From the streets of Havana to the glitz of the Academy Awards, Ana de Armas has completed one of the most remarkable ascents in modern cinema.
Indeed, she is no longer just a “breakout star” or a “Bond girl”; she is a bona fide leading lady and a powerhouse of the action genre.
Following the massive success of the John Wick spin-off, Ballerina, de Armas has solidified her place as the face of high-octane, sophisticated thrillers.
Whether she is portraying a tragic icon or a lethal assassin, her ability to blend raw vulnerability with physical prowess has made her one of the most sought-after names in the industry.
The Path to Global Stardom
Ana de Armas’s journey is a masterclass in determination.
After starting her career in Spain (notably in the hit series El Internado), she moved to Los Angeles in 2014 with limited English but boundless ambition.
Her breakthrough came in Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out” (2019), where her performance as the empathetic Marta Cabrera earned her a Golden Globe nomination.
However, it was her five-minute scene in “No Time to Die” (2021) that set the internet on fire as Paloma.
Also, she proved that she could out-charm and out-fight even James Bond, sparking immediate calls for her own action franchise.
The Ballerina Era and Action Dominance
By early 2026, de Armas has officially conquered the “action star” title.
Her leading role in From the World of John Wick: Ballerina (released in mid-2025) was a critical and commercial pivot point.
The Performance: Playing Eve Macarro, de Armas performed many of her own stunts, bringing a “balletic” brutality to the screen that rivaled Keanu Reeves’ legendary choreography.
Streaming Success: As of January 2026, the film is dominating global streaming charts on Starz and VOD, proving that her draw extends far beyond the initial box office run.
Range: Between Ballerina and Ron Howard’s survival thriller Eden (2025), she has demonstrated a unique ability to carry big-budget spectacles while maintaining the grounded, emotional depth seen in her Oscar-nominated portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in Blonde.
Beyond Hollywood, de Armas recently expressed a poignant desire at the Red Sea Film Festival to return to her roots in Spanish cinema.
Therefore, calling for European directors to “send her scripts.”
It seems that despite her global fame, she remains deeply connected to the artistic spirit that started it all.
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