The red carpet we’ve come to know and love became purple with the New York City premiere of IF, a new fantasy comedy movie. From writer and director John Krasinski, IF is about a girl who discovers that she can see everyone’s imaginary friends — and what she does with that superpower — as she embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten Ifs with their kids. IF stars Cailey Fleming, Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Fiona Shaw, and the voices of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr., and Steve Carell, alongside many more as the wonderfully unique characters that reflect the incredible power of a child’s imagination.
ComingSoon film critic Jonathan Sim attended the premiere at the SVA Theatre in the heart of the Chelsea neighborhood in NYC. The event was attended by many who worked on the film. Krasinski, who writes, directs, produces, and stars in the film, spoke to us about his process for directing voice actors. Krasinski’s previous directorial works were the two A Quiet Place movies, which made a point of avoiding a lot of dialogue.
“You know, what’s funny is the fact that the voice actors aren’t on set with the real actors,” Krasinski says. “It doesn’t sound like that big of a deal, [but] it’s a huge deal. So because they’re not on set with the real actors that were doing the stuff all-practical on the day, you have to sort of massage the rhythm of both of them going back and forth. [Ryan Reynolds] is extremely funny and so you had to edit the voices to match him.”
When asked if any actors surprised him in the film, Krasinski replied, “Well, they all did. I mean, Cailey Fleming and [Ryan Reynolds] together were unbelievable. [Ryan] is funny, funny, funny, but he’s so vulnerable and has such a big heart, and you see it in this movie.”
Reynolds, who has become an international movie star with his work in Deadpool, Free Guy, and The Adam Project, commented on his acting process. Reynolds portrays Cal, the neighbor of Bea (Fleming), who can also see IFs.
When asked how much of the character was inspired by himself and how much was original, he said, “That’s a great question for most of my movies, but [for] this one, it was all on the page. John Krasinski really wrote a full story. Each character had their own wild arc and for me, it was the most fun I’ve ever had because I just got to do what he says. That’s an easy thing to do. We love doing what John Krasinski says, and he says to do good things.”
Bobby Moynihan, known for his work as a writer and cast member on Saturday Night Live, appears in IF as Jeremy. Moynihan commented on his time making the film, saying, “I think working with John, I realized that it is really fun when you’re working with someone who not only sees everything they want to do with it, but can’t wait to do it. And that’s what that movie is about, is never losing that joy of, ‘Do you wanna make something?’ And that’s what it felt like the whole time on set.
Like Krasinski, Moynihan spoke highly of Fleming’s performance. The 17-year-old actress plays the lead in this film, and she was the first name Moynihan said when asked if any of his costars made him laugh. “She’s one of the most talented little actresses I’ve seen in my entire life,” he said before quickly backtracking. “That was the most condescending way to say it. She is not a talented little actress. She is a titan. She is absolutely astonishing in this movie. It is crazy that she carries this movie next to Ryan Reynolds, who is no slouch himself. It’s crazy, she’s amazing in it.”
Moynihan also shared his favorite imaginary friend in the movie. “I got a soft spot in my heart for Lewis, I think, just because [of] growing up with Louis Gossett Jr. That really touched me. But my favorite is Blossom because that’s my daughter’s favorite. My daughter really likes when she dives in water. So cute. I’ll say her.” Blossom is a butterfly in the movie, portrayed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
Furthermore, 12-year-old actor Alan Kim, known for his award-winning role in Minari, shared his favorite imaginary friend as well. His favorite is Blue, the large purple furry creature voiced by Steve Carell, who had previously worked with Krasinski as a costar in The Office.
Also in attendance at the premiere were Steve Carell, Matt Damon, Bradley Cooper, Emily Blunt, Maya Rudolph, Awkwafina, Cailey Fleming, Fiona Shaw, Amy Schumer, and more.
IF arrives in theatres and Dolby Cinema on May 17, 2024.
