Jay Ellis jokingly commented on John Krasinski’s film “IF,” about imaginary friends, coinciding with the release of his memoir titled “Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (or Just Me)?: Adventures in Boyhood.” Ellis expressed excitement about the trend of imaginary friend-themed content coming out this year, including the horror movie “Imaginary” and the Pixar film “Inside Out 2.” He sees it as a creatively playful summer and is looking forward to the different interpretations of the concept.
Ellis’ memoir, based on his childhood imaginary friend, is set to be released on July 30. The book is a collection of short stories that reflect on his adventurous childhood and the imaginary friend who aided him through it. It serves as a love letter to the ’90s, his family, and the various cities he lived in due to his father being in the Air Force. Through writing the book, Ellis rediscovered the importance of imagination, creativity, and play for adults, which he believes fuels his work as a performer.
On the other hand, Krasinski shared that he began writing “IF” after noticing his daughters’ dwindling interest in playing make-believe games during the pandemic. He saw this as a sign of them growing up and grappling with serious questions amid the stressful situation. Krasinski’s film explores the idea of maintaining a connection to the magical world of childhood amidst the pressures of adulthood. Both Krasinski and Ellis, who have young daughters themselves, are intrigued by the significance of imaginary friends in children’s lives.
In a lighthearted manner, Ellis humorously suggested that Krasinski was trying to imitate him by releasing a film about imaginary friends alongside his memoir on the same subject. He playfully addressed Krasinski directly, jokingly asking him to stop copying him and proposing a collaboration for their next projects. Despite the jest, Ellis is genuinely excited about the surge of imaginary friend-themed content appearing this summer and appreciates the diverse interpretations and creative approaches taken in each piece.
Overall, the overlapping themes of imaginary friends in both Krasinski’s film and Ellis’ memoir offer a nostalgic reflection on childhood and the role of imagination in shaping personal experiences. As both artists navigate the balance between adulthood and preserving the wonder of childhood for their own children, they are drawn to explore the enduring appeal and impact of having an imaginary companion. Through their respective projects, Krasinski and Ellis engage with the universal themes of playfulness, creativity, and the enduring bond between childhood and imagination.
