Ballerina Cuts Highly-Anticipated Fight Between Ian McShane and Ana de Armas
Imagine sitting down to watch the next chapter of the John Wick universe, only to learn that a key fight scene between two of its biggest stars never made the final cut. That's exactly what's happened with Ballerina, the much-buzzed-about spinoff starring Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro and Ian McShane reprising his role as Winston. This isn't just a minor scene we're talking about—it's a fight that had both tension and something fresh for fans. According to those on set, it wasn’t the usual guns-blazing chaos. Instead, it was built around a 'dialogue fight,' with Eve confronting Winston in the lush, mysterious halls of the Continental. The dynamic? A young assassin grilling the master manipulator, hoping to pierce his calm and get the answers she needs.
But that fight—part physical, part verbal chess match—won't be seen by audiences. In a recent interview, McShane didn’t hold back: 'We don’t talk about that. I’m furious. They cut one of my fight scenes.' You can feel his disappointment. For McShane, Winston isn’t the type to smack down goons in the street, so a tailored, character-driven combat was rare. Yet, in the editing room, someone made the call to leave it on the cutting room floor. What’s left is a dialogue-heavy confrontation that still sizzles with tension, but the original mix of muscle and mind fans wanted is missing.
A Different Kind of Action—and What’s Still in Store
Ballerina isn’t short on action, though. De Armas herself recently talked up a 'grenade fight' that’s anything but traditional. She described it as a brutal, strategic clash where combatants use both 'long distance' and 'intimate and nasty' close-quarters tricks. It's a reminder that the franchise knows how to push boundaries, keeping the audience guessing rather than serving up the same old shootouts. While McShane’s cut scene might sting, there’s still plenty to excite action junkies.
The film slots its timeline between John Wick: Chapter 3 and Chapter 4, which means diehard fans will catch familiar faces. Keanu Reeves returns, as does the late Lance Reddick, appearing posthumously as the always-dignified Charon, and Anjelica Huston returns to her imposing role as The Director. It’s clear that Ballerina is more than just a side story—it's a deep dive into the John Wick world from a new, electrifying perspective.
The anticipation is real, with the movie slated to hit theaters on June 6, 2025. Fans are left wondering what other surprises—or heartbreaks—await in the final cut, and whether the missing fight will ever see the light of day in bonus features or director’s cuts. For now, Ballerina stands as a tantalizing evolution of the John Wick saga, controversy and all.
May, 20 2025