As John Wick celebrates its 10th anniversary, it’s hard to imagine that the 2014 film, which has now become a cornerstone of modern action cinema, almost didn’t happen. Starring Keanu Reeves as the stoic, relentless assassin out for revenge after the death of his beloved dog, the movie marked a resurgence in Reeves’ action-hero career. However, behind the scenes, a key figure helped make the first film a reality: Eva Longoria. As an early supporter and producer, Longoria’s involvement gave John Wick the push it needed to get off the ground. Her backing allowed the film to overcome the odds in an industry often wary of original action films with unconventional plots.
The success of John Wick was immediate. It was praised for its intense choreography, minimalist dialogue, and world-building that introduced audiences to a secret underworld of assassins. What began as a sleeper hit has grown into a thriving franchise, spawning three sequels and earning nearly a billion dollars worldwide. Each film has pushed the limits of action filmmaking, with Reeves’ dedication to performing many of his stunts becoming a hallmark of the series.
In addition to the main films, the John Wick universe continues to expand, with a new spin-off titled Ballerina set to release in 2025. Starring Ana de Armas, Ballerina will explore the world of female assassins within the same deadly universe, offering fans a fresh take on the franchise’s intricate lore and high-octane action. This marks a new chapter for the series, proving that John Wick is still going strong even a decade later.
As the franchise celebrates a decade of success, it’s clear that John Wick has not only redefined modern action films but has also become a cultural phenomenon, thanks to the perfect storm of visionary filmmaking, star power, and early champions like Eva Longoria.
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