Ryan Reynolds, renowned for his high-energy comedic flair as Deadpool, is back with a sprinkle of magic in his latest role as Cal in the enchanting adventure-comedy IF. Set in a world where imaginary friends, or IFs, are real, Cal and young Bea (played by Cailey Fleming) are the only ones who can see these whimsical beings. Cal’s mission? To give forgotten IFs a new purpose by pairing them with kids who need a friend. Despite his efforts, success eludes him—until Bea steps in and changes everything.
A Role Tailored for Reynolds
Director-writer John Krasinski crafted the character of Cal with Reynolds in mind. “We needed someone who could play heart as well as humor, an expert at physical comedy who could create a very real relationship with Bea. Ryan is able to cover such a range of emotions and have such fun doing it.”
Krasinski praises Reynolds’ unique charm, stating, “He has the ability to draw everyone in with his likability,” says Krasinski. “And he is able to make the kind of emotional hairpin turns that most actors can’t. He has incredible timing. But more importantly, he understands that while timing can make you laugh, it can also make you cry. He just knows how to craft a performance.”
A Journey of Laughter and Heart
Executive producer John J. Kelly echoes Krasinski’s sentiments, emphasizing Reynolds’ unparalleled fit for the role. “The character is a lot like Gene Wilder in Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. It needed someone who could be funny and light, but have the weight to bring this child through a journey of loss in a way that would mean something to everyone in the audience.”
Kelly highlights Reynolds’ dedication, noting his creative input. Ryan is always coming up with ideas for another way to do something,” he recalls. “The physical comedy in this film is amazing.”
Reynolds’ Personal Connection
Reynolds shares his perspective on the film’s intriguing theme of imaginary friends. ““The concept of imaginary friends is provocative and interesting,” he says. “IFs are usually created out of necessity. It’s an adaptive coping mechanism for kids who realize that they can’t rely exclusively on their parents for a sense of well-being. They have to find other ways to manage. They seek it by creating their own imaginary friends.”
Reflecting on his childhood, Reynolds reveals he had an imaginary friend, a teddy bear named Pookie, shared with his brother Jeff. “My brother Jeff and I shared this imaginary friend back and forth. It was a kind of weird bond we had. It’s something we still talk about today.”
A Whimsical Adventure Awaits
IF, rated G, is a whimsical tale that celebrates imagination and adventure, hitting Philippine cinemas on May 15.
About IF
From the imaginative mind of John Krasinski, IF follows a girl who discovers her ability to see everyone’s imaginary friends and embarks on a magical journey to reconnect these forgotten beings with their original kids. The film features an all-star cast including Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Cailey Fleming, Fiona Shaw, and the voices of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr., and Steve Carell.
IF is produced by Allyson Seeger, Andrew Form, Ryan Reynolds, and John Krasinski. Catch it in Philippine cinemas from May 15, distributed by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Stay connected with #IFMovie and tag @paramountpicsph for updates!
Photo and Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”
