Inside Ana de Armas' brutal training for 'Ballerina' with Keanu Reeves' stunt double
When Ana de Armas signed on for Ballerina —the spin-off set in the world of John Wick —she knew this wouldn't just be another action role. The brutality, the emotional weight, and the balletic precision of the franchise demanded a transformation that went far beyond choreography. With guidance from veteran stunt performer and coordinator Jackson Spidell, who has played Keanu Reeves' stunt double for John Wick, de Armas immersed herself in a physically punishing and emotionally exacting journey that blurred the lines between dancer and warrior.
Her transformation began at 87eleven, the stunt and fight choreography studio behind John Wick. There, de Armas trained for over two months under Spidell's supervision—logging up to five hours a day in martial arts, judo, wrestling, reaction drills, gunplay (with a focus on the CAR system), and learning to fall and recover like a pro.
In a MotionPictures interview, Spidell recalled how the sessions were 'relentless,' designed not just to build technique but to mimic the fatigue and chaos her character would experience onscreen.
"When we rehearse these fights, we break them down into parts. Rehearse that four or five times," he said. "That endurance is important because these are intricate fights. Halfway through filming, something might go wrong or someone forgets something, and you have to get right up and start from the beginning again. Over and over."
The training continued in Prague, where production was based, and de Armas kept up the same tempo: sweat, bruises, repetition—and determination.
Rather than mimic John Wick's cold, calculating efficiency, Ballerina demanded a different combat psychology. De Armas' character would use anything at hand—pans, chairs, surroundings—to survive.
"It's like if you had a little sister, and she tried to fight me and four of my friends, how is she going to beat us? By cheating. By using your environment," Spidell said. "So we really wanted to play it as a cat and mouse [situation] where Eve is just this really smart mouse."
The action was designed to evolve with the character's arc—starting off raw and reactive, and becoming more refined and deliberate as her journey progressed.
Off-camera, de Armas showed a deep emotional commitment to the role. 'She wore her bruises like badges,' Spidell said, noting her toughness and willingness to throw herself fully into each scene. 'And it's funny because she could be so intense during the fight scenes, but as soon as you say 'Cut,' she'll be laughing and light. Ana is one of those actors who's able to turn it on and off."
Ballerina was released on June 5 in UAE cinemas and is still showing in select theatres. In addition to de Armas, the film also stars Norman Reedus.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
an hour ago
- The National
Men's fashion week highlights: From Jonathan Anderson's debut at Dior to Qasimi's deeply personal show
From relaxed elegance at Prada to Indian influences at Louis Vuitton and the UAE's own Qasimi honouring its founder's legacy with thoughtful, culturally rooted design, we round up the best from the recent men's runway shows in Paris and Milan. Prada At the Deposito at Fondazione Prada in Milan, Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons unveiled a collection that marked a clear shift in attitude. Titled A Change of Tone, the show dismantled traditional power dressing, offering a playful, non-conformist take on men's style. The mood was direct yet versatile, celebrating freedom through unexpected pairings. Silhouettes were relaxed, with smart tailoring layered over casual sportswear – think coats over tracksuits or suits eased with sporty zip-ups. Simple cotton trousers paired with crisp white shirts added to the understated charm. Juxtaposed fabrics and textures created depth, while accessories such as pointed rattan hats and subtle jewellery provided finishing touches. Colour was key – primary tones clashed gently with neutrals, gradually softening into pastels paired with navy, brown and grey. Stripes hinted at nautical nostalgia, while utility elements reinforced practicality. Footwear and bags kept things grounded – flip-flops, moccasins, canvas lace-ups, gym bags and backpacks underscored the collection's approachable, laid-back elegance, inviting men to rethink modern dressing. Giorgio Armani For the first time in his remarkable career, Giorgio Armani, 90, was absent from his Milan Fashion Week show, recuperating at home from an undisclosed illness. Yet, his presence was felt in a collection that embodied the relaxed sophistication and timeless elegance synonymous with his house. The