5 Shocking Secrets From The Set Of Austin Powers In Goldmember: Beyoncé's Foxxy Cleopatra Confessions

The 2002 spy parody Austin Powers in Goldmember remains a cultural touchstone, not just as the final installment of the iconic Mike Myers trilogy, but as the blockbuster film debut of global superstar Beyoncé Knowles. Released at the height of Destiny's Child's fame, her role as the 1970s disco-diva-turned-FBI-agent, Foxxy Cleopatra, solidified her transition from music icon to Hollywood player.

As of December 10, 2025, retrospective interviews and oral histories continue to reveal fresh, deeply personal, and often surprising details from the production. These revelations, many tied to the film's 20th anniversary, offer new context to the film's creation, particularly regarding Beyoncé's experience, her early career ambitions, and her powerful stance on body image that challenged the studio system. Get ready to dive into the most shocking and untold secrets from the set of Goldmember.

Beyoncé Knowles: The Foxxy Cleopatra Biography & Profile

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter's appearance in Austin Powers in Goldmember was a pivotal moment, marking her first major film role. Her character, Foxxy Cleopatra, was a stylish, crime-fighting counterpart to Austin Powers, famously inspired by the blaxploitation films of the 1970s, such as Pam Grier's Foxy Brown.

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• Full Name: Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter
• Date of Birth: September 4, 1981
• Place of Birth: Houston, Texas, U.S.
• Role in Film: Foxxy Cleopatra (FBI agent, disco singer, and former flame of Austin Powers)
• Film Debut: Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002)
• Career Status at Time of Filming: Lead singer of Destiny's Child, preparing for her solo career launch.
• Director of Goldmember: Jay Roach
• Film Studio: New Line Cinema
• Notable Co-Stars: Mike Myers, Michael Caine, Seth Green, Michael York, Robert Wagner, Verne Troyer.

The role was a natural fit, allowing Beyoncé to showcase her vocal talents, fashion sense, and formidable on-screen presence. Producer John Lyons was instrumental in her casting, recognizing her star power was perfect for the part. Foxxy’s iconic line, "I'm Foxxy Cleopatra, and I'm a whole lotta woman!" became one of the film's most memorable quotes, perfectly encapsulating the character's confidence and the film's comedic tone.

1. The Powerful Demand: Beyoncé Refused a 'Too Skinny' Poster

Perhaps the most significant and culturally relevant revelation to emerge in recent years concerns Beyoncé’s unwavering commitment to body positivity, even at the very start of her film career. During the marketing phase for Austin Powers in Goldmember, a makeup artist on the production recalled a powerful moment where Beyoncé spoke up against the film's promotional materials.

The studio had created a poster for the film, and upon seeing it, Beyoncé immediately requested a change. The reason? The poster had been heavily retouched to make her look thinner. She reportedly told the production team that they had made her "too skinny" and insisted that the image be fixed to reflect her natural physique.

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This anecdote is a powerful testament to her self-advocacy. In an era where digital alteration and unrealistic body standards were rampant in Hollywood, the then-20-year-old star took a firm stand. Her demand ensured that the image of Foxxy Cleopatra—a character built on confidence and being "a whole lotta woman"—was authentic, making this one of the earliest and most public examples of a major celebrity challenging studio-mandated retouching for the sake of body positivity.

2. Mike Myers’ Surprising Musical Gift: The Led Zeppelin Connection

Working with Mike Myers, who played four different roles in the film (Austin Powers, Dr. Evil, Fat Bastard, and the titular Goldmember), was an educational experience for the young actress. Myers, a comedy veteran, was known for his spontaneous on-set antics. Beyoncé admitted that she often found it difficult not to laugh while trying to play her scenes straight, saying she "just left the jokes up to Austin and tried to react naturally."

However, one of the most heartwarming behind-the-scenes facts involves a musical mentorship. Myers, a huge fan of classic rock, reportedly introduced Beyoncé to the legendary band Led Zeppelin. He passed along this "pearl of wisdom" as a musical education, showing that their working relationship extended beyond the script. The entire film crew, according to Myers, "fell in love" with Beyoncé due to her professionalism and talent, making her a beloved presence on the set.

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3. The Oscar Ambition: A Confession to Michael Caine

The cast of Goldmember was a who's who of comedy and cinema legends, including Sir Michael Caine, who played Austin Powers’ father, Nigel Powers. Caine, a two-time Academy Award winner, shared a fascinating and prophetic conversation he had with Beyoncé on the set, a detail he later revealed in his book.

During their time filming, Beyoncé confided in Caine about her future career goals. She told the veteran actor that while she was a music superstar, her ultimate ambition was to win an Oscar. This revelation shows that her drive for excellence extended beyond the recording studio and into serious acting. Though she has yet to win the coveted award, this early ambition demonstrates the long-term career planning and commitment to cinematic art that would define her later roles in films like Dreamgirls and The Lion King. It also highlights the seriousness with which she approached her role, despite the film being a broad comedy.

4. The Box Office Dominance and Cultural Impact

While the focus is often on the celebrity aspect, Austin Powers in Goldmember was a massive commercial success that cemented the franchise's legacy and launched Beyoncé's film career on a high note. The film, directed by Jay Roach, was a comedic powerhouse that dominated the 2002 box office.

• Worldwide Box Office: The film grossed an astounding $296 million globally.
• Production Budget: With a budget of approximately $63 million, the film’s return was nearly five times its cost.
• 2002 Comedy King: Goldmember was the highest-grossing comedy of 2002, handily beating out other major releases like Mr. Deeds.

The film's success ensured that Foxxy Cleopatra became an instant icon. The character's 1970s disco fashion, including her yellow and gold Egyptian-inspired outfits and massive afro, remains a perennial favorite for Halloween costumes, proving the lasting cultural impact of Beyoncé's debut cinematic role.

5. The Cameo Cavalcade: The Star-Studded Opening Scene

One of the most elaborate and surprising secrets of Goldmember is the sheer star power packed into its opening sequence. The film famously begins with a movie-within-a-movie, a parody titled "Austinpussy," directed by none other than Steven Spielberg.

This sequence features an incredible, uncredited A-list cast playing the main Austin Powers characters: Tom Cruise as Austin Powers, Gwyneth Paltrow as Dixie Normous, Kevin Spacey as Dr. Evil, and Danny DeVito as Mini-Me. The sequence was a logistical and creative feat, showcasing the immense cultural capital the Austin Powers franchise had accumulated. It’s a detail that often gets forgotten but remains a testament to Mike Myers' influence and the fun, self-parodying nature of the spy spoof genre. The star-studded opening set a tone of massive, over-the-top comedy, a perfect prelude to Beyoncé's own iconic entrance as Foxxy Cleopatra.