John Krasinski is nervous about the response to his new film “IF” from his 7 and 10-year-old daughters. The film, opening on May 17, tells the story of a young girl and her neighbor who can see everyone’s imaginary friends. It is a rare original idea backed by a big studio, Paramount, and features an all-star cast of celebrity voices. Krasinski’s inspiration for the film came from his imaginative daughters and the desire to explore the concept of imaginary friends in a deeper way.
As a parent, Krasinski saw how the pandemic impacted his daughters and wanted to create a film that addressed deeper themes than just imaginary friends. He delved into the psychology behind imaginary friends and discovered that they serve as coping mechanisms for children dealing with various stressors in their lives. This realization inspired him to take the film more seriously and explore the emotional depth of the subject matter.
The film stars Cailey Fleming as the young girl Bea, and Krasinski went to great lengths to ensure that the actors had tangible elements to interact with, rather than just acting with stand-ins. The film blends live-action with animation, creating a unique and immersive experience for the audience. Many voice actors in the film are friends of Krasinski, who quickly jumped at the opportunity to be involved in the project.
Taking on “IF” also meant passing on the “A Quiet Place” prequel, but Krasinski felt it was important to prioritize the new project. Paramount supported his vision for the film, allowing him creative freedom to bring his ideas to life on screen. Krasinski hopes that like his web series “Some Good News,” “IF” will bring joy and positivity to audiences, especially during uncertain times.
Krasinski is excited about the upcoming release of “IF” and is planning a special family premiere for his daughters. He believes that the film’s emotional depth and universal themes will resonate with audiences of all ages. He values the support of Paramount in bringing his vision to fruition and is grateful for the opportunity to explore new creative avenues. Despite the challenges of juggling multiple projects, Krasinski remains committed to producing meaningful and impactful storytelling for audiences to enjoy.
