Ballerina
featured
Interview: Catalina Sandino Moreno Talks ‘Ballerina’ and Why Being a Part of the ‘John Wick’ Franchise is Especially Meaningful for Her
June 3, 2025Ben MK
|
From Ted 'Theodore' Logan in Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure to Neo in The Matrix, Keanu Reeves has played some of cinema's most iconic characters. However, when it comes to the 60-year-old actor's most recent roles, none of his on-screen personas have come close to attaining the cult classic status of John Wick. Over the course of four action-packed installments, Reeves and director Chad Stalhelski have given moviegoers some of the most jaw-dropping set pieces the genre has ever seen. And now, with Ballerina, the torch has been passed to Ana de Armas and director Len Wiseman. The story of an orphan-turned-assassin named Eve (de Armas), this John Wick spin-off follows in the footsteps of its predecessors, delivering ample bullet-riddled battles and hand-to-hand combat. And just like John Wick Chapters 1-4, it also upholds the franchise's tradition of strong female characters, with de Armas being joined by Sharon Duncan-Brewster and Catalina Sandino Moreno. I caught up with Catalina Sandino Moreno, who plays Lena in Ballerina, to chat about the film and to find out the reason why being a part of the series holds a special meaning for her. The John Wick franchise is known to many for its hyperkinetic, testosterone-fuelled brand of action. But if you think about it, the series also has a tradition of strong female characters. And now, in Ballerina, we not only have a female protagonist in Ana de Armas, but we also have yourself and Sharon Duncan-Brewster. Can you talk a bit about what drew you to this spin-off? Sandino Moreno: What drew me to the film was John Wick — the amount of great, amazing actors that Ballerina has. I mean, Ana, Gabriel [Byrne], Norman [Reedus] and, of course, Keanu. But it was a no-brainer for me. It was a no-brainer for me to be a part of this incredible world. 
Your character, Lena, is an agent of the Chancellor, played by Gabriel Byrne, who is largely an antagonist for Ana de Armas' character, Eve. However, Lena and Eve also share a connection that's explored more in the final act. Can you tell me more about Lena and how you prepared for your role?Sandino Moreno: It was more important for me to understand why this woman is doing what she's doing — why is she basically doing what the Chancellor tells her to do. And then you understand that she's an orphan and she didn't have anyone to look after her, and then the Chancellor comes in and takes her under his arm and she becomes his right hand. She sees him as a father figure, which makes the whole thing much more interesting when the Ana character comes in, and you see the switch in her. That was the most interesting part for me. Were you a fan of the John Wick franchise prior to starting on Ballerina? Did you rewatch them beforehand? Sandino Moreno: I watched the John Wick films. I have a child — a boy — that loves action and John Wick, and he was obsessed with them. And just telling him that I was gonna be part of a John Wick film was a very proud moment for both of us. So, yeah, I'm a fan of all the films. I think the first one is beautiful, and then the third one is wonderful, too. I mean, like all of them, they have amazing fight scenes, Keanu is wonderful in every single one. If you like martial arts, you can see a lot of great moments. Is there a scene in Ballerina that's a favorite of yours, or that was the most memorable for you to work on? Sandino Moreno: Yes, I do. [Ana's character] is leaving a car, and then the camera follows her — this beautiful camera work — and then she goes back to the car, with a car pushing the car with Ana inside. And the camera stays with Ana. It's just one shot — all that stuff — and it's beautifully done. 
Last but not least, your next movie sounds like another solid entry in the genre — Joe Carnahan's The RIP, with Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. Can you talk a bit about what we can expect from that one?Sandino Moreno: Yeah, it's gonna be a fun one. It's coming out January 16th, and it's a thriller. It's about Miami cops and how they dunno who to trust in a certain situation. It's gonna be great. |
Ballerina is in theaters June 6th.
