Part of this story is up to fate, as Blake Lively actually passed on the opportunity to make Bruised; presumably in order to play her part in Paramount’s would-be franchise starter The Rhythm Section.
Once the path was clear and Halle Berry was able to sell John Wick franchise producer Basil Iwanyk on the idea, that’s where the real work began.
Berry was able to not only change Bruised’s story into her specific vision, but she was also able to star in and direct the film as well.