This forgotten 2006 thriller with 34% is a reminder of John Wick's biggest missed opportunity

Eva Longoria's only live-action role in a forgotten thriller proves the John Wick the films missed an opportunity by not inviting her into the franchise. Longoria may be best known for decidedly action-free dishes like Desperate housewives or Dora and the Lost City of Goldbut she played a key role in John Wick franchising is happening. When the original film fell short of $6 million, Longoria came to the rescue (through Business Insider) writing a big check.

Longoria is credited as producer on John Wick and confirmed that her investment in the 2014 film paid off – although she regrets not waiting for the sequels. Given that she basically saved the project from collapse, it's a shame that Longoria wasn't asked to appear in the film. That said, she's not exactly known for her action roles, although Longoria's only appearance in the genre makes a strong argument that she could hold her own against Keanu Reeves' Wick.

The Sentinel Proved John Wick Wasted His Eva Longoria Link

Longoria played a Secret Service agent in this 2006 thriller

Shortly after his escape in Desperate housewivesLongoria began appearing in major films. One of the most prominent of this period was the 2006 The Sentinela thriller where Michael Douglas' veteran Secret Service agent is accused of an assassination plot against the president. Kiefer Sutherland (24) plays the agent who pursues him, while Longoria co-stars as his partner, Jill Marin. In truth, The Sentinel is lame, with the film feeling instantly dated upon release and telling a family conspiracy story with little invention.

Longoria's Marin is a supporting player, but the actress proves surprisingly adept when it comes to action or chase sequences. She seems very confident in wielding firearms and helps save the day during the action-packed finale. Eva Longoria Sentinel paper proves that she could handle the intensive action of the John Wick saga also. Although she has appeared in other films (such as the 2012 A dark truth) where she handled weapons, The Sentinel it was really the only time she tested the action genre.

A Secret Service Agent Praised Eva Longoria's Shooting Skills in Sentry

Longoria was able to surpass Michael Douglas and Kiefer Sutherland

The Sentinel stands at just 34% in Rotten tomatoes and grossed just $78 million worldwide (through Mojo Box Office). It didn't help that it aspires to be a mature adult thriller – while also boasting a watered-down PG-13 rating. Still, Longoria received good news, and in The Sentinel production notes (via MBN), she was by far the best filmed of the actors during training. According to The Sentinel technical advisor Gerald A. Cavis – a retired Secret Service agent – Longoria stood out in the cast.

She was exceptional. In fact, she would be recognized as a good shot even in the Secret Service. It was impressive.

His co-star Douglas echoed this praise, stating: “Eva is a great shot. I wasn't ready for how good she was.” This translates into the film itself, where she appears very confident during the action sequences, even when alongside experienced names like Sutherland. The actress credited her upbringing for her comfort with firearms, revealing “I grew up on a farm and used to go target shooting with my dad. I shot my first gun when I was six!“

In hindsight, It's a shame that Longoria's only real action was The Sentinel. In the film's aftermath, she should have been offered other action roles, but the film's poor performance and its Desperate housewives probably saw her passed over for similar projects. Of course, maybe she doesn't to want stick with the genre, after experiencing it with The Sentinel.

It's not too late for John Wick to invite Eva Longoria to the franchise

John Wick 5 is inevitable anyway

With John Wick's 10th anniversary in 2014, it appears that fans of the property only recently learned of Longoria's involvement. She really was key to the film happening, and it spawned a franchise that is still ongoing. Ana de Armas led Ballerina will be next, but after that, John Wick: Chapter 5 seems inevitable. At this stage, the series has little trouble attracting big-name co-stars – but It would be great to see Eva Longoria get an invite to the (high) table too.

Of course, The Sentinel it was a flop, but she still did a great job with both the action and elevating a poorly written character. John Wick 5 could give her an interesting supporting role as an ally or enemy to Wick, and allow her to put those underutilized shooting skills to the test. Considering how forgotten The Sentinel is today, the sequel would show audiences Longoria in an entirely different light in terms of action.

That probably won't happen, in all likelihood. The stars who are invited to the John Wick films tend to already have action experience (Donnie Yen, Scott Adkins, Halle Berry, etc.), and The Sentinel It's not the best showcase. Still, Eva Longoria played a key role in the franchise's history, so even a cameo in the next chapter would be a nice recognition.

Source: Business Insider, Rotten tomatoes, Mojo Box Office, MBN