CINEMA
Which Hollywood stars voice the imaginary friends in the movie ‘IF’?
The movie adventure for all ages directed and produced by John Krasinski is also jam-packed with A-list actors that aim to create some family magic.
A star-studded cast, sees the likes of Steve Carell, Bradley Cooper, George Clooney, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Blake Lively, Matt Damon, and Emily Blunt, lend their voices to the colourful array of imaginary friends in the whimsical adventure “IF,” directed by John Krasinski.
Trailers have been playing for several months and now the live-action and animated fantasy comedy is almost ready to welcome excited viewers of all ages, as it delves into the realm of childhood imagination. Directed, written, and produced by John Krasinski, the film promises a heartwarming tale filled with laughter, friendship, and the magic of imaginary friends.
What is the movie “IF” about?
Krasinski not only helms the project but also steps into the role of the main character’s father, bringing to life the character “Marshmallow” with his voice. The movie follows the journey of 12-year-old Bea, portrayed by Cailey Fleming, who stumbles upon the ability to see forgotten imaginary friends, affectionately referred to as IFs. Teaming up with her new neighbor, Cal, played by the charismatic Ryan Reynolds, Bea embarks on a mission to reunite these discarded companions with their now-grown inventors or to find them new homes.
Inspiration for the movie stemmed from Krasinski’s personal experiences as a parent.
“It was a thousand percent for my kids,” he says. “I’ve always wanted to make a movie for my kids, and I had spent so many years watching them go into this magical world that parents aren’t invited into.”
However, it was during the challenges brought about by the covid-19 pandemic that Krasinski felt an urgency to convey a message of hope and resilience.
“And then covid hit and they started to have their lights go out a little bit and they were doing fewer and fewer imaginary games,” he explained. “And I just thought this is the time to tell them that no matter what, that imaginary world that they created, you can always go back.”
The voices behind the IFs: Clooney, Blunt, Carell, Lively...
One of the most intriguing aspects of “IF” is its aforementioned stellar cast, with an array of Hollywood’s finest voicing the characters, bringing their own unique charm and talent to the table. Let take a look at some of those stars and who they play:
Top actors bring the IFs alive:
Steve Carell: Blue
Known for his versatile comedic and dramatic performances, Carell gained widespread recognition for his role as Michael Scott in the American version of "The Office." He has since starred in numerous successful films, including "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," "Crazy, Stupid, Love," and "Foxcatcher."
Bradley Cooper: Ice
A highly acclaimed actor and filmmaker, Cooper has received multiple Academy Award nominations for his work in films such as "Silver Linings Playbook," "American Sniper," and "A Star is Born." He is known for his versatility and ability to portray a wide range of characters.
George Clooney: Spaceman
A Hollywood icon, Clooney is known for his charismatic performances in films such as "Ocean's Eleven," "Up in the Air," and "Gravity." He is also a respected director and producer, with films like "Good Night, and Good Luck" and "The Ides of March" to his credit.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge: Blossom
Waller-Bridge gained widespread acclaim for creating and starring in the critically acclaimed series "Fleabag," for which she received multiple Emmy Awards. She is also known for her work on the spy thriller series "Killing Eve" and for co-writing the screenplay for the James Bond film "No Time to Die."
Blake Lively: Octopuss
Lively rose to fame for her role as Serena van der Woodsen in the television series "Gossip Girl." She has since appeared in numerous films, including "The Age of Adaline," "The Shallows," and "A Simple Favor."
Matt Damon: Flower
A versatile actor and screenwriter, Damon gained widespread recognition for co-writing and starring in the Academy Award-winning film "Good Will Hunting." He has since appeared in a wide range of successful films, including the "Bourne" series, "The Martian," and "Ford v Ferrari."
Emily Blunt: Unicorn
Blunt has established herself as one of Hollywood's most versatile actresses, with acclaimed performances in films such as "The Devil Wears Prada," "Edge of Tomorrow," and "A Quiet Place." She has received multiple award nominations for her work and is known for her ability to inhabit a variety of roles with depth and authenticity. Emily can currently be seen alongside Ryan Gosling in "Fall Guy."
Reflecting on the impressive lineup, Krasinski expressed his gratitude.
“I just called a bunch of friends who did me a huge solid one that I can never repay them for. But I got to say, they all said that they did it for the right reason, which is that they loved the idea of the movie and they wanted to put something good out in the world.”
With its enchanting premise and star-studded cast, “IF” is poised to captivate audiences of all ages when it begins its global cinematic rollout on 8 May. As viewers immerse themselves in this magical world, they’ll be reminded of the enduring power of imagination and the importance of friendship. It’ll touch a number of emotions.