John Krasinski's "IF" Unites Him with Steve Carell
By Shahana Yasmin | May 15, 2024
John Krasinski has revealed that he wrote the main role in his upcoming family film, "IF," specifically for his former "The Office" co-star Steve Carell. The film, set to premiere on May 17, 2024, imagines a world where children's imaginary friends are real.
At the New York premiere on May 14, Krasinski shared that the role of Blue, an animated creature voiced by Carell, was crafted with Carell in mind even before discussing the part with him. This approach mirrors Krasinski's process in writing his wife, Emily Blunt's role in the 2018 film "A Quiet Place".
Carell was quick to accept the role, much to Krasinski’s relief. The film features an ensemble cast including Ryan Reynolds, Emily Blunt, Bradley Cooper, Awkwafina, Matt Damon, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Maya Rudolph.
"IF" follows Bea, a young girl played by Cailey Fleming, who can see imaginary friends (IFs) and attempts to reunite them with their now-grown child companions. The film portrays various IFs, including Blue, voiced by Carell, and Unicorn, voiced by Blunt.
Krasinski incorporated his children’s ideas in the development of the imaginary friends and drew inspiration from their feedback. Reynolds also found inspiration for his character by observing his children.
The film, which aims to capture childlike wonder and imagination, is set for release by Paramount Pictures.
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