The world of John Wick has long been synonymous with high-octane action, breathtaking stunts, and the enigmatic presence of Keanu Reeves as the titular assassin. However, the franchise’s latest chapter, From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, has shifted the spotlight to a new leading figure: Ana de Armas. As Eve Macarro, a ballerina-turned-assassin seeking vengeance, de Armas has not only held her own in the Wick universe but has also elicited a reaction from Reeves that has left fans and critics buzzing. From nearly knocking out a reporter while demonstrating her moves to gushing about her dedication, Reeves’ response to de Armas’ performance in Ballerina is nothing short of electrifying. This article delves into the shocking moments, heartfelt praises, and behind-the-scenes camaraderie that define Reeves’ reaction to his co-star’s meteoric rise in the action genre.

A Premiere Packed with Energy

The premiere of Ballerina in London on May 22, 2025, was a star-studded affair, with Keanu Reeves and Ana de Armas stealing the show. The two were all smiles, goofing around for photographers and exuding a chemistry that spoke volumes about their mutual respect. Reeves, known for his reserved demeanor, was visibly animated, a rarity that caught the attention of fans and media alike. Posts on X captured the moment, with one user noting, “Keanu’s energy at the Ballerina premiere was infectious. You can tell he’s genuinely thrilled for Ana.” This wasn’t just another red-carpet appearance for Reeves; it was a celebration of a franchise expanding in bold new directions, with de Armas at the helm.

The premiere wasn’t without its surprises. When Pedro Pascal made a casual entrance, Reeves’ reaction was described as “hilarious” by onlookers. According to Hindustan Times, Reeves couldn’t contain his amusement at Pascal’s laid-back stroll, adding a lighthearted moment to the evening. This playful side of Reeves set the tone for what would become a series of revelations about his admiration for de Armas’ work in Ballerina.

The Infamous Interview Incident

Perhaps the most shocking moment came during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter on the red carpet. When asked to demonstrate one of de Armas’ action moves from Ballerina, Reeves enthusiastically complied—only to nearly collide with the reporter. The incident, reported by multiple outlets including Yahoo and SuperHeroHype, showcased Reeves’ passion for the film and his co-star’s physical prowess. As he recounted de Armas’ ability to elevate her performance from training to filming, Reeves’ excitement got the better of him, resulting in a near-miss that left everyone laughing. “I was just trying to show how Ana moves,” he quipped, diffusing the moment with his trademark humility.

This wasn’t just a fluke; it was a testament to how deeply Reeves was impressed by de Armas’ action sequences. In the same interview, he praised her “brave choices” and the “joy” she brought to the fight scenes, emphasizing how she infused her character with emotional depth. Fans on X echoed this sentiment, with one post stating, “Keanu almost John Wick’d that reporter trying to mimic Ana’s moves. That’s how you know she killed it in Ballerina.” The incident became a viral moment, symbolizing Reeves’ unbridled enthusiasm for de Armas’ transformation into a bona fide action star.

A Decade-Long Bond

Reeves and de Armas share a history that adds layers to their Ballerina collaboration. The two first worked together in 2015’s Knock Knock, followed by 2016’s Exposed, marking de Armas’ early forays into English-language films. Fast forward to 2025, and their reunion in Ballerina represents a full-circle moment for de Armas, who has evolved from a supporting player to a leading lady. Reeves, speaking to AP News, reflected on this journey, noting how special it was to see de Armas take on such a commanding role.

In an interview with Women’s Wear Daily, de Armas revealed their shared perfectionism on set. “He’s relentless. He’s like me: we’re perfectionists. We want to do it over and over again, and it’s never enough,” she said. This mutual drive translated into a dynamic partnership, with Reeves often recounting how de Armas’ dedication pushed everyone to elevate their game. At the Los Angeles premiere on June 3, 2025, he told Variety, “Watching Ana step into character during her epic fight scenes was incredible. You really saw her joy for the action and filling it with her character.”

De Armas’ Badass Moments

When asked about the most “badass” thing de Armas did in Ballerina, Reeves’ response was characteristically thoughtful. In a Yahoo interview, he paused to mentally replay the fight scenes, ultimately highlighting her ability to transcend rehearsal and deliver something extraordinary once the cameras rolled. “It was cool when we would go from training to when they say ‘action,’ and you get into it… to see her go to that next level,” he said. This moment, among others, underscored de Armas’ ability to blend emotional intensity with physical precision, a combination that has earned her widespread acclaim.

De Armas’ stunts were no small feat. She performed many herself, including an “intense” flamethrower sequence that left her in tears due to its emotional and physical toll. Director Len Wiseman, speaking to CinemaBlend, described her reaction as a mix of “rush” and “trauma,” highlighting the raw power she brought to the scene. Reeves, aware of the demands of such stunts, lauded her commitment, telling The Hollywood Reporter, “She’s really great at action but also emotionally her talent, her range that she’s shown and [being] brave in her choices.”

Fan and Critical Reception

Ballerina has been met with glowing reviews, with a 93% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and critics praising de Armas’ commanding presence. Early reactions on X hailed the film as the “perfect summer action blockbuster,” with fans singling out de Armas, Reeves, and Norman Reedus for their performances. One reviewer noted, “Ana de Armas is a fantastic lead… Keanu Reeves and Norman Reedus make the most of their moments.” The film’s innovative action sequences, set between John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, have solidified its place as a worthy addition to the franchise.

Reeves’ cameo as John Wick, though brief, serves to anchor Ballerina within the larger Wick universe. However, some fans and analysts, as reported by Koimoi, argue that future installments should focus solely on de Armas’ Eve Macarro, allowing her to carve her own path. Reeves himself has laughed off the idea of a full comeback, stating that Wick is “dead” and that Ballerina is about expanding the story, not passing the torch.

A Star on the Rise

De Armas’ ascent as an action star has drawn praise from more than just Reeves. Tom Cruise, a vocal supporter, promoted Ballerina on social media and reportedly “loved” the film. De Armas, speaking to Variety at the June 3 premiere, called his support “unbelievable” and “really special.” The two are set to collaborate on the upcoming horror film Deeper, further cementing de Armas’ status as a versatile leading lady.

For Reeves, Ballerina is a chance to celebrate a co-star who has grown into a force of nature. His shocking reactions—whether nearly punching a reporter or pausing mid-interview to relive her fight scenes—reveal a deep admiration for de Armas’ craft. As he told Hindustan Times, “Ana is a wonderful actress,” a sentiment echoed by fans and critics alike.

Looking Ahead

With Ballerina now in theaters, the question of a sequel looms large. De Armas has expressed hope for Eve Macarro’s return, telling The Hollywood Reporter, “I love the character and I think we can go anywhere from where we left it.” Reeves, ever the supportive collaborator, seems equally enthusiastic about the franchise’s future, even if his role remains limited. The chemistry between the two, both on and off-screen, has fans clamoring for more.

In the end, Keanu Reeves’ reaction to Ana de Armas’ Ballerina is a mix of awe, camaraderie, and genuine excitement. From viral red-carpet moments to heartfelt interviews, his response underscores the impact of de Armas’ performance and the enduring appeal of the John Wick universe. As Ballerina continues to captivate audiences, one thing is clear: Ana de Armas has arrived, and Keanu Reeves is her biggest fan.