Eva Longoria’s last-minute investment saved John Wick

In the world of cinema, timing and funding can be everything. For the John Wick franchise, which has enchanted audiences and grossed over $1 billion worldwide, it was a cocktail of both that ensured it saw the light of day. As the film celebrates its 10th anniversary, unique tidbits about its rocky production phase have resurfaced, shedding light on a key player behind its success: Eva Longoria.

A monumental close call

The first John Wick film, which hit theaters a decade ago, wasn’t just a launching pad for another action-packed saga starring Keanu Reeves—it was a project that nearly went under just days before filming began. Directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch recall a critical moment when their financing source dropped out, leaving a gaping $6 million hole they needed to fill to keep their dreams alive.

“We were less than a week out and we lost almost $6 million on a gap financing,” Stahelski recalls. “We were independently financing to get the bond, but one of the investors couldn’t raise the money in time.”

All in for the passion

The passion and belief in the project were palpable, with the filmmakers and Keanu Reeves himself already injecting personal funds into the movie. Even producer Basil Iwanyk went to extreme lengths, maxing out three of his personal credit cards to keep the budget afloat.

The clock was ticking, and the pressure was mounting. CAA (Creative Artists Agency) was instrumental in helping them piece together the rest of the finances, proposing the idea to some of their actors to invest in the film. It was a last-ditch effort, and the stakes couldn’t have been higher.

The unexpected savior

Amid the chaos and uncertainty, Eva Longoria stepped in like a knight in shining armor. With less than 24 hours before the project was at risk of shutting down, Longoria provided the necessary funds to bridge the gap, averting what could have been the premature end of John Wick.

“[Eva] came to the rescue and she provided the gap financing, literally less than 24 hours before we had to lock the doors on the movie and walk away,” Stahelski said. The gratitude was palpable when, after wrapping up filming, they gathered for dinner, and Basil Iwanyk revealed the behind-the-scenes heroism of Longoria.

A lunch of gratitude

In a gesture of thanks, Stahelski and Leitch invited Longoria to lunch at Chateau Marmont. “She was laughing going, ‘I didn’t think it was going to work,’” Stahelski attributed, while Leitch mentioned that Longoria later shared investing in John Wick was “the best money” she’d ever spent.

Future collaboration aspirations

Interestingly, Longoria’s critical role in saving the film has sparked conversations about potentially incorporating her into the John Wick universe. Leitch expressed a keen interest, stating, “She wants to for sure, she wants to do action. I would love to work with her, we’re trying to find something.”

Incorporating Longoria into a future sequel or spin-off could be a fascinating addition to the iconic franchise. With her proven commitment and enthusiasm, it wouldn’t be surprising to see her take on a thrilling action role alongside Keanu Reeves.

Celebrating a decade of John Wick

Ten years since its debut, John Wick continues to captivate audiences with its intricate world-building, relentless action sequences, and compelling character arcs. Its success story is a testament to the persistence, passion, and sometimes, the timely generosity of those who believe in the magic of storytelling. As we celebrate this milestone, it’s worth remembering the behind-the-scenes heroes like Eva Longoria who played pivotal roles in bringing this cinematic gem to life.

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