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William Packer (born April 11, 1974) is an American film producer and the founder of Will Packer Productions,[1] and Will Packer Media.[2] Packer has produced or executive produced a wide range of movies that have grossed more than $1 billion worldwide at the box office, including 10 films that have opened at number one. He has produced more than 30 features including big-screen hit comedies such as Think Like a Man (2012), Ride Along (2014), Think Like a Man Too (2014), The Wedding Ringer (2015), Girls Trip (2017), Night School (2018), What Men Want (2019)[3][4] and Little (2019).

Key Information

Packer produced the 2022 Academy Awards Oscars ceremony. In 2024, he became a limited partner of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons (2024).[5]

Early life and education

[edit]

Packer was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida. He graduated from St. Petersburg High School in 1991 and began attending Florida A&M University that fall. In 1996, Packer graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering.[6] On October 29, 2021, FAMU personally honored Packer by renaming its amphitheater the Will Packer Amphitheater. Packer also received the Meritorious Achievement Award from Florida A&M, the highest honor the university bestows.

Career

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Rainforest Films

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It was at FAMU that he started filmmaking with colleague and future business partner Rob Hardy while participating in an internship with veteran producer Warrington Hudlin.[7] In 1994, Packer and Hardy produced their first film, Chocolate City,[8] for $20,000 and Packer helped broker a small distribution deal with Blockbuster video.[9] After graduating, Packer and Hardy moved to Atlanta, Georgia and co-founded Rainforest Films. Packer produced and oversaw the company's studio-financed and self-financed films and distribution projects.[10][11] Packer and Hardy's vision was to make films that would appeal to black audiences who hadn't seen genre films starring people like themselves.

In 2000, Trois, Rainforest Film's first movie to be released theatrically, grossed over $1.2 million and became the fastest million-dollar grossing film independently distributed by African Americans.[10][11] Trois was in the Top 50 Highest Grossing Independent Films of the year, according to Daily Variety,[12] and Rainforest Films was at #34 on the list of Top 100 Film Distributors of 2000 listed by The Hollywood Reporter in August 2001. Due to the success of their first film, Packer and Hardy were listed among the "New Establishment" of Black power brokers in Hollywood.[11][13][14]

In 2001, Packer helped broker a deal with Sony to produce and distribute urban films including Trois's sequel, Trois: The Escort, and Motives.[11][15] The film Lockdown, released on home video under this Rainforest-Sony collaboration. In 2005, Rainforest Films released The Gospel.[14] At this time, Packer started using the shortened moniker "Will Packer".

Packer and Hardy wanted Rainforest's films to include established actors and actresses as well as those who are up and coming. 2007's This Christmas, a film about a middle-class family that reunites at Christmas time for the first time in many years, stars veteran actresses Loretta Devine and Regina King as well as R&B superstar Chris Brown in his feature film debut.[16] Packer produced five #1 films with Rainforest, Stomp the Yard, Obsessed, Takers, Think like a Man and Ride Along. His biggest hits with Rainforest have been Think like a Man, which grossed over $96 million worldwide after being released in April 2012,[17] and Ride Along, which brought in box office receipts totaling nearly $150 million as of April 2014.[18]

In television, Packer, along with Andrew Young, Martin Luther King III, and Rainforest Films partner Rob Hardy, are co-founders of Bounce TV, a United States television network airing on digital terrestrial television stations. Promoted as "the first 24/7 digital multicast broadcast network created exclusively for African Americans," Bounce TV launched on September 26, 2011, and features programming geared toward blacks and African Americans in the 25–54 age range.[19]

In June 2014, Packer and Hardy dissolved Rainforest Films. The pair were included in a lawsuit brought by former business partner Bernard Bronner in late June 2014.[20]

Will Packer Productions

[edit]

In 2013, Packer launched Will Packer Productions. In July 2013, he signed a two-year deal with Universal Television to develop new projects for the studio.[21] Later that year, he signed a three-year deal with Universal Pictures.[22] Packer-produced films under the Will Packer Productions banner include #1 box office openers Ride Along 2, No Good Deed and Think Like a Man Too along with The Wedding Ringer and Girls Trip. Girls Trip was the highest grossing live action comedy of 2017[23] and the first film written, directed, produced, and starring African-Americans to gross over $100 million.[24] The film went on to gross $140 million on a $19 million budget. Packer also served as executive producer on NWA biopic Straight Outta Compton and on 2016 television mini-series Roots.