runway featured pairs of models (male and female), styled in harmonised looks that subtly blurred gender lines. Soft tailoring, layered knits and airy fabrics created silhouettes that flowed gently, offering lightness and ease. Wide-leg trousers, supple leather, silks and fine cottons underscored the collection's fluid charm. Influences of city and seaside, East and West, combined seamlessly. Subtle checks, abstract sketches and watercolour prints added depth. The palette balanced soft greys with purples and blues, cream with gold and warm desert tones with aquamarine. Suits worn with flip-flops reflected effortless transitions between business and leisure. Accessories echoed the laid-back charm – knotted belts, raffia caps and large fabric bags. Closing the show, Leo Dell'Orco, Armani's trusted head of menswear, paid tribute to a designer whose vision continues to define understated luxury. Qasimi Marking its 10th anniversary, Qasimi debuted its spring/summer 2026 collection in Milan with a deeply reflective presentation. The London-based label, founded by the late Sheikh Khalid Al Qasimi and now helmed by his twin sister Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, continues to embody a rich dialogue between its UAE heritage and its base in the UK. The collection explored this dual identity, offering garments that speak to cross-cultural exchange and shared histories. Staying true to the brand's core, the collection was defined by clean lines, oversized silhouettes and a palette of neutral and sandy tones. Long tops and jackets layered over wide trousers created fluid, effortless shapes. Utility-inspired details, including abundant pockets, pleats and zips offered functionality and versatility. Memory nylon – a fabric that records creases that gradually fade – became a striking symbol of lived experience, once again nodding to the very personal influences on this collection. Blazers with zip detailing and multi-functional pieces echoed the balance between smart and casual dressing, while a collaboration with Lebanese artist Dala Nasser added further depth, with raw edges, loose threads and doodle-like embroidery evoking traces of place and memory. The collection felt like a wearable reflection of legacy, adaptability and modern Arab identity. Dior Jonathan Anderson's highly anticipated debut for Dior marked a bold new chapter, as he reinterpreted the house's codes with imaginative flair for the men's spring/summer 2026 collection. Anderson approached the collection as a modern fairytale – romantic yet informed. Capes, tailored waistcoats and Bar jackets with nipped-in waists paid homage to Dior's storied past, while denim shorts, relaxed socks and sandals added a casual, youthful twist. Cable knits and long coats echoed the house's womenswear signatures, blending tradition with fresh energy. There was a sense of dressing up to become a character, with ties, bow ties and 18th and 19th-century-inspired waistcoats anchoring the narrative. Anderson's own design language overlapped subtly with Dior's, creating a dialogue between aristocratic elegance and modern spontaneity. The colour palette spanned soft neutrals to vibrant greens, pinks and blues. Thoughtful details – rococo-inspired Diorette charms, delicate rose embroideries and playful tailoring – ensured Monsieur Dior's romantic spirit remained central, as Anderson recoded the house's language with informed creativity. Louis Vuitton Presented at Paris's Centre Pompidou on a striking show space by Bijoy Jain of Studio Mumbai - a life-size tribute to the ancient Indian board game Snakes and Ladders - Louis Vuitton's spring/summer 2026 menswear was a tribute to modern Indian sartorialism, explored through the Louis Vuitton lens. With an offering that felt more grown-up than recent seasons, Pharrell Williams delivered smarter dressing without losing the edgy twist that has defined his tenure so far. The collection blended rich material, colours, and craftsmanship rooted in Indian culture. Tailoring took centre stage, with L.V.M monograms adorning blazers that hinted at a more serious, elevated take on suiting. The palette - navy, brown, burgundy, khaki, pink - drew inspiration from Indian landscapes and vibrant sunsets. Denim, cable knits, pyjama stripes, and polo shirts combined preppy and street style. Shell jackets, fleece blousons, and hiking boots nod to Indian mountaineering culture, elevated with heritage patterns, hand-embroidered stones, micro-beads, and lace. The Darjeeling Limited motif, which was created by Louis Vuitton for the film of the same name in 2007, was included in a collection for the first time, presented on garments and bags, merging travel, cinema, and craftsmanship.
