SZA Explains Why She Rejected John Cena For 'Drive' Video In Favor Of Ben Stiller

SZA was overjoyed to have Ben Stiller star in her music video for “Drive” last year – but it would have been John Cena if she didn’t put her foot down.

Talking to Stiller on the Severance podcast that accompanies the popular Apple TV show, SZA gushed over the experience and explained why she just couldn’t let Cena take the role.

“I can’t thank you enough. I can’t even believe you said yes,” she said. “Full transparency, right – they tried to get me to concede to John Cena and I was like, ‘No.’”

She continued: “I love John Cena. Shoutout to fine ass John Cena. I was like, ‘No, I need my Ben, please.’ I can’t even believe you said yes. They were like, ‘No, no, no, it’s too far-fetched, it’s never gonna happen.’ And I was like, ‘Okay, well, I can’t see it any other way.’”

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You can listen to the full episode here.

In the music video, Stiller can be seen lip-syncing to “Drive” while aptly driving a car late at night. When SZA’s emotive lyrics hit a bit too close to home, however, the actor risks his safety by closing his eyes and veering into the other lane.

The clip serves as a throwback to Jack Johnson’s 2003 music video for “Taylor,” which also saw Ben Stiller lip-syncing – making for all the more reason why SZA needed him over John Cena for the video!

The pair previously bonded months earlier over the singer’s love of the TV series Severance, which is co-directed by Stiller.

The “Kill Bill” hitmaker expressed her desperation for a second season of the show by writing on social media: “Was tryna be polite but I really need a new season of severance right the fuck now.”

Stiller responded: “Ok ok got it.”

She eventually got her wish and the second season just wrapped last month – which culminated in her appearance on the show’s accompanying podcast above!