He has produced the comedies Night School (2018), starring Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish, What Men Want (2019), starring Taraji P. Henson, and Little (2019), starring Marsai Martin and Regina Hall, The Photograph (2020), starring Issa Rae[25] and LaKeith Stanfield, and Beast (2022), starring Idris Elba.  Packer has been included in several high-profile lists, including The Hollywood Reporter's "40(ish) Most Powerful People in Comedy",[26] GIANT magazine's "The GIANT 100", Jet magazine's "Who's Hot To Watch in 2008" and Black Enterprise's "Most Powerful Players Under 40."[27]

Will Packer Media

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In 2017, Packer launched Will Packer Media, a branded content and digital production company, in partnership with Discovery Communications and Universal Pictures.[28] As part of the launch, the company acquired digital ad firm Narrative_[29] to serve as the new venture's branded content arm, WP Narrative. In 2018, Will Packer Media acquired women's lifestyle site xoNecole.[30]

Will Packer Media produces episodic scripted and unscripted series across television and digital platforms, as well as content for brand clients and short-form digital content for millennial audiences. Current productions include Ready to Love and Put a Ring On It for OWN, and That Girl Lay Lay for Nickelodeon. Will Packer Media also produces scripted and unscripted podcasts with iHeart Media including Fight Night and The Lower Bottoms.[citation needed]

Packer served as the executive producer of the remake of Roots, for which he received an Emmy Award nomination. The company's WP Narrative_ division was a 2018 Webby Award Winner[31] and 10th Annual Shorty Award winner[32] for its work producing video short #TakeAKnee. WP Narrative was also honored for its #BackedByAxe campaign created for Showtime's Billions, winning at the Clio Entertainment awards,[33] 10th Annual Shorty Awards[34] and 2018 D&AD Awards.[35]

Central Ave, an entertainment magazine series, debuted November 4, 2019 on Fox television stations.[36]

2022 Oscar ceremony

[edit]

Packer was named the Producer of the 94th Annual Academy Awards which aired on March 27, 2022. This marked his first "live" television production credit for a major show on a major television network (ABC) and was televised in more than 200 territories worldwide. The 94th Oscars was the highest-rated entertainment special in primetime on any network in two years in both total viewers (16.6 million) and adults 18-49 (3.8/28). Kelly Lawler of USA Today wrote of the ceremony, "It was equal parts boring and terrifying, cringe-worthy and interminable."[37]

Controversy

[edit]

The show was overshadowed by Will Smith walking on stage and slapping host Chris Rock after he made a joke about Smith's wife's, Jada Pinkett Smith's, hair.[38] Packer immediately tweeted, "Welp... I said it wouldn't be boring", before deleting the tweet after criticism that he was being smug. He later tweeted that it was "a very painful moment for me".[39] Variety reported that Packer "was the key to Smith remaining in his seat".[40] Academy Board of Governors member Whoopi Goldberg defended Packer's decision to carry on with the show saying, "And the reason they didn't go and take him out is because that would have been another 15-, 20-minute explanation of why we're taking the Black man out five seconds before they're about to decide whether he's won an Oscar or not."[41]

Personal life

[edit]

Packer is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity (inducted into the Beta Nu chapter at FAMU).[42][43] Packer married his first wife Nina Packer (general manager of Bryant Management and Dir. Of Operations for Blueprint Group, the artist management firm for Lil' Wayne and his YMCMB label from 2007 to 2014). The Packer family is made up of Packer's son Dominique, and two daughters, Maya and Nija, from his previous relationship and Zion with Heather Hayslett.[44] They were divorced in February 2009.[45] Packer proposed to his fiancé Heather Hayslett live on stage at the 2013 Essence Music Festival.[46] They were married in August 2015 in Georgia.[47]

