AceShowbiz - The first "John Wick" movie hit theaters a decade ago, igniting a wildly successful action franchise starring Keanu Reeves that has grossed over $1 billion worldwide across four installments. However, the remarkable journey of this beloved series nearly came to an abrupt end before it even began.

In an interview with Business Insider, directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch shared the astonishing story of how Eva Longoria stepped in as a savior, providing $6 million in funding just 24 hours before filming was set to begin. The unexpected funding gap jeopardized the entire project, as the filmmakers had exhausted their own funds and maxed out credit cards to bankroll the film.

CAA, the agency representing the team, made a last-ditch effort to secure the financing by offering actors the opportunity to invest in the film. In a twist of fate, Longoria answered the call, injecting the project with the crucial funds it needed to move forward.

"She came to the rescue and provided the gap financing, literally less than 24 hours before we had to lock the doors on the movie and walk away," Stahelski recalled. "Basil [Iwanyak, the producer] took us out to dinner [after filming], and we were laughing about all the bullshit that happened, and he said, 'By the way, funny story, you know who gap financed you? Eva Longoria.' We were like, 'What!'"

Stahelski and Leitch later expressed their gratitude by taking Longoria out to lunch at the Chateau Marmont. "She was laughing going, 'I didn't think it was going to work,' " Stahelski remembered, while Leitch added that Longoria later remarked that her investment in 'John Wick' was "the best money" she'd ever spent.