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Eva Longoria’s lucrative John Wick gamble: A decade of unexpected dividends
Behind the scenes of a wise investment
It’s not every day we hear about someone making a significant investment in a film, but Eva Longoria did just that in 2014, and it continues to pay off. Longoria initially invested $6 million in the action-packed movie John Wick. Today, ten years later, she’s still reaping the financial benefits from that bold move. She reflected on her decision to step in and cover the movie’s financing gap less than 24 hours before production would have been halted.
Eva’s early days in investment
In a rare discussion about her John Wick investment, Longoria candidly shared, “That is accurate. By the way, I was in my infancy,” highlighting how new she was to investments. “My bankroll was very new, and it was a lot of money, and I was like, ‘So how does it work?’ I had no idea. I would love to say I was an investment genius and I just knew and I calculated my risk. No, none of that,” she admitted, showing how sometimes novice decisions can blossom into incredible successes.
Spotting potential in people, not just projects
Longoria explained that the investment opportunity arose from a conversation with an agent who wasn’t even hers. “An agent, and he wasn’t even my agent, he called me and said, ‘You got money, you should put your money here,’” she continued. Her gamble wasn’t just on the film, but on the passion and dedication of Chad Stahelski and David Leitch. “They put in their 10,000 hours as stunt guys and second unit directors; they had seen all the bad movies and knew how to make a good one. It was that. They were undeniably passionate and I knew they were going to make an undeniable product,” she said. Longoria’s belief in people who are passionate and hardworking turned out to be a pivotal factor in her investment decision.
The ongoing legacy of John Wick
Continued earnings and reflections
When asked if she still receives checks from her John Wick investment, Longoria affirmed, “Yes.” However, she expressed some regret for not being part of the subsequent films. “What I’m pissed off about is I wasn’t connected to the rest of them. This was a one-time thing. That was the gamble. But that was my only mistake, not being attached to all of the films.” Despite this, the enduring popularity of the original 2014 movie keeps the funds rolling in for her.
An investment that keeps on giving
The John Wick franchise has since grossed a staggering $1 billion over four movies. While Longoria was not involved in the sequels, the franchise’s success ensures her investment in the first film remains lucrative. On exactly how much she has made, Longoria commented, “You know, I would have to check. More than double [$6 million], for sure.”
Bumping into John Wick stars
Longoria also shared some personal anecdotes, recalling how she often runs into the film’s directors and star Keanu Reeves around Hollywood. “Keanu and I ran into each other because of his girlfriend, Alexandra. We know her through some friends, and we met her and Keanu at an art event,” she remembered. “Keanu said, ‘I’d love to take you to dinner; we should celebrate 10 years.’ So we toasted to John Wick.”
Lessons from a successful gamble
Investing wisely by believing in people
Longoria’s gamble on John Wick demonstrates that sometimes investing in people is just as important, if not more so, than the project itself. Her decision to back the movie was driven by her belief in Stahelski and Leitch’s vision and expertise, showing how recognizing passion and dedication can lead to substantial rewards.
A decade of dividends and enduring popularity
Eva Longoria’s $6 million commitment back in 2014 has done more than just pay off; it continues to generate returns, proving the lasting impact of a well-placed investment. For Longoria, her involvement with John Wick remains a significant and profitable chapter in her career.
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