Actor-director John Krasinski used emotional blackmail to add Blake Lively to his star-studded cast of the movie IF, which already included her husband, Ryan Reynolds. The movie is about the world of imaginary friends, and Lively plays Octopuss, a cat that dresses up like an octopus to overcome her fear of water. Krasinski came up with the idea almost a decade ago while watching his kids play, but felt a newfound urgency to complete it during the coronavirus pandemic. He saw his kids’ lights starting to go out during the pandemic and wanted to prove to them that the magical world of childhood is always there to return to.
The idea for the movie IF resonated with Hollywood A-listers, with Krasinski receiving “the most ‘yeses’ of his career” for the project. George Clooney, who was the first person to see Krasinski’s potential as a director, plays a role in the movie. Clooney mentored Krasinski while they were filming Leatherheads and saw his desire to direct before he did. The Clooney team-up was not the only emotional reunion brought on by the film, as a video captured Steve Carrell and Krasinski reuniting for the first time in years. Carrell’s heartfelt speech about how proud he was of Krasinski brought tears to the director’s eyes.
IF hits theaters on May 17, and Krasinski is excited for the world to see the movie he poured his heart into. The process of getting the star-studded cast together was a combination of peer pressure and emotional connections, with Clooney and Carrell both playing important roles in the project. Krasinski is grateful for the support of his friends and fellow actors in bringing his vision to life on the big screen. The pandemic provided him with the inspiration to complete the project and share the magic of childhood with audiences.
The journey of making IF has been filled with emotional moments and unexpected reunions, with Krasinski feeling grateful for the support and encouragement of his peers. The movie serves as a reminder of the importance of childhood imagination and the magic that exists in the world of imaginary friends. Krasinski’s passion for storytelling and directing is evident in the project, with the support of his friends and mentors playing a crucial role in bringing the movie to fruition. IF is set to be a heartwarming and emotional journey that showcases the power of imagination and the bonds of friendship.
