It Was Keanu’s Idea: How Ballerina Honors the Legacy of John Wick Chapter 2

It’s not every day that an action-thriller film franchise becomes a cultural phenomenon, but the John Wick universe has pulled it off with style. Since its 2014 debut, the cinematic saga centered around Keanu Reeves’s revenge-driven assassin has captivated fans with its intense gun-fu choreography, rich world-building, and complex characters. So when Ballerina, the latest spin-off from the John Wick franchise, hit screens earlier this year, it arrived with big expectations.

While the film introduced a new protagonist—played by Ana de Armas—carving her own violent path through this shadowy underworld, it didn’t forget its roots. In fact, in a recent interview reported by TechRadar, the director of Ballerina confirmed that the movie’s striking ending was inspired by none other than the final scene of John Wick Chapter 2, and the idea for this homage came directly from Keanu Reeves himself. Let’s unpack how this choice not only serves as a tribute to a beloved sequel but also deepens the ongoing themes of the John Wick universe.

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The Legacy of John Wick Chapter 2

To understand why this homage is so significant, we first need to revisit the ending of John Wick Chapter 2, often considered one of the boldest moves in action cinema. The movie’s climactic scene saw John Wick breaking the sacred rule of assassin society—no “business” is to be conducted on Continental Hotel grounds. His decision to kill crime lord Santino D’Antonio (Riccardo Scamarcio) on Continental property marks him as “excommunicado,” stripping him of the protection offered by the global network of assassins.

The brilliance of this scene lies not only in its shocking narrative turn but also in its thematic resonance. It encapsulates one of the core ideas of the franchise: actions have consequences. By breaking the code, Wick sets into motion the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, where he becomes a man ruthlessly hunted by his peers. This moment also showcases his character’s defiance and unrelenting will, solidifying him as the enigmatic anti-hero fans love.

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Enter Ballerina: A New Assassin, A Familiar Moral Compass

Ballerina expands the franchise by shifting the spotlight to another assassin, a character named Rooney (Ana de Armas), whose story intertwines with the larger mythology of the John Wick universe. Rooney’s journey is equally layered with themes of revenge and survival, providing audiences with a fresh lens through which to explore the shadowy criminal underworld.

According to director Len Wiseman, Keanu Reeves played a significant role in shaping the script and specifically contributed the idea for the ending’s homage to John Wick Chapter 2. This decision was not just a nod to continuity but a way to reinforce one of the saga’s key messages: every choice has a cost.

In this spin-off’s climactic moments, Rooney is similarly forced to make a high-stakes decision that violates the unspoken rules of her world. Like John Wick, she steps over a line that cannot be undone, sealing her fate with an act of defiance that both mirrors and honors Wick’s fateful gamble in the second film. The result is a powerful connection between the two characters, despite their distinctly separate stories, making it clear that the John Wick universe thrives on its recurring philosophical underpinnings.

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Why Keanu Reeves’s Input Matters

By now, it’s no secret that Keanu Reeves isn’t just an actor in the John Wick franchise—he is its beating heart. From Reeves’s dedication to his physically demanding role (training extensively in martial arts and firearms) to his behind-the-scenes creative contributions, his involvement has shaped the series both on and off the screen.

Reeves’s idea to incorporate a direct reference to John Wick Chapter 2 into Ballerina speaks volumes about his understanding of the franchise’s ethos. He’s not simply interested in producing stylized action sequences, but in maintaining the philosophical core that has elevated John Wick above its action-movie peers. Reeves’s respect for the franchise’s lore ensures that spin-offs like Ballerina feel authentic and connected to the larger narrative, rather than superficial cash grabs.

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Building a Cohesive Cinematic Universe

Over the past decade, creating cinematic universes has become all the rage in Hollywood, with varying degrees of success. Marvel’s interconnected storytelling set the gold standard, but for many franchises, efforts to weave standalone films into a larger framework have felt forced or clunky.

The John Wick universe, by contrast, has deftly handled its expansion. Ballerina is proof that spin-offs can both stand on their own and contribute meaningfully to the wider mythology. By incorporating elements of continuity, like the homage to John Wick Chapter 2, the film brings a sense of cohesion to the sprawling franchise. It also gives longtime fans a sense of satisfaction and investment, tying new stories back to the emotional core of the originals.

Here’s why the John Wick universe works so well in building a rich cinematic tapestry:

• Layered world-building: From assassin hotels like the Continental to shadowy councils and currency systems, the franchise establishes unique and intriguing rules without overwhelming the audience.

• High-stakes storytelling: Every major plot point has a ripple effect, ensuring the consequences of actions remain significant across movies.

• Recurring themes: The central ideas of revenge, honor, and sacrifice are woven through every installment, keeping the series thematically consistent.

• Meaningful character arcs: Whether it’s John Wick himself or new additions like Rooney, characters are given depth and agency, allowing audiences to connect emotionally to their journeys.

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What This Means for the Future of the Franchise

With Ballerina receiving widespread praise, including recognition for its bold ending, it’s clear that the John Wick franchise hasn’t lost its magic. In fact, this spin-off opens exciting new possibilities for what’s ahead.

• Potential for more spin-offs: Just as Ballerina highlights the story of a side character, future films could delve into the backstories of other enigmatic figures in the John Wick world, such as the Bowery King or Sofia.

• A stronger interconnected narrative: Fans can expect spin-offs, sequels, or prequels to contribute meaningfully to the larger story, much like what Ballerina accomplished.

• More opportunities for Reeves’s involvement: While John Wick’s main arc might have concluded (at least for now), Keanu Reeves’s creative input ensures his influence will continue to shape these films.

With such deliberate care in crafting this expanding universe, audiences are left eagerly anticipating what’s next.

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Conclusion: A Universe Rooted in Consequences

The choice to mirror John Wick Chapter 2’s iconic ending in Ballerina is far from a coincidence—it’s a deliberate, respectful nod to the essence of the John Wick franchise. As director Len Wiseman reveals, this decision came from Keanu Reeves himself, highlighting the actor’s vital role in preserving the integrity of the series. By anchoring these spin-offs in recurring themes like the consequences of one’s actions, the creators ensure that each installment feels necessary and connected.

Key takeaways include:

• Keanu Reeves’s creative involvement continues to elevate the franchise beyond standard action fare.

• Thoughtful homages to previous films strengthen the cohesion of the John Wick cinematic universe.

• Ballerina proves spin-offs can be both standalone stories and integral parts of a bigger narrative.

Ultimately, the franchise isn’t just about jaw-dropping stunts or stylish gunplay—it’s about the moral weight of choices, a theme that resonates far beyond the screen. If Ballerina is any indication, the John Wick universe still has plenty of bullets left in the chamber.