by As a 25-year-old movie enthusiast and dedicated blogger, I’ve always been fascinated by how the John Wick Universe expands with each installment. This time, with Ballerina, the focus shifts to Rooney, a fierce, graceful assassin trained in dance and death. What truly stood out in this spin-off was not just Ana de Armas’s strong performance, but also how Ballerina movie characters—both new and returning—added complexity and depth to the criminal underworld. In this blog, I’ll dive into the supporting characters, Rooney’s relationships, her interactions with the High Table, and how Ballerina builds on existing lore while opening up thrilling new possibilities.
Ballerina Movie Characters: A Fresh Cast of Allies and Enemies
The Ballerina movie characters bring a unique blend of fresh faces and familiar vibes to the screen. Unlike traditional side characters in most action thrillers, each new personality in Ballerina feels purposeful and layered, contributing to Rooney’s evolution.
Mentors Who Shape the Assassin’s Path
Rooney’s journey is heavily influenced by figures who serve as mentors. A standout among these is Katia, an ex-ballerina turned enforcer of the Ruska Roma traditions. Katia isn’t just there to train Rooney; she’s a complex character herself—part warrior, part philosopher. Through her stern discipline and hidden compassion, she becomes a mirror to Rooney’s inner conflict between vengeance and legacy.
Another important mentor figure is Gregor, a quiet yet commanding arms dealer who sees potential in Rooney. Unlike the loud-mouthed sidekicks we often get in action films, Gregor’s strength lies in silence and strategy. He’s the type of character that reminds you of Winston from John Wick, but with more emotional distance.
These two Ballerina movie characters serve as anchors in Rooney’s storm of revenge, giving her tools, lessons, and, most importantly, choices.
Unlikely Allies in the Shadows
Every assassin story needs wildcards—people who blur the line between ally and liability. Enter Nico, a rogue hacker hiding in the corners of the Ruska Roma network. He’s not your typical tech guy. Nico has a criminal past, a sharp tongue, and a strange sense of loyalty to Rooney’s cause. His motivations aren’t always clear, but his contribution is undeniable.
Then there’s Elena, a former High Table operative who now works underground. Her presence brings out Rooney’s ability to trust again, even in a world built on betrayal. She trains Rooney in stealth and infiltration and pushes her to question the authority of the High Table.
These Ballerina movie characters open up new dynamics in the John Wick Universe—proving that loyalty isn’t always about blood, but survival and shared purpose.
Old Rules, New Blood: How Rooney Navigates the High Table
If you’re already a fan of the John Wick franchise, you know the High Table is more than just a council—it’s a symbol of total control and order in a chaotic underworld. In Ballerina, Rooney challenges this structure head-on.
Rooney’s Connection to the High Table
The central tension of Ballerina comes from Rooney’s defiance of the High Table’s unwritten rules. Raised under the Ruska Roma, trained in both elegance and execution, she embodies tradition. But unlike John Wick, who was trying to escape the system, Rooney is still very much inside it—only now, she wants to reshape it.
As she uncovers truths about her family and the people who orchestrated her suffering, Rooney’s relationship with the High Table becomes personal. Her vendetta is not just about revenge—it’s about reclaiming agency within a hierarchy that has long suppressed individuality.
The Ballerina movie characters linked to the High Table—especially those sent to neutralize her—serve as foils to Rooney. Characters like Viktor, the High Table’s relentless enforcer, aren’t just villains; they are representations of systemic cruelty. They show what happens when power is worshiped without question.
What Makes Rooney Different from John Wick
One of the key questions the film raises is: What sets Rooney apart from John Wick? While Wick’s story was about escaping his past, Rooney’s arc is about rewriting hers. She doesn’t just react—she initiates. She doesn’t just kill—she questions.
This makes her more of a disruptor than a lone wolf. She isn’t afraid to lean on others (as seen through her allies), and she’s not bound by nostalgia. Her ballet background also isn’t just for show—it influences her fluid fighting style and her ability to blend performance with combat.
