The action thriller “John Wick,” which launched a billion dollar movie franchise, nearly never got made due to funding issues. Directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch recently revealed that actress Eva Longoria stepped in to save the original 2014 film.
With just days until shooting was set to start, the production lost $6 million in promised financing. Key people like star Keanu Reeves and the directors had put their own money in to keep it going. Producer Basil Iwanyk even maxed out credit cards. But without the missing funds, they would have to cancel the movie.
That’s when talent agency CAA suggested clients invest. Longoria took the chance and filled the $6 million gap less than 24 hours before closure. The directors didn’t know who helped until after filming. Iwanyk later surprised them by saying it was Longoria during a dinner.
Stahelski and Leitch thanked Longoria over lunch at the Chateau Marmont hotel in Los Angeles. She found humor in thinking “it wasn’t going to work.” But her gamble succeeded hugely. Leitch said Longoria told him the money was the best she ever spent.
Her role keeping “John Wick” on track has led to future possibilities. Leitch stated Longoria wants to join the action genre as an actress. He would gladly work with her when the right project comes up.
This behind-the-scenes story shows just how close the popular “John Wick” franchise came to never starting due to lost financing. Longoria’s timely investment made the billion-dollar series possible.
