Fans of the John Wick franchise are looking forward to the release of From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, coming soon to theaters on Friday, June 6th, 2025. Ana de Armas stars as Eve Macarro, a ballerina-turned-assassin seeking vengeance for her father’s murder. While the film’s thrilling action sequences and returning characters come highly anticipated, we’re just as intrigued by this fascinating reference in the Ballerina trailer, where a spirit from Slavic mythology lends another layer to the heart-racing story.
The trailer begins with Eve’s mentor Nogi (Sharon Duncan-Brewster) setting the tone: “In Slavic mythology, the Kikimora is a spirit that exists in the shadows,” she says. “To those with darkness in their hearts, she can be vengeful. But to the innocent, she can be a protector. It’s up to you to choose.”
So, what’s the folklore behind Kikimora, and what can it tell us about Eve Macarro’s character? How does this connect to John Wick’s association with Baba Yaga? Keep reading for everything to know before seeing Ballerina.
Who is Kikimora?
As referenced in the trailer, Kikimora is a legendary Slavic domestic spirit with a dual nature. Depending on the household she inhabits, she can be either benevolent or malevolent. For example, in a tidy household, she may help with chores and protection, but in an unkempt home, she causes disturbances and brings misfortune.
The etymology of “Kikimora” also connects to the concept of “nightmare” in several Slavic languages, and she is often associated with sleep paralysis and nocturnal anxiety. As a shapeshifter, she may appear as an old crone, a beautiful woman, or even a deceased family member. Some depictions also show her to have animalistic features, like a chicken’s beak or a dog’s snout.
Parallels between Kikimora and Eve Macarro
From the brief quotation in the Ballerina trailer, we can infer that Kikimora’s conflicting role as both a compassionate protector and a menacing harbinger may underpin Eve’s identity throughout the story. As Eve wavers in her motivations, much like John Wick has done throughout the franchise, we experience a throughline of moral ambiguity that creates an interesting challenge for both the characters and the viewer.
Slavic mythology in the John Wick universe
Of course, astute John Wick fans will know that this isn’t the first time the franchise has incorporated Slavic mythology into the storyline. Slavic spirit Baba Yaga has been used metaphorically to describe John Wick as a relentless “Boogeyman” from the criminal underworld. That said, the original Slavic character of “Baba Yaga” is a female witch with a similar duality to Kikimora—she is characterized both as a terrifying villain and as a helper who rewards those who show bravery or cleverness.
In Ballerina, Keanu Reeves’ John Wick appears as an antagonist who is hired to hunt down Eve Macarro. Rather than empathizing with Wick as we have done in previous films, audiences must reckon with Wick’s actions from the point of view of his target, reinforcing the character’s duality.
What else to watch for in Ballerina
Ballerina takes place between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4. Even though this film is directed by Len Wiseman (known for the Underworld series, Live Free or Die Hard, and Total Recall), John Wick franchise director and former stuntman Chad Stahelski also directed many of Ballerina‘s reshoots. Watch out for his influence in the film’s captivating action sequences.
Remember: From the World of John Wick: Ballerina debuts in theaters next Friday, June 6th, 2025. Do you have tickets yet?