Filmography

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Producer

Executive producer

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Will Packer

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from Grokipedia

Will Packer (born April 11, 1974) is an American film and television who founded Will Packer Productions in 2013 and Will Packer Media, producing a slate of commercially successful films that have grossed over $1 billion worldwide, including ten that opened at number one at the .
A graduate of with a in , Packer began his career producing low-budget independent films in the , co-founding and achieving early success with (2000), before transitioning to major studio comedies like (2012), (2014), and (2017).
In 2022, he produced the ceremony—the first led by a —during which Will Smith slapped Chris Rock onstage following a joke about Smith's wife, an incident for which Packer later explained his decision against immediate removal of Smith from the venue.
Packer has extended his work into television, producing the limited series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (2024), which received four , and in 2024 became a limited partner in the ownership group.

Early Life and Background

Childhood and Family

Will Packer was born on April 11, 1974, in , to William Packer Sr. and Birice Packer. He was raised in the same city, where his family placed a strong emphasis on , with his mother particularly instilling values of academic achievement and community involvement; she worked as a community-service volunteer. Limited public details exist regarding his siblings or dynamics, though Packer has credited his parents' influence for shaping his early and aspirations.

Education at Florida A&M University

Packer enrolled at (FAMU) on an academic scholarship, drawn by his strong performance in and during high school. He pursued a major in , reflecting his technical aptitude. While at FAMU, Packer began exploring outside his engineering coursework, collaborating with classmate to produce their first , Chocolate City, approximately 30 years prior to 2024. The project was funded in part by student government allocations used to purchase Super 16mm film stock, marking an early hands-on entry into production despite his primary academic focus. This extracurricular effort laid foundational experience that later influenced his career trajectory, though it occurred alongside his engineering studies. Packer graduated in 1996 with a degree in , earning magna cum laude honors for his academic performance. Following commencement, he opted against a traditional career, redirecting toward the film industry informed by his university experiences.

Professional Career

Founding and Success of Rainforest Films

Will Packer and co-founded in 1994 in Atlanta, Georgia, shortly after graduating from , where they had collaborated on student film projects. The company initially focused on producing low-budget, independent films targeted at African-American audiences, starting with releases like Chocolate City (1995), which achieved modest commercial success and helped establish their production capabilities. Rainforest Films' breakthrough came with its first theatrical release, (2000), an directed by Hardy and produced by Packer, which grossed $1,161,843 domestically despite a limited release and budget under $250,000. This made Trois the fastest-grossing by an African-American production company to exceed $1 million at the , demonstrating the viability of niche urban-market films. Subsequent early releases, such as Trois 2: Pandora's Box (2002) and Motives (2004), built on this foundation by exploring dramatic themes appealing to similar demographics, though with smaller-scale distribution. The company's success escalated in the late 2000s through partnerships with major studios like , enabling larger budgets and wider releases. Key hits included Stomp the Yard (2007), which debuted at number one and earned over $75 million domestically; Obsessed (2009), another top opener grossing $68 million; (2010) at $69 million; (2012) exceeding $90 million; and (2014) surpassing $140 million. These five films, all opening at number one, solidified Rainforest's reputation for delivering profitable urban comedies and thrillers, amassing significant returns and attracting mainstream attention without relying on broad crossover appeal.