Thematic Depth: Ballet as Symbolism
One of the most fascinating aspects of Ballerina is how it uses dance as a metaphor. Unlike traditional action protagonists, Rooney expresses emotion and intensity through movement. Her training isn’t just a backstory detail—it’s integral to how she fights and lives.
Ballet becomes a language. When she performs, she isn’t just dancing—she’s reliving trauma, channeling rage, and processing grief. Many Ballerina movie characters acknowledge this in their interactions with her. Katia, for instance, often tells Rooney: “You don’t dance to remember. You dance to survive.”
This blend of art and violence gives the movie its emotional weight and distinguishes it from other action flicks.
John Wick’s Role: Not Just a Cameo
Yes, Keanu Reeves appears in Ballerina. And no, it’s not just fan service. His cameo offers context, closure, and mentorship.
John Wick’s brief interaction with Rooney happens at a critical point. She’s on the verge of turning into a full-blown killer consumed by vengeance. Wick’s presence reminds her of what she might become if she lets hatred consume her.
He doesn’t take over the narrative—he enriches it. His character reinforces the idea that no one truly escapes the underworld, and that paths must be chosen carefully.
This respectful handoff ensures continuity while giving room for Ballerina movie characters to carry the torch forward.
The Importance of Legacy and Family
Rooney’s journey is deeply personal. Through flashbacks and revelations, we learn that her father was betrayed by the same institutions she’s now confronting. Her mission to find justice isn’t just about her—it’s about honoring the past while changing the future.
The Ballerina movie characters reflect these themes. Whether it’s Elena who lost her child to the High Table’s cruelty or Katia, who sacrificed her life for her students, each character embodies loss and resistance.
Rooney builds her own family through loyalty, not blood. And in the world of assassins, that’s rare.
Action Choreography: Precision and Poetry
We can’t talk about Ballerina without praising the action. Every scene feels handcrafted. The way Rooney moves—part dancer, part predator—is hypnotic. Her fights are performances, complete with grace, pauses, and unexpected bursts of violence.
Compared to John Wick’s raw brawler style, Rooney fights with emotion and calculation. This adds texture to the film. The Ballerina movie characters she faces off against—especially elite assassins trained in different styles—make every encounter unique.
Each set-piece tells a story. Whether it’s a ballet performance turned bloodbath or a slow-motion rooftop escape, the choreography never feels recycled.
World-Building: Expanding the John Wick Universe
What makes Ballerina special is how it adds to the existing mythos without overwhelming it. We get to explore more of the Ruska Roma, learn about High Table informants, and even peek into underground ballet schools that double as training camps.
These small details—along with richly developed Ballerina movie characters—turn the movie from a spin-off into a major expansion of the franchise.
What Lies Ahead: Future Spin-Off Potential
After watching Ballerina, it’s clear the story doesn’t end here. There’s room for sequels, spin-offs centered around Elena or Nico, or even a Russo Roma origin film. The world feels lived-in, and its characters are compelling enough to warrant more exploration.
Rooney isn’t just a placeholder for Wick—she’s her own legend in the making.
Conclusion: Ballerina Movie Characters Bring Depth, Emotion, and Power
As a 25-year-old boy passionate about cinema and storytelling, I can honestly say Ballerina exceeded my expectations. The film doesn’t just recycle John Wick’s formula. It builds on it with emotional storytelling, rich characters, and stunning visuals.
The Ballerina movie characters—from mentors like Katia to enemies like Viktor—aren’t just background noise. They represent parts of Rooney’s soul, reflecting her strength, doubt, and transformation. Through their interactions, we witness a new kind of assassin emerge—one who dances with pain, strikes with purpose, and chooses her own path.
Whether you’re a fan of the John Wick series or a newcomer to this universe, Ballerina is worth your time—not just for the action, but for the art, heart, and humanity hidden beneath the blood and ballet shoes.
