Eva Longoria’s $6 Million Investment Saved ‘John Wick,’ Directors Reveal

Eva Longoria’s timely financial intervention reportedly played a crucial role in the success of the “John Wick” franchise, as revealed by the film’s directors, Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, during an interview for the movie’s 10th anniversary.

The Critical Funding Crisis

In a candid discussion with Business Insider, Stahelski recounted the intense pressure the film faced just days before production was set to shut down due to a significant funding shortfall. “We were less than a week out and we lost almost $6 million on a gap financing,” he explained. All involved, including Keanu Reeves, had invested their own money, but they were still short.

In a desperate move, the Creative Artists Agency (CAA) proposed that several actors finance the remaining $6 million, assuring them they would be the first paid back once the film premiered. Longoria, though unaware of the situation’s severity at the time, stepped in to provide the necessary funds.

A Heroic Rescue

Stahelski noted the narrow timeline: “Literally less than 24 hours before we had to lock the doors on the movie and walk away, [our producer] said, ‘We’ve got the investor, we’ve locked the gap.’” Longoria’s support allowed the production to continue, and the film eventually became a massive success, grossing an impressive $86 million against its estimated $20 million to $30 million budget.

In recognition of her contribution, the directors took Longoria out to lunch in Los Angeles as a gesture of gratitude after the film’s release. Leitch recalled their conversation at an awards event last year, where Longoria reflected on her investment: “She was like, ‘Wow, that was the best money I’ve ever spent.’ It paid back significantly for her.”