Establishment of Will Packer Productions

Will Packer established Will Packer Productions in as an and television production company following the commercial successes of his prior venture, . The company was launched to focus on developing and producing content under Packer's sole leadership, building on his track record of box-office hits targeted at diverse audiences. In July 2013, Packer secured a two-year overall deal with to create new television projects, marking an early expansion into scripted and unscripted programming. Concurrently, he signed a three-year first-look film deal with , providing priority access to the studio for theatrical releases and enabling Packer to oversee development from script to production. These agreements positioned Will Packer Productions as a key partner for Universal, emphasizing commercially viable narratives often centered on African American experiences. The establishment coincided with the wind-down of in 2014, allowing Packer to transition assets and momentum into his new entity without the collaborative structure of his earlier partnership with . This move reflected a strategic pivot toward broader studio integration while maintaining creative control, as evidenced by the company's rapid output of projects aligned with Packer's established formula of ensemble comedies and dramas.

Key Film Productions and Box Office Achievements

Will Packer's films as have amassed over $1.25 billion in worldwide earnings across 28 credits, ranking him among the top 300 producers by aggregate gross. Ten of his productions debuted at number one domestically, a rare feat highlighting his consistent commercial appeal, particularly in comedies and urban-market thrillers. Early efforts under , co-founded in 1994, laid the foundation with mid-budget hits like (2007), a drama that grossed $75.5 million worldwide on a $14 million budget, and (2010), a earning $69.1 million worldwide. The establishment of Will Packer Productions in 2013 amplified these successes, focusing on star-driven vehicles with efficient production values. (April 20, 2012) adapted a into a ensemble, opening at number one with $33.6 million domestically and totaling $113.4 million worldwide. Its sequel, (June 20, 2014), followed suit, debuting atop the charts with $29.3 million and grossing $70.2 million worldwide despite mixed reviews. Action-comedy (January 17, 2014), starring and , marked a breakout with $153.7 million worldwide, including a $41.7 million opening weekend. The follow-up, (January 15, 2016), earned $124.8 million worldwide, opening with $35.3 million. Thrillers like No Good Deed (September 12, 2014), featuring , opened at number one with $24.3 million on a $13.2 million budget, yielding $54.3 million worldwide. Girls Trip (July 21, 2017), a raunchy with , , and , debuted at number one with $31.2 million and grossed $140.9 million worldwide, propelled by word-of-mouth among adult female audiences. Night School (September 28, 2018), reuniting and , added $104.1 million worldwide, including $77.3 million domestically. As executive producer, Packer contributed to the biopic (August 14, 2015), which opened at number one and amassed $202.2 million worldwide, driven by strong cultural resonance.
FilmRelease DateWorldwide GrossKey Achievement
Straight Outta ComptonAug 14, 2015$202.2M#1 opener; highest-grossing biopic of its era
Jan 17, 2014$153.7M#1 opener; launched Hart-Cube franchise
Jul 21, 2017$140.9M#1 opener; strong female-led comedy performance
Jan 15, 2016$124.8M#1 opener; sequel profitability
Apr 20, 2012$113.4M#1 opener; book adaptation success
Sep 28, 2018$104.1MHart-Haddish vehicle; 10th #1 for Packer
These figures underscore Packer's formula of leveraging relatable narratives, ensemble casts, and targeted marketing to achieve outsized returns relative to budgets often under $40 million. Later releases like What Men Want (2019, $69.9 million worldwide) and Beast (2022, $59.2 million worldwide) sustained momentum amid shifting market dynamics, including the rise of streaming.

Formation of Will Packer Media

Will Packer Media was established on July 25, 2017, through a partnership between producer Will Packer, Discovery Communications, and . The venture aimed to create a multifaceted production entity focused on episodic scripted and unscripted content for television and digital platforms, alongside branded content for corporate clients. This formation expanded Packer's portfolio beyond his earlier film-centric Will Packer Productions, founded in 2013, by emphasizing television, streaming, and marketing-integrated projects. The company's structure leveraged Discovery's distribution networks and Universal's content resources to support development and production pipelines. Packer served as the founder and lead creative force, with the entity headquartered in . Initial announcements highlighted its potential to produce series for networks like OWN, a Discovery-owned channel, signaling an intent to target diverse audiences with commercially viable programming. By late 2017, Will Packer Media began staffing key roles in television and digital development to operationalize its mandate, including hires for content and branded partnerships. This foundational setup positioned the company to capitalize on Packer's track record in hits like , facilitating quicker entry into multi-platform content creation.