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
3 hours ago
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Is The ‘Soft' Trend S/S25's Strongest Look?
What started as a TikTok aesthetic – all brogues, blush cheeks, bows, and Lana Del Ray filters – has quietly become fashion's loudest statement this summer Historically speaking, fashion relies on a certain set of design codes to indicate female power and strength – sharp tailoring, defiant colour, and imposing silhouettes. To be powerful is to be seen, to be loud, to command. However, in a world that continues to demand that women to be bold and unbreakable, softness is becoming a rebellion. The S/S25 collections have brought a fresh take on softness: an embrace of emotion, nostalgia, and hyper-femininity, toughened up around the edges. This time, softness is power, reimagined. This isn't just another return to bows and lace. There's a reason why this romantic energy feels louder this time around, because of how designers are styling these design codes – juxtaposing delicate fabrics with statement shoes, hardware accents, and unapologetic confidence. The 'soft' aesthetic isn't about being delicate for the sake of it, it's about reclaiming tenderness, and making it a little more… practical. Sequins? Sure. Ruffles? Why not. Just be sure to pair them with a sturdy pair of boots, loafers or brogues, à la Louis Vuitton. Designers such as Simone Rocha are always at the forefront of any romantic revolution on the runways, and this season she has layered femininity with fierceness. Romance has always been Rocha's realm, but this collection adds new muscle to the softness. Yes, the flounces, floral motifs and frothy fabrics are still there – but styled with sturdy black brogues and knee high socks. Cecilie Bahnsen, also known for her signature romanticism, similarly offered a flurry of sheer organza dresses paired with Asics trainers, covered in a clever camouflage-esque print composed of black and khaki flowers. Erdem also chose sheer stockings and buckled loafers to toughen up its swathes of pale silk printed with pretty blooms; the collection focused on loose fitting, billowing dresses paired with thick-soled shoes bearing chunky leather tassels. How to recreate this tough-girl soft styling off the runway? If you aren't brave enough to to attempt knee-high stockings, opt for a pair of ankle socks instead. Instead of erring towards elegant, ladylike bags, choose a more utilitarian style to create contrast. The devil is in the details.
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Khaleej Times
Charlize Theron is 'intimdated' by Christopher Nolan's new movie
Actoe Charlize Theron opened up about her shoot schedule for Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, revealing a tidbit about how the production is intimidating her. The renowned actor said that she will be leaving for the movie's shoot in a couple of weeks, Variety reported, and will be the last one to join the ensemble cast on the sets. "I will be the new kid on the block. Everybody will know what they are doing and not me," Theron said. The Odyssey follows the Greek champion Odysseus on his tumultuous journey home after the Trojan War. The story was first scribed by the ancient Greek poet Homer over 2,000 years ago and is one of the oldest stories still enjoyed by modern readers. Nolan penned the script and serves as director and producer. His wife, Emma Thomas, will also produce under the pair's Syncopy banner. Matt Damon will play the lead role in the film. Damon appears alongside Tom Holland, Mia Goth, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Benny Safdie, Jon Bernthal and John Leguizamo. Damon was previously spotted on the film's set on March 25, when he filmed scenes shirtless and showed off his impressive abs on set in Favignana, Italy. His co-star, Zendaya, was also seen in costume and on location that day as the pair filmed scenes for the movie, based on the Ancient Greek epic poem attributed to the poet Homer. Holland, 28, was photographed on the movie's set on March 26. He wore a full chest plate and metal armour over his body as he and other crew members stood near what appeared to be an antiquity-style Greek trireme sitting in the water. Holland's appearance on the movie's set came one day after Damon and Zendaya were last photographed filming on location, according to People.
