SZA Refuses to Compromise on Her Wild "Drive" Video Vision, Thanks Ben Stiller at John Cena's Expense

When SZA has a creative vision as bold and unique as hers, there's no room for compromise, especially when casting the person who will execute it. That's precisely what occurred when the Grammy-winning singer lobbied for a particular actor to appear in the video for her song "Drive" from the Saturn period.

Speaking on The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller & Adam Scott, SZA got candid about how Ursu was made behind the scenes, sharing that her team thought of something more introspective before she did it. Although the industry may have been turning toward an action hero-type like John Cena, SZA had one comedic legend in mind: Ben Stiller.

"I can't thank you enough. I can't believe you even said yes," SZA told Stiller on the podcast, referring to the actor's willingness to execute her crazy idea. "Full transparency, they tried to get me to concede to John Cena, and I was like, 'No.'

Stiller's performance in the video is undoubtedly quirky, complementing the charm of a song that has playful yet contemplative qualities. The "Drive" video features Stiller lip-synching to the song as he drives a car, gets out, and executes a succession of joyfully awkward dance moves that nobody else on the planet could do as well as this guy. The entire sequence sits too well with SZA's vision for what the song embodies, which is breezy and unpredictable.

For SZA, casting Stiller was more than just getting a good name; it was an effort to encapsulate the energy and vibe she felt would be the right fit for the song. "Drive" is not your average music video, and SZA's insistence on handing that task to Stiller demonstrates how much she's willing to push things and stay true to her creative vision, regardless of how much the team allows or expects.

It's evident that for SZA, the collaboration wasn't simply about pairing her with a big celebrity but was about pairing her with a personality that complements her quirky, fun, unexpected approach. While the concept of John Cena in the role was perhaps more traditional, SZA remained resolute in her choice. The weirdness and charm called for in the video, she knew, could only come from Ben Stiller. And her instincts were spot on, judging by the outcome.

It's a reminder of how important it is to adhere to your vision, even one that involves turning down a big name in favor of a fixture of comedy legend. Ultimately, SZA's reluctance to compromise was rewarded, and fans got a clip as quirky and endearing as the song itself. And here's to more collaborations of this kind that have the power to succeed!