Television and Streaming Ventures

In July 2017, Will Packer established Will Packer Media in partnership with Discovery Communications and to produce television programming, digital content, and branded entertainment, marking his expansion from film into episodic television and emerging streaming platforms. The venture emphasizes both scripted dramas and unscripted reality formats, targeting networks like OWN, , ABC, and later streaming services such as and Peacock. Prior to Will Packer Media's formation, Packer served as executive producer on the 2016 History channel miniseries Roots, a remake of the 1977 production that drew 5.2 million viewers for its premiere episode and focused on the history of slavery through the Kunta Kinte narrative. Under Will Packer Media, key scripted projects include the OWN drama Ambitions (2019–2020), which depicted power struggles in a wealthy Atlanta family and ran for 22 episodes, and the BET+ comedy Bigger (2019–2021), centering on aspiring Black actors in 1930s Chicago, with three seasons totaling 30 episodes. The company also executive produced ABC's Queens (2021–2022), a hip-hop ensemble drama starring Brandy Norwood and Eve that addressed aging rappers reuniting, across two seasons. On the unscripted side, Will Packer Media has specialized in dating and lifestyle series for OWN, including Ready to Love (premiered October 2018), which follows men and women in their 30s and 40s navigating romance under host Thomas "Nephew Tommy" Miles and has aired multiple seasons exploring interracial and age-gap dynamics. Similarly, Queens Court (2023), featuring celebrity mentors like and , paired women over 35 with suitors in a format. These projects leverage Packer's expertise in ensemble casts and cultural narratives to appeal to Black audiences, with streaming adaptations extending reach via OWN's app and Discovery+. Recent streaming efforts include the Peacock limited series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (2024), a recounting the 1970 Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier fight amid a real-life casino robbery, produced in collaboration with 50 Cent's G-Unit Film & Television. This seven-episode series highlights Packer's pivot toward hybrid factual-entertainment formats on premium streaming outlets, blending historical events with dramatized elements for broader .

Production of the 2022 Academy Awards

Will Packer was selected to produce the , held on March 27, 2022, at the in Hollywood, with the ceremony televised live on ABC. The announced his appointment on October 5, 2021, marking Packer's debut as of a live awards broadcast, building on his prior experience with films such as and . Packer co-produced the event with Shayla Cowan, his longtime chief of staff, and the show was directed by . Packer outlined a vision for the telecast emphasizing entertainment value and amplification of underrepresented storytellers, stating in pre-event interviews that the goal was to create an engaging experience that honored cinematic achievements while broadening appeal. To address past criticisms of excessive length, the production team implemented structural changes, including pre-recording eight technical categories—such as Best Animated Short Film, Best Live Action Short Film, Best Documentary Short Subject, Best Sound, Best Production Design, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, and Best Makeup and Hairstyling—earlier that evening at the banquet, with winners announced during the live broadcast. Packer defended this format as a practical measure to maintain pacing without diminishing recognition for artisans, noting it allowed more focus on high-profile categories within the roughly three-and-a-half-hour runtime. The production featured hosts , , and , selected for their comedic rapport, and incorporated musical performances by artists including , who opened the show with a live rendition of "Be Alive" from King Richard. Packer's team coordinated with the to highlight diversity in nominations, including a record number of non-white performers, though the event drew mixed reviews for its pacing and overall execution amid broader industry shifts toward inclusivity.

