Eva Longoria saved ‘John Wick’ by funding $6 million just hours before shutdown

Eva Longoria, the actress and producer, played a critical role in saving the original John Wick movie just hours before it faced a complete shutdown.

Directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch revealed in a recent interview with Business Insider that Longoria stepped in with a $6 million investment less than 24 hours before filming was set to stop due to an unexpected financial shortfall.

The gap in funding occurred when one of the investors couldn’t raise the necessary money, forcing the filmmakers, along with Keanu Reeves, to use their own funds to keep the project afloat. Producer Basil Iwanyk even maxed out his personal credit cards to contribute. CAA, involved in financing the film, reached out to actors, leading to Longoria's last-minute rescue.

Stahelski and Leitch later took Longoria out to lunch to express their gratitude. Longoria remarked that she didn't initially think the investment would succeed, but it turned out to be “the best money” she ever spent. The John Wick franchise, which has now grossed over $1 billion globally, owes its survival to Longoria’s timely contribution.