How ‘stern’ Beyonce demanded Hollywood producer change his script FIVE TIMES before agreeing to star in film

Hollywood producer Will Packer has revealed how ‘getting rejected’ by Beyonce five times helped him to turn 2009 film Obsessed into a success.

The superstar singer, now 43, starred alongside Idris Elba and Ali Larter in the psychological thriller, however the script took a lot of refining before the musician agreed to sign on for the project.

During a recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live, Packer opened up about his struggle to get the Crazy In Love singer involved in the film.

He explained to host Andy Cohen: ‘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.’

The prolific producer continued: ‘She told me no, but she was gracious enough to tell me why, and I kept going back and asking again and again and changing the movie in order to make it something that she could do.’

He argued that’s Beyoncé continued rejection was actually a ‘fortuitous no’ because though she was turning the script down each time, there clearly always remained the possibility that her mind could be changed.

Hollywood producer Will Packer has revealed how ‘getting rejected’ by Beyoncé five times helped him to turn 2009 film Obsessed into a success

During a recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live, Packer opened up about his struggle to get the Crazy In Love singer involved in the film

‘Ultimately, on the sixth time, Beyoncé said yes, and that movie opened at No. 1,’ he boasted. ‘So thank you, Beyoncé.’

The Think Like A Man producer also recounted the struggle during his visit to The View last month as he noted: ‘She was very stern — and she’s a wonderful human being — but she said, “Will Packer, I’m not doing your movie.”‘ 

Again he noted that she had revealed the specific issues that held her back at the time and explained that he was quick to revise them.  

‘I didn’t go back or push back and didn’t say, “Oh no, woe is me,”‘ he explained. ‘And actually, I was making my project better each time. It took me five times because Beyoncé is very particular, but I only needed one yes. 

‘You only need one, so whatever your Beyoncé is, right, keep seeing if there is a way to adjust and learn something from the no.’

Directed by Steve Shill, the film starred Elba as Derek Charles, a successful executive with a seemingly perfect career and marriage.

However, both begin to crumble when a seductive office temp (played by Larter) steps into his world and becomes the unhinged rival of his wife (played by Beyoncé).

Obsessed closed in US cinemas on June 14, 2009, having grossed $68,261,644 domestically in its eight weeks of availability.

He explained to host Andy Cohen: ‘Bey taught me a lot about getting rejected, because she told me no over and over again… Ultimately, on the sixth time, Beyoncé said yes’

The superstar singer starred alongside Idris Elba and Ali Larter in the psychological thriller, however the script took a lot of refining before the musician agreed to sign on for the project

Outside the US, the film grossed an additional $5,568,696, bringing its total gross box office revenue to $73,830,340. 

Over the course of her decades-long career, Beyoncé has been open about how being a perfectionist impacts the way she works.

Speaking about why she chose to pre-record her vocals for President Barack Obama’s 2013 inauguration, the hitmaker said at the time: ‘I am a perfectionist. I didn’t have time to rehearse with the orchestra. I didn’t feel comfortable taking a risk.’

Elsewhere, she opened up further about the topic in her 2019 documentary film, Homecoming.    

‘I respect things that take work and are built from the ground up. I’m super specific about every detail…,’ she explained as it was revealed how she had selected every performer and every costume for her famous headline performance at 2018’s Coachella festival.

The star has even picked the height of the pyramid and what material was used on the steps of said structure. 

However, in more recent interviews, the star has revealed she is working to stop focusing on being perfect with her newer projects.

Speaking to GQ Magazine in 2024, she explained: ‘I create at my own pace, on things that I hope will touch other people. 

Over the course of her decades-long career, Beyoncé has been open about how being a perfectionist impacts the way she works

‘I hope my work encourages people to look within themselves and come to terms with their own creativity, strength, and resilience

‘I focus on storytelling, growth, and quality. I’m not focused on perfectionism. I focus on evolution, innovation, and shifting perception.’

She continued: ‘Working on the music for Cowboy Carter and launching this exciting new project feel nothing like prison, nor a burden. In fact, I only work on what liberates me.

‘It is fame that can at times feel like prison. So, when you don’t see me on red carpets, and when I disappear until I have art to share, that’s why.’