Controversies and Criticisms

The Will Smith-Chris Rock Incident at the 2022 Oscars

During the on March 27, 2022, at the in , host made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's appearance while presenting the Best Documentary Feature award, comparing her shaved head—due to her condition—to the character from . Will , seated in the front row, initially laughed before approaching the stage and slapping Rock across the face with an open hand. Smith then returned to his seat and twice shouted, "Keep my wife's name out your fucking mouth!" Will Packer, serving as the lead producer for the ceremony through Will Packer Media, coordinated the immediate response backstage with co-producer Shayla F. Place and representatives. Security personnel, including officers present at the event, informed Packer that could be physically removed or arrested if Rock pressed charges, but Rock declined, stating he was "fine" and did not want to escalate the situation further during the . Packer relayed Rock's wishes to leadership, who had initially planned to escort Smith out, ultimately deciding against it to avoid further disruption, with Packer later describing the moment as prioritizing Rock's preference over immediate ejection. The incident unfolded approximately 90 minutes into the telecast, after which producers briefly considered but rejected cutting to commercial, opting instead to proceed with the show. Smith remained in the audience, receiving a from some attendees, and later won the Oscar for King Richard, delivering an acceptance speech that referenced protecting loved ones without directly apologizing to Rock onstage. Packer did not speak directly with Smith in the aftermath but expressed in subsequent interviews that the event was "a very painful moment" personally, given his professional ties to both men through prior productions.

Responses to Security and Decision-Making Criticisms

Will Packer addressed criticisms regarding the lack of immediate physical intervention by security following Will Smith's slap of on March 27, 2022, emphasizing that security personnel were present backstage and prepared to act but prioritized de-escalation based on Rock's input. In an April 1, 2022, interview with ABC's , Packer stated that he immediately consulted with Rock after the incident, who indicated he was "okay" and did not wish to press charges or escalate the situation by having Smith removed from the . Packer noted that officers on site were ready to arrest Smith if Rock requested it, but Rock dismissed their offer, prompting Packer to interject to ensure the matter was fully considered before proceeding. Regarding broader decision-making critiques, including the 's handling of whether to eject Smith, Packer defended the choice not to forcibly remove him, arguing it would have worsened an already chaotic broadcast occurring just before the award presentation. He recounted informing leadership on site that " doesn't want that," aligning with Rock's expressed desire to avoid further disruption during the live telecast. Packer clarified he was not part of direct discussions with Smith but advocated against physical removal to prevent a potentially violent confrontation, stating in the same interview that such an action risked "making a bad situation worse." This stance contrasted with the 's later public claim that they had asked Smith to leave voluntarily, which Packer described as an internal recommendation rather than a finalized plan. Packer also responded to accusations of inadequate pre-event security protocols by highlighting the event's standard measures, including armed LAPD presence, while acknowledging the unpredictability of the assault. In a March 28, 2022, statement, he described the slap as "a very painful moment for me on many levels," but maintained that the focus remained on supporting Rock as the victim and resuming the show without additional on-air interruptions. Critics, including some media outlets and public figures, questioned why producers did not cut to commercial or fade to black immediately after the slap, but Packer later justified the decision to follow the confrontation in real-time, citing the director's instinct to capture Jada Pinkett Smith's visible reaction as part of the unfolding drama. Throughout his responses, Packer positioned the choices as victim-centered and pragmatic, given the high-stakes live environment, rather than lapses in protocol.

Personal Life

Marriages and Relationships

Will Packer was married to Nina Packer from July 21, 2001, until their divorce on February 9, 2009. The couple had three children together: a son named Dominique and two daughters, Maya and Nija. Packer met his second wife, Heather Hayslett, at the Essence Festival in New Orleans, where they connected on a boat during the event. He proposed to her onstage at the 2013 Essence Music Festival. The pair married in August 2015 in an intimate ceremony. They have one child together, a son named Zion. As of 2025, the Packers remain married, marking ten years together, and Packer has publicly described their relationship as a second chance at love after personal growth from his prior divorce.

