From the World of John Wick: Ballerina lands in theaters on June 6, expanding the universe of high-stakes assassins and stylish combat with a new protagonist at the center: Eve Macarro, played by Ana de Armas. The story unfolds during the timeline of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, and traces Eve’s journey from grief to vengeance after the murder of her father.

At the core of this emotional launchpad is David Castañeda, who takes on the role of Javier, Eve’s protective and loving father. His character’s fate is the turning point that ignites the entire narrative.

A Catalyst for Revenge

Javier is portrayed as a man caught between shielding his daughter from a violent world and the inevitable truth of who she is. His determination to keep her safe at all costs sets the tone for the film’s emotional depth. Though his presence in the story is limited, the impact of his actions and his death reverberate through Eve’s transformation into an assassin.

Embracing the Demands of the John Wick Universe

Stepping into a franchise known for its elite-level action choreography, Castañeda took on the challenge with serious dedication. Training lasted several weeks, focusing on mastering the physicality and realism that audiences have come to expect from the John Wick films.

Once on set, adaptability became essential. Fight sequences were often changed shortly before filming, and the cast had to be quick on their feet—both literally and creatively. Castañeda worked to make every movement look spontaneous and organic, mirroring the unpredictable nature of real combat. This level of preparation helped him contribute to the authenticity and intensity fans expect from the franchise.

On Set with Ana de Armas

While Castañeda and Ana de Armas share limited screen time due to the nature of the storyline, their character dynamic is foundational. Observing her commitment to the role during production served as inspiration. The film also features a cameo from Keanu Reeves, reinforcing its ties to the original John Wick narrative and giving the production a sense of scope and continuity that fans will appreciate.

From Engineering to Entertainment

Castañeda’s path to acting wasn't a straight line. Initially pursuing a degree in civil engineering, he eventually pivoted to filmmaking out of a desire for creative fulfillment. Recognizing early on that financial stability wouldn’t outweigh personal happiness, he transitioned into the arts with a focus on storytelling, performance, and purpose. That leap of faith set the stage for the career he enjoys today.

Advice for Aspiring Actors

For those looking to follow in his footsteps, Castañeda emphasizes the importance of preparation, resilience, and growth. Rejection, he believes, is an inevitable and necessary part of success in this industry. Instead of seeing failure as defeat, he views it as a learning experience—something that shapes stronger performers and more grounded professionals.

David Castañeda’s performance in Ballerina adds a powerful emotional undercurrent to the action-packed spectacle. His role may be brief, but it's pivotal—anchoring the story with a sense of love, loss, and sacrifice that fuels the film’s narrative engine. As Ballerina prepares to take the John Wick universe in a bold new direction, Castañeda’s contribution stands as a compelling reminder that even in a world built on violence, heart still matters.

Catch Ballerina in theaters June 6.