Where was John Wick's spin-off Ballerina filmed? All filming locations explored
Ballerina is the forthcoming spin-off from John Wick intended to broaden the franchise’s universe. The action thriller, directed by Len Wiseman, is set to premiere on June 6, 2025, by Lionsgate. Featuring Ana de Armas in the main role, Ballerina tells the story of Eve Macarro, a ballerina-assassin who trains with the Ruska Roma.
The narrative takes place in the timeframe between John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4. Although the film’s central storyline is linked to the John Wick universe, it centers on a new character exploring the same assassin underground. Most of the filming occurred in Prague, while additional shoots were done in Budapest, and some scenes were filmed in New York City.
The film fuses actual architecture with imaginary action environments, reflecting the style of earlier John Wick installments while providing a fresh perspective through Eve's experience. Principal shooting started in November 2022 and concluded in December, with more action scenes shot in early 2024.
Filming locations: Ballerina
Prague, Czech Republic
The primary filming for Ballerina took place in Prague, Czech Republic. Key locations included the National Theatre’s Nová scéna, Masarykovo train station, Karlín, Bubeneč, and studio work at Barrandov Studios. Additional scenes were shot at the Hotel Opera and in the Old Town of Štramberk in Moravia. Czech Anglo Productions managed the local production.
Several historical sites such as Dolní Beřkovice Castle, Kačina Castle, and the ruins of the Belvedere Summer Castle outside Kutná Hora were also used. Filming extended to Central Bohemian towns including Toušeň, Semily, Kouřim, Kladno, and Kolín.
Budapest, Hungary
Reshoots and additional fight sequences for Ballerina were carried out in Budapest in early 2024. Actor Norman Reedus flew in from Japan to film his scenes during this period. Budapest’s mix of classical and modern architecture served as a substitute for fictional locations in the John Wick universe. Chad Stahelski supervised the reshoots and reportedly directed two to three months of new material, significantly expanding the film’s action content.
Hallstatt, Austria
Portions of Ballerina were filmed in Hallstatt, a small lakeside town in Austria known for its alpine scenery. The location was used for quiet, emotional beats in the film, offering a contrast to the urban settings used elsewhere. Its historic charm and isolated landscape aligned with the mood of scenes involving Eve’s personal reflections.
New York City, United States
Key sequences in Ballerina were filmed in New York City, maintaining continuity with the previous John Wick films. Locations featured include exterior shots of the Continental Hotel and surrounding city streets. Characters Winston Scott and Charon appear in New York-based scenes, which anchor Eve’s story to the franchise’s core geography and underworld network.
Ballerina production details
Ballerina is directed by Len Wiseman and written by Shay Hatten, with additional contributions by Emerald Fennell. The film is based on characters created by Derek Kolstad. Chad Stahelski served as producer, continuing his involvement from the mainline John Wick films.
The film was originally scheduled to shoot in summer 2022 but began filming in November 2022. Post-production started in early 2023. In February 2024, reshoots were conducted by Stahelski, with reports indicating substantial new footage. These included scenes with Norman Reedus, who traveled from Japan to Budapest to film added fight sequences. Stahelski reportedly oversaw two to three months of reshoots.
Keanu Reeves committed to Ballerina over other offers, including a role in a Star Wars series. Ana de Armas trained extensively for action sequences. According to a Vanity Fair interview published on February 15, 2023, the shoot included challenging night scenes in cold weather. Reeves appears as John Wick in a supporting role.
The cast includes Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro, Gabriel Byrne as the Chancellor, Catalina Sandino Moreno as Lena, and Norman Reedus as Daniel Pine. Returning cast members include Anjelica Huston, Ian McShane, Lance Reddick (in his final performance), and Keanu Reeves.
The soundtrack of the film features compositions by Tyler Bates and Joel J. Richard. An original song, Hand That Feeds, by Halsey featuring Amy Lee, came out on May 9, 2025.
Ballerina features a narrative positioned between two key John Wick installments, centering on Eve Macarro's quest for vengeance and her training following her father's murder. The movie investigates the Ruska Roma customs and examines the shift from performer to killer. The tone aligns well with the John Wick universe, merging artistic violence with narratives centered on character development.
Director Len Wiseman collaborated with Stahelski to ensure franchise consistency while providing a unique visual storytelling approach. The promotional trailer for the film, unveiled on September 26, 2024, features appearances by John Wick, Winston, and Charon. The visuals reveal a revival of well-known themes alongside the introduction of new characters and challenges.
From the snowy streets of Prague to the atmospheric lakesides of Hallstatt and the gritty backdrops of New York City, the filming locations reflect the franchise’s signature global scope and stylized realism. Each location was selected to enhance the visual storytelling while anchoring Eve Macarro’s journey within the wider John Wick universe.
Ballerina was released in the United States on June 6, 2025, and is currently playing in theatres nationwide. For ongoing updates and behind-the-scenes insights, visit Sportskeeda for the latest coverage.
