Will Packer Thanks Beyoncé For Saying ‘No’ To His Film ‘Obsessed’ Five Times

When it comes to securing talent for a film, persistence is key. Just ask Will Packer, the Hollywood powerhouse behind Obsessed. During a recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live, Packer revealed this little-known fact about the film’s star Beyoncé. Read more and watch the interview inside.

Packer appeared on the series to share that his leading lady, Beyoncé, initially turned him down five times before finally agreeing to star in the 2009 psychological thriller. And according to him, that repeated rejection was actually a blessing in disguise.

“Bey taught me a lot about getting rejected because she told me no over and over again when I wanted her to be in that movie,” Packer told host Andy Cohen. But instead of closing the door entirely, Queen Bey gave him constructive feedback, explaining why she wasn’t sold on the project.

Rather than walking away, Packer took her notes seriously. Each time he approached her again, the script had been revised and refined to better fit her vision and standards.

“I kept going back and asking again and again and changing the movie in order to make it something that she could do,” he explained.

The Power of a ‘Fortuitous No’

Though being rejected by a global superstar sounds like a producer’s worst nightmare, Packer described Beyoncé’s repeated refusals as a “fortuitous no.” It was a rejection that ultimately worked in his favor. With every revision, Obsessed became a stronger film.

“Ultimately, on the sixth time, Beyoncé said yes, and that movie opened at No. 1,” Packer proudly shared. 

The Steve Shill-directed film stars Idris Elba as Derek Charles, a successful executive whose life unravels after a dangerously obsessed office temp (played by Ali Larter) begins stalking him. Beyoncé took on the role of Sharon Charles, Derek’s fiercely protective wife, delivering the now-iconic final showdown scene that remains a fan favorite to this day.

Lessons from Beyoncé’s Standards

This wasn’t the first time Packer spoke about Beyoncé’s tough (but fair) approach to filmmaking. During a visit to “The View,” he recalled her firm but respectful rejection of the original script.

“She was very stern—and she’s a wonderful human being—but she said, ‘Will Packer, I’m not doing your movie,’” he recounted. Instead of taking it personally, he saw it as an opportunity to improve.

Packer now uses this experience to inspire other creatives: “It took me five times because Beyoncé is very particular, but I only needed one yes. Whatever your Beyoncé is, keep seeing if there’s a way to adjust and learn from the no.”

Safe to say, Beyoncé’s meticulous standards paid off. Obsessed became a box office hit, further proving that patience, persistence, and the right vision can turn rejection into success.

Check out the interview below:

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