Family and Philanthropy

Packer was first married to Nina Packer from July 2001 until their divorce in February 2009. The couple has two daughters, Nija and Maya. In 2015, he married Heather Hayslett in an ceremony after meeting her during a boat outing. Their union formed a blended of six children, including Packer's daughters Nija and Maya, as well as sons and . Packer and his wife Heather established the Packer Family Foundation, which concentrates on initiatives supporting (HBCUs) and programs aiding underprivileged youth. In October 2021, Packer donated $500,000 to his , (FAMU), leading to the naming of the Will Packer Amphitheater in his honor as part of a new public plaza. His daughter Maya has actively participated in family-influenced , including hosting a 2023 fundraiser for juvenile justice reform.

Recent Developments and Other Ventures

Publication of "Who Better Than You?"

"Who Better Than You?: The Art of Healthy Arrogance & Dreaming Big" was published on February 18, 2025, by , an imprint of under . The hardcover edition spans 272 pages and retails for $28.00, with an of 9780593582169. An version was released concurrently, narrated by Packer himself. The book blends autobiographical elements from Packer's career in Hollywood with practical advice on cultivating self-belief and ambition, framed as a "success toolkit" for navigating unpredictable professional landscapes. It draws on Packer's experiences producing high-profile projects, offering behind-the-scenes insights into decision-making and risk-taking in . Packer positions "healthy arrogance" as essential for dreaming big and achieving outsized success, emphasizing personal agency over external validation. Initial reception highlighted its motivational tone, with early reviews praising the blend of inspiration and real-world anecdotes, though some noted its structure as derivative of broader genre conventions. The publication coincided with Packer's broader ventures in and production, positioning the as an extension of his influence beyond film and television. No major sales figures were publicly disclosed shortly after release, but pre-order availability through major retailers indicated targeted marketing toward and audiences.

Launch of Collective Edge Management Firm

In November 2023, Will Packer launched Collective Edge Management, a boutique firm based in . The company is led by Shayla Cowan as president, an award-winning producer and former longtime executive at Will Packer Productions who previously served in roles including co-production on the . Collective Edge manages Packer himself alongside other clients, with a stated mission to foster a community of innovators who challenge conventions, collaborate creatively, and expand industry possibilities. The firm's establishment expands Packer's portfolio beyond film and television production into talent representation, aligning with his broader entrepreneurial ventures such as Will Packer Media and WP Narrative. Cowan's appointment emphasizes Packer's focus on internal promotions and diverse , as she transitioned from assisting Packer early in her to a key partnership role. As of 2024, Collective Edge has supported Packer's projects, including literary endeavors and content deals, positioning it as a hub for boundary-pushing professionals.

Upcoming Projects and Industry Influence

Packer's upcoming projects include the films Crown Jewels, Rumor Has It, Kings Court, and Check Mate, all scheduled for 2025 release under Will Packer Productions. These follow his 2024 television series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, a Peacock limited series depicting the 1970 Ali-Frazier boxing match and a related robbery, which premiered on September 5, 2024, and earned critical praise for its historical dramatization. Earlier tentpole efforts like Girls Trip 2 remain in development as of 2025, signaling continued expansion into sequels of his highest-grossing franchises. Packer wields considerable influence in Hollywood through Will Packer Media, which has produced films grossing over $1 billion at the , including ten number-one openings, by prioritizing audience-driven narratives over studio risk-aversion. His track record with predominantly Black casts in comedies and action films, such as Ride Along (2014) and Girls Trip (2017), has empirically validated the commercial viability of diverse content, grossing hundreds of millions domestically and challenging industry skepticism toward such projects. Packer has publicly critiqued Hollywood's , advocating for data-informed decisions that favor broad appeal, as evidenced by his relocation of operations to to bypass traditional gatekeeping. He has also voiced concerns over artificial intelligence's potential to disrupt creative jobs, predicting it could render certain roles obsolete without adaptive strategies. This influence extends to mentoring emerging producers via his management firm and book Who Better Than You?, released February 18, 2025, which emphasizes entrepreneurial resilience in entertainment.

