The John Wick series, now a global phenomenon, almost never saw the light of day. Ten years after the release of the first film, franchise director Chad Stahelski shared the little-known story of how actress Eva Longoria played a crucial role in saving the project. Just days before filming was set to begin, a $6 million funding shortfall put the entire movie at risk. Stahelski, along with co-director David Leitch, producer Basil Iwanyk, and star Keanu Reeves, had already poured their own money into the film, but it wasn't enough to bridge the financial gap.
Eva Longoria's Unexpected Role
CAA, the agency assembling the movie's financing, turned to its roster of actors to help fill the funding void. Eva Longoria, best known at the time for her role in Desperate Housewives, decided to take the risk and provide the gap financing. Her decision came just 24 hours before the production would have been forced to shut down, making her contribution a literal lifesaver for the franchise. Interestingly, Stahelski didn't learn about Longoria's pivotal involvement until much later. After the film became a hit, Iwanyk disclosed during a celebratory dinner that Longoria was the mystery benefactor.
Longoria's investment ended up paying off handsomely, not just for the filmmakers but also for herself. As she later recounted to Leitch at an event, it was “the best money [she'd] ever spent,” as the success of John Wick far exceeded expectations, turning it into one of the most lucrative action franchises of the decade.
The Legacy of John Wick
Today, the John Wick universe is thriving, with a fifth installment in early development, a spin-off titled Ballerina set for release next year, and a variety of other projects in the works, including a TV series and an anime film. Keanu Reeves' portrayal of the titular character has become iconic, with the franchise grossing over $1 billion worldwide. None of this would have been possible if not for Longoria's last-minute decision to invest in the original film.
Personal Impression
Eva Longoria's involvement in saving John Wick is a testament to the often-unseen risks behind filmmaking. It's fascinating to learn how close the franchise came to collapsing, and her contribution adds an intriguing layer to the series' history. It's a reminder that sometimes, it takes just one bold decision to set a cultural phenomenon in motion.
What Do You Think?
Did you know about Eva Longoria's role in John Wick's history? Do you think the franchise would have been as successful without her support? Share your thoughts in the comments!
