Eva Longoria played a crucial role in making the first John Wick film happen. With the movie set to start filming 10 years ago, directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch were scrambling to cover an unexpected $6 million funding gap. With less than 24 hours left before the film would have shut down, Longoria stepped in and provided the missing funds.
According to Stahelski, the project was in serious trouble when one of the initial investors couldn’t deliver the funds in time. Keanu Reeves, the filmmakers, and producer Basil Iwanyk had already put up their own cash to keep the movie afloat. Even Iwanyk maxed out three personal credit cards. Desperate for a solution, CAA approached some of its clients about investing. That’s when Longoria came through.
“[Eva] came to the rescue,” Stahelski said. “She provided the gap financing, literally less than 24 hours before we would’ve had to walk away.” The filmmakers found out about Longoria’s heroic contribution only after filming wrapped. They later took her out to lunch to show their gratitude.
Longoria joked that she wasn’t even sure John Wick would be a success. Leitch confirmed it was “the best money” she’d ever spent. And as for the possibility of her appearing in a John Wick sequel? Leitch says she’s interested, and they're looking for a project that suits her action ambitions.
Source: https://variety.com/2024/film/news/eva-longoria-saved-john-wick-financing-1236187785/
According to Stahelski, the project was in serious trouble when one of the initial investors couldn’t deliver the funds in time. Keanu Reeves, the filmmakers, and producer Basil Iwanyk had already put up their own cash to keep the movie afloat. Even Iwanyk maxed out three personal credit cards. Desperate for a solution, CAA approached some of its clients about investing. That’s when Longoria came through.
“[Eva] came to the rescue,” Stahelski said. “She provided the gap financing, literally less than 24 hours before we would’ve had to walk away.” The filmmakers found out about Longoria’s heroic contribution only after filming wrapped. They later took her out to lunch to show their gratitude.
Longoria joked that she wasn’t even sure John Wick would be a success. Leitch confirmed it was “the best money” she’d ever spent. And as for the possibility of her appearing in a John Wick sequel? Leitch says she’s interested, and they're looking for a project that suits her action ambitions.
Source: https://variety.com/2024/film/news/eva-longoria-saved-john-wick-financing-1236187785/
