballerina Takes Place Before John Wick’s Death In Chapter 4
The Movie Plays With The John Wick Timeline
The reason Keanu Reeves is able to return as John Wick, as showcased in theBallerinatrailer, is the fact thatthe new movie takes place before the events ofJohn Wick: Chapter 4. The official synopsis for the movie says that it takes place “during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum.” That 2019 installment originally introduced the ballerina assassins of the Ruska Roma to the world of the franchise, primarily focusing on Unity Phelan as trainee Rooney.
For some time, it was unclear if Ana de Armas would be taking over the role of Rooney or playing a different ballerina role with a similar characterization.
Despite this description from the synopsis, it ultimatelyseems likely that the movie will be taking place between the events ofParabellumandChapter 4on theJohn Wicktimeline. The first three installments in the franchise span roughly a week of in-universe time in spite of the fact that the movies came out in theaters over the course of five years, with the events ofChapter 4then followingChapter 3by about six months. Considering the fact that the flagship movies have such a truncated chronology, it seems unlikely thatBallerinawill adhere exactly to theParabellumtimeline.
Keanu Reeves Helped Choose Ballerina’s Setting To Make John Wick’s Return Possible
The Star Has Not Abandoned His Iconic Action Role
Not only does the timeline ofBallerinaallow Keanu Reeves to return to his newest iconic action movie role,the star was instrumental in giving himself the opportunityto do so. In a 2023 interview withEntertainment Weekly, he revealed that he worked with both Ana de Armas and director Len Wiseman when the spinoff was being developed. Reeves said that Wiseman asked him when the movie should take place and the star helped decide that it should “[take] place between chapter 3 and chapter 4,” allowing him the opportunity to appear alongside de Armas.
Len Wiseman is a director who is best known for his contributions to theUnderworldfranchise, though he has also helmed other movies includingLive Free or Die Hardand 2012’sTotal Recall.
While his 2023 comments slightly contradict the timeline revealed in the officialBallerinasynopsis as of 2024, they reveal the fact that the star was a driving force behind his own return, showcasing his commitment to the franchise. Whether this means that he will return in futureJohn Wickmoviesstill remains to be seen, however.A fifth movie in the flagship series is already in developmentand Reeves is said to still be involved, though it remains to be seen in exactly what capacity he is able to appear, if he does reprise the role onscreen once more.
Will Keanu Reeves' Ballerina Return Connect To John Wick’s Death?
The Exact Timeline Of The Movie Is Still Unknown
So far, it has not been confirmed how far the narrative ofFrom the World of John Wick: Ballerinaextends into the timeline of the overall franchise. As it seems to at least largely coincide with the events ofParabellum, it would have to take place over several months or include a time jump to include John Wick’s death as part of its storyline. However, this is entirely possible asthe effects of the major character’s death could be explored in the broader universeas part of the movie’s finale or in a post-credits sequence.
From the World of John Wick: Ballerina
Cast
Ballerina follows Eve Macarro during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, as she undergoes rigorous training in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma. The film expands on the John Wick universe, charting Eve’s initiation into the clandestine world of professional assassins.
