Jessica Biel threatened to leave film industry if 'The Sinner' didn't gain traction

Jessica Biel has confronted hurdles in bringing certain projects to fruition. 

Theactress disclosed her intention to exit Hollywood if she couldn't sell The Sinner, her USA series which earned her Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. 

The tide began to shift after she established her production company, Iron Ocean Studios, but progress was gradual, Biel revealed on a recent episode of the podcast The Bright Side.

"Even after being in the business for so long, doors did not open easily," Biel stated. 

"I've co-owned this production company with my partner Michelle Purple for 20 years... I initiated it when I was 22, and for the initial decade, we encountered minimal success. We faced considerable challenges in getting any story off the ground."

After years of persistence, Jessica Biel and Michelle Purple stumbled upon The Sinner.

Biel reflected on the arduous process of creating and pitching the series, emphasizing that she and Purple "built that show from the ground up" in their efforts to sell it.

Recalling the pivotal moment, Biel shared, "Michelle and I looked at each other and she said, If we don't sell this show, I'm quitting. 

And I said, Me too, I'm quitting. If this show doesn't sell, I don't know what people want. I don't know what to bring them. I don't understand this business anymore. I just don't get it anymore."

Despite the challenges, they eventually sold the series. However, Biel characterized the obstacles they faced as a "humbling" experience.