With From the World of John Wick: Ballerina set to expand the scope of the John Wick universe, Ian McShane teases how Winston has ties to the past of the new assassin, played by Ana De Armas. McShane's Winston Scott is the owner and manager of the New York Continental Hotel, an establishment that offers the underworld sanctuary from any rivals or occupational risks, and a close ally to the franchise's lead protagonist, played by Keanu Reeves. In the Ballerina, De Armas' Eve Macarro sets out on a quest for revenge as she dives into the criminal underworld.

When speaking to Collider at CCXP, McShane unveiled how Winston holds several secrets about the mysterious past of De Armas' Eve Macarro that influences their dynamic in the spin-off movie. McShane confirms that the two are already acquainted prior to the events of Ballerina, not only knowing her parents but having kept an eye on her throughout her education as an assassin:

Well, I’ve met her before. Also, I knew her mother and father, as we say. I know secrets about her that she will try to find out later on. Obviously, I kept tabs on her over the years since she’s been under the ballet tutelage of the character of Anjelica Huston

Despite this prior relationship, however, the actor teases that with Winston being in possession of mysteries from her families past, his allegiances and loyalties to Macarro are less clear and more ambiguous. Check out McShane's response below:

But Winston, you still don’t know who he is, which is kind of nice. He’s the more enigmatic character.

What McShane's Tease For Winston's Role In Ballerina

The Character's Fate Is Already Sealed

McShane is only one of several John Wick franchise alumni to reprise their role in Ballerina. Anjelica Huston reprises her role of The Director from John Wick: 3 - Parabellum, having adopted and mentored Wick from an earlier age and taken Macarro under her wing. Reeves is also set to reprise his role of Wick, and the late Lance Reddick will make his final theatrical appearance as Charon.

Though McShane's tease of his complicated ties to Macarro's past could hint towards him being an antagonistic figure to her, the timeline of the John Wick universe does guarantee his survival. Ballerina is set between the events of John Wick: 3 Parabellum and John Wick 4, with Winston having regained his standing temporarily with the High Table. While the movie may see how the High Table discovered Winston's treachery, his survival is at least confirmed no matter how his bond with Macarro unfolds.

Our Thoughts On Winston's Ballerina Role

The Spin-Off Can Shine A New Light On Winston

With his origin having been explored in The Continental TV series and him acting as a somewhat ambiguous acquaintance in Ballerina, Winston is one of the John Wick franchise's most explored characters and a vital connective figure. As such, some may be unsurprised by McShane's reveal that he has a significant role in the spin-off.

However, the actor's promise of Winston playing a more dubious role may intrigue viewers, who have only ever seen him as a trustworthy ally or a main protagonist. Having Winston placed in a more duplicitous role in Ballerina will add greater depth to his character, and the perpetually gray morality of the John Wick universe.

Source: Collider