Exploring a Forgotten 2006 Thriller With 34% That Highlights John Wick’s Biggest Missed Chance

Eva Longoria’s foray into action cinema, showcased in a less-remembered thriller, illustrates a missed opportunity for the John Wick franchise. While she is predominantly recognized for her roles in popular series like Desperate Housewives and films such as Dora and the Lost City of Gold, Longoria played a pivotal role in the inception of the John Wick series. Notably, when the original film’s budget fell short by $6 million, Longoria stepped in to save the project by making a significant financial investment (Business Insider).

The Sentinel: A Missed Opportunity for John Wick

Longoria as a Secret Service Agent in a 2006 Thriller

Eva Longoria pointing a gun in The Sentinel

Following her breakout role in Desperate Housewives, Longoria transitioned to major film projects, one of which was The Sentinel. Released in 2006, the thriller stars Michael Douglas as a veteran Secret Service agent wrongfully accused of plotting an assassination against the President, with Kiefer Sutherland portraying the agent tasked with apprehending him. Longoria takes on the role of Jill Marin, Douglas’s partner. Despite the film’s ambitious plot, it suffers from a lack of originality, feeling dated almost immediately upon release.

While Longoria’s Marin is primarily a supporting character, she displays impressive proficiency in action sequences, confidently handling firearms and playing a crucial role in the film’s climactic moments. Her performance in The Sentinel highlights her potential to seamlessly transition into the action-heavy John Wick narrative. Though she has appeared in other films, including 2012’s A Dark Truth, The Sentinel remains her only true exploration of the action genre.

In addition to her past roles, Longoria is set to appear in Jamie Foxx’s comedy All-Star Weekend, which, despite being filmed in 2016, has yet to see a release.

Acknowledging Longoria’s Shooting Skills

Longoria Outshines Douglas and Sutherland in Shooting Skills

Eva Longoria threatening Rudy with a rifle in Only Murders in the Building Season 4 Episode 3 — Image via Hulu

Despite its lackluster performance, The Sentinel holds a mere 34% on Rotten Tomatoes and made just $78 million worldwide (Box Office Mojo). The film attempted to cater to an adult audience while being restricted to a PG-13 rating, likely affecting its reception. Nonetheless, Longoria garnered positive criticism; a technical advisor for the film, Gerald A. Cavis, a retired Secret Service agent, noted her standout performance during training.

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

Douglas corroborated this by admitting, “Eva’s a crack shot. I wasn’t ready for how good she was.”This expertise is reflected on screen, where she manages to hold her own during action scenes alongside veterans like Sutherland. Longoria attributes her comfort with firearms to her upbringing on a ranch, where she learned to shoot at a young age.

Every John Wick Movie	Release Year
John Wick	2014
John Wick: Chapter 2	2017
John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum	2019
John Wick: Chapter 4	2023
From the World of John Wick: Ballerina	2025

Reflecting on her sole action film, it’s unfortunate that Longoria’s only significant role in the genre was The Sentinel. Following its release, one might expect more opportunities in action roles; however, the film’s underwhelming success and her continued typecasting from Desperate Housewives likely hindered her path in this direction. Moreover, it’s possible that Longoria may have opted to explore other genres after her experience with The Sentinel.

A Call for Longoria’s Inclusion in John Wick

As we approach the 10th anniversary of John Wick, fans have only recently unearthed Longoria’s crucial contribution to its success. Her financial backing was instrumental in bringing the project to fruition, leading to the establishment of an enduring franchise. With the upcoming Ballerina film starring Ana de Armas and the anticipated John Wick: Chapter 5, there remains an opportunity for Longoria’s return.

Incorporating her into upcoming films could allow her to portray a compelling supporting character, either as an ally or adversary to Wick. Although The Sentinel was not a breakout hit, her competent blend of action and character depth could resonate with audiences in a new light.

Despite the likelihood of this not materializing—given the franchise’s trend of casting individuals with established action reputations (like Donnie Yen, Scott Adkins, and Halle Berry)—it would be a meaningful acknowledgment of her role in the franchise’s history. Even a brief cameo from Longoria in the next installment would celebrate her contribution to bringing John Wick to life.

Sources: Business Insider, Rotten Tomatoes, Box Office Mojo, MBN