NEW YORK — Before Ana de Armas was slashing necks with ice skates in “From the World of John Wick: Ballerina,” she worked alongside Keanu Reeves in a distinctly different cinematic experience.
Released in 2015, “Knock Knock” marked de Armas’ Hollywood debut. Initially hailing from Cuba and having relocated to Los Angeles after gaining acting experience in Spain, she faced the challenge of mastering English and had to learn her dialogues phonetically.
“It was challenging and at times I felt quite miserable and isolated,” she shared in an interview. “But I was determined to prove my abilities. I remember attending meetings with producers who would remark, ‘See you in a year when you’ve learned English.’ To which I would respond confidently, ‘See you in two months.’”
Since then, de Armas’ climb to stardom has been a remarkable journey over the past decade. Her performance as a hologram in “Blade Runner 2049” captivated audiences. She stole the spotlight in Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out” and made a strong impression in the Bond film “No Time to Die.” Her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in “Blonde” earned her an Oscar nomination.
Now, a decade after sharing the screen with Reeves, de Armas takes center stage in her first major summer action release, “Ballerina,” which premieres in theaters on Friday. Her transformation into an action icon reaches new heights as she assumes a prominent role in this high-stakes franchise.
“It’s a significant moment for me in my career, and I am aware of that,” de Armas acknowledges. “It’s a reflection on how far I’ve come, being in a film with Keanu once more at such a different stage in my career. It provides a perspective on the journey and everything else that’s happened since we first met.”
Facing the pressures of the ‘John Wick’ universe
Despite being familiar with movie stardom and its accompanying media attention, many of de Armas’ noteworthy performances have been tied to streaming platforms. “The Gray Man” and “Blonde” were released on Netflix, while “Ghosted” was an Apple TV+ feature. However, “Ballerina” relies on de Armas’ star power (and the loyal “John Wick” following) to draw cinema audiences.
Industry prediction placed the opening weekend’s box office around $35-40 million, a respectable achievement for a spinoff that demanded extensive reshoots. De Armas’ role as a ballerina-turned-assassin has generally been well-received.
“There is immense pressure,” says director Len Wiseman. “It’s a substantial burden on her shoulders, but she’s the first to insist, ‘Bring it on. I’ll bear the weight. I’m up for the challenge.’”
De Armas, who skillfully navigates the bustling chaos of red-carpet events while maintaining poise, fervently promoted “Ballerina” globally. She made appearances at CinemaCon, took part in entertaining challenges like eating hot wings, and skillfully dodged inquiries about her upcoming collaboration with Tom Cruise in “Deeper.”
Yet, despite her ease in the limelight, a surprising aspect of de Armas’ personal life is her partial residence in Vermont, a popular enclave for emerging Hollywood stars.
“People find it surprising,” she laughs. “From the moment I visited, I grasped its potential for bringing me happiness, sanity, and peace. For someone who grew up in Cuba and dislikes cold weather, it’s certainly unexpected.”
Unexpected Journey to Action Stardom
Moving to the serene landscapes of northern New England was as unforeseen as landing an action lead in “Ballerina.” Her aspiration to act began at 12, rooted in her Cuban upbringing. She studied theater but never envisioned herself as an action star.
“Watching Cuban actors on screen was my reality; it was how I related to acting,” reflects de Armas. “Those were the figures I aspired to emulate.”
Additionally, her struggle with severe asthma as a child makes her physically demanding role in “Ballerina”—which includes a flamethrower duel—all the more astonishing to her.
“I couldn’t do much physically,” she recalls. “Running was a challenge, and sometimes I couldn’t even play with friends. I often had to stay still to avoid an asthma attack. So this entire experience has been quite surprising.”
At 14, de Armas earned a spot at Havana’s National Theatre of Cuba. Four years later, with the advantage of Spanish citizenship through her grandparents, she relocated to Madrid to further her acting career. When she arrived in Los Angeles in 2014, she had to rebuild from scratch.
Now, as one of the most distinguished Latina actresses in Hollywood, she observes the increasing complexity of immigration paths akin to hers. Shortly after her conversation with reporters, announcements emerged about new travel bans affecting several countries, including Cuba, under the Trump administration.
“I came here when circumstances were certainly more accommodating,” de Armas reflects, recalling her announcement of pending U.S. citizenship while hosting “Saturday Night Live” in 2023. “I feel fortunate for that, but current situations are challenging and heartbreaking for many. I wish circumstances were different.”
A Climbing Journey, Fueled by Passion
Chad Stahelski, architect of the “John Wick” films and producer for “Ballerina,” was embarking on “John Wick: Chapter 4” when he received a Zoom call to discuss casting de Armas in the new project. After hastily reviewing her cinematic repertoire, he recognized unique qualities in her.
“Many would portray the Bond girl aspect plainly, but she brought something different,” he notes. “I can build the hardened assassin image, but drawing out charm, warmth, and humor is more challenging. She had it all.”
In “Knives Out,” Stahelski observed her ability to pivot from fear to resolve with a single glance.
“I prefer my action heroes to surprise me,” he asserts. “Instead of invincible personas, I want characters who grapple with the stakes.”
Furthermore, it wasn’t only de Armas’ talent or charisma that persuaded him; her tenacity and backstory stood out.
“‘John Wick’ demands hard work—not merely in training but through sheer determination. Her life’s narrative—her unwavering pursuit of acting since age 12, the sacrifices made—captures my attention. She thrives on the climb, not just the view,” Stahelski says.
When this sentiment was relayed to her, de Armas joyfully concurred.
“Being Cuban, my upbringing, my family—it’s instilled a singular focus,” she reveals. “I’ve never entertained a ‘Plan B.’ My survival hinges on my passion, which is how I sustain myself and my family.”
This introspection led her back to memories of striving to fit into Hollywood, painstakingly sounding out words, and working with directors she could barely understand. She faced daunting challenges, including acting alongside Reeves, who had already filmed the first “John Wick.”
“I was wholeheartedly committed,” she recalls. “Willing to try my best, whatever the outcome. Ultimately, it empowered me to say: I gave it a shot.”