Will Packer has established himself as one of the most commercially successful producers in contemporary Hollywood, building a career defined by consistent box office triumphs and a commitment to telling stories that resonate with diverse audiences.
His body of work, which includes a remarkable string of films that have opened at number one, has grossed more than one billion dollars worldwide, cementing his reputation as a hitmaker who understands precisely what audiences want to see.
Packer’s journey into the world of filmmaking began not in Los Angeles but at Florida A&M University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering, graduating magna cum laude in 1996. It was during his time at university that he discovered his passion for cinema, partnering with fellow student Rob Hardy to produce their first film, “Chocolate City,” for just twenty thousand dollars.
This modest beginning taught Packer a crucial lesson about persistence and self-belief, as he convinced a single theatre in Tallahassee to screen the film for one weekend, resulting in a sold-out engagement that provided the momentum he needed to pursue a career in the industry.
After graduating, Packer and Hardy relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where they co-founded Rainforest Films. Their vision was clear: to create movies that would appeal to Black audiences who rarely saw themselves represented in genre films.
In 2000, their theatrical release “Trois” grossed over one point two million dollars, becoming the fastest independently distributed film by African Americans to reach that milestone. This success caught the attention of industry executives and led to a distribution deal with Sony, setting the stage for a prolific run of productions including “Stomp the Yard,” “Obsessed,” and “Takers,” each of which opened at number one at the box office.
In 2013, Packer launched Will Packer Productions, followed four years later by Will Packer Media, a branded content and digital production company developed in partnership with Discovery Communications and Universal Pictures. Under these banners, he has produced an impressive slate of hit comedies including “Think Like a Man,” the “Ride Along” franchise, “Night School,” and “What Men Want”.
Perhaps his most significant critical and commercial success came with 2017’s “Girls Trip,” which became the highest-grossing live-action comedy of that year and the first film written, directed, produced, and starring African Americans to surpass one hundred million dollars at the domestic box office.
Beyond feature films, Packer has demonstrated considerable versatility as an executive producer for acclaimed television projects, including the 2016 remake of “Roots,” for which he received an Emmy nomination. His production company has also developed unscripted series for the Oprah Winfrey Network and scripted programming for Nickelodeon, demonstrating his ability to connect with audiences across multiple platforms and demographics.
In 2022, Packer made history as the first Black producer to preside over the Academy Awards ceremony, an experience that resulted in an Emmy nomination. The event was overshadowed by an unexpected incident involving Will Smith and Chris Rock, yet Packer has since reflected on the experience with characteristic perspective, focusing on the elements he could control, such as the diverse representation both on stage and behind the scenes.
The year 2024 brought further recognition of Packer’s business acumen when he became one of four new limited partners in the ownership group of the Atlanta Falcons, extending his influence beyond entertainment into the world of professional sports .
He also produced the critically acclaimed limited series “Fight Night” for Peacock, which achieved a ninety-five per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and became the most-watched premiere in the platform’s history, earning four NAACP Image Awards including Outstanding Limited Series.
February 2025 saw the release of Packer’s first book, “Who Better Than You? The Art of Healthy Arrogance and Dreaming Big,” which became a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.
In the book, he articulates a philosophy that has guided his career: the distinction between toxic arrogance and what he terms healthy arrogance, a supreme confidence that recognises one’s inherent worth and ability to contribute meaningfully in any room, regardless of who else occupies it. He explains that this confidence functions as a muscle, built gradually through successive achievements and the persistence required to overcome obstacles.
Throughout his career, Packer has remained grounded in the practical realities of the industry he navigates. He acknowledges the systemic challenges faced by filmmakers from marginalized communities while emphasising that studios are fundamentally designed to make money.
His sustained success, he argues, stems from a simple truth: his films generate profit. By creating commercially viable projects that offer nuanced, human representations of Black experiences, he has carved out a space that continues to expand, opening doors for the next generation of storytellers who now comprise what he describes as the Will Packer tree, former interns and colleagues who have gone on to win Oscars and Emmys and establish their own production companies.