Filmography and Awards

Major Films Produced

Will Packer co-founded in 1994, which produced early successes such as (2007), a dance competition drama that opened at number one at the domestic . Under Will Packer Productions, established after selling Rainforest to in 2013, he shifted to larger-scale releases, achieving multiple number-one openings. Films from his banner have collectively grossed over $1.25 billion worldwide across 28 productions. Key hits include the buddy-cop comedy (2014), starring and , which grossed $154 million worldwide and launched a franchise. Its sequel, (2016), earned $124 million globally despite mixed reviews. Packer also executive produced the N.W.A. biopic (2015), directed by , which depicted the group's rise and cultural impact, generating $201 million worldwide on a $50 million budget. The romantic comedy Think Like a Man (2012), adapted from Steve Harvey's advice book and featuring an ensemble cast including Michael Ealy and Taraji P. Henson, opened at number one and spawned a 2014 sequel, Think Like a Man Too. No Good Deed (2014), a thriller starring Taraji P. Henson and Idris Elba, similarly debuted atop the charts. Girls Trip (2017), a raunchy comedy directed by Malcolm D. Lee with Regina Hall, Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah, and Tiffany Haddish, crossed $100 million domestically as the first such milestone for a film produced, written, and led by African Americans, ultimately grossing over $140 million worldwide. Later efforts like Beast (2022), an action thriller with Idris Elba, continued his track record of mid-budget genre films targeting urban audiences.

Television Credits

Will Packer's television credits primarily involve executive producing scripted dramas, comedies, and limited series through Will Packer Productions and Will Packer Media, often in partnership with networks like BET, NBC, ABC, and Peacock. His early television efforts focused on short-lived sitcoms, transitioning to more successful cable dramas and event miniseries. Key projects include the NBC sitcom Truth Be Told (2015), a workplace comedy about family dynamics that aired for 13 episodes before cancellation. Packer also executive produced the ABC reboot Uncle Buck (2016), updating the John Candy film as a family sitcom starring Nia Long and Mike Epps, which ran for one season of 8 episodes. In the same year, he oversaw the eight-part miniseries Roots (2016), a historical drama remake of Alex Haley's novel depicting the transatlantic slave trade and its aftermath, broadcast on History, A&E, and Lifetime to an average audience of over 4 million viewers per episode. Packer executive produced final seasons of the BET drama Being Mary Jane (2017–2019), centering on a news anchor's personal and professional struggles, starring Gabrielle Union across 57 episodes total. He launched the BET soap opera Ambitions (2019), a serialized drama about Atlanta's elite involving ambition, betrayal, and family secrets, which aired for 28 episodes over one season. More recent credits encompass the Peacock limited series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (2024), an eight-episode crime drama based on the iHeartPodcast about a heist during the 1970 Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier boxing match, starring , , and . Packer has additionally executive produced unscripted formats, including the reality series Queens Court (Peacock, 2023), featuring Holly Robinson Peete matching celebrities with suitors, and Ready to Love (OWN, 2018–present), a long-running show targeting professionals over 30.

Awards and Nominations

Will Packer has garnered recognition primarily through nominations for major television awards, with two Primetime Emmy nominations for his executive producing roles. In 2016, he was nominated for Outstanding Limited Series for the miniseries Roots, a remake of the 1977 classic that explored the saga of enslaved African and his descendants. In 2022, Packer received a nomination for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) as lead producer of the telecast on ABC, which featured the first all-Black in Oscars history and included notable moments such as Will Smith's onstage altercation with . In the film sector, Packer's early independent productions through earned him the Pioneer Award from the Black Film Critics Circle in , honoring his role in delivering successful low-budget hits like (2007), which grossed over $75 million domestically on a $14 million budget. He also won a Golden Orange Award in 2001, recognizing his emerging contributions to cinema via early directorial efforts such as the thriller Motives. Additional accolades include a 2005 Black Reel Award nomination for Best , likely tied to projects like , and the Distinguished ABFF Alumni Award from the in 2016 for his broader impact on Black storytelling in Hollywood. Packer holds no Award wins or personal nominations, though films he produced, such as (2015), received Oscar nods in categories like Original Screenplay.

References

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