Benjamin Jones
Writer, director and actor John Krasinski’s filmography ranges from the romantic comedy “Something Borrowed” to Marvel’s “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” and his silent thriller “A Quiet Place” with wife Emily Blunt.
However, he says his latest film, “IF,” is his most personal project to date.
“I made this movie for my kids,” he said in an interview that aired on “CBS Mornings” on Monday, explaining that he always wanted to make a movie for his two children but had trouble coming up with an idea.
The film, distributed by Paramount Pictures and released on Friday, May 17, is about a young girl who has adventures with her imaginary friends from around the world who are left behind. Krasinski took on a triple role in the film, writing, directing and starring.
He said the idea came from watching his children with Blunt and seeing a “magical world” that his two daughters would go to without them. He watched how much fun they would have, but saw the light and joy disappear when the coronavirus pandemic hit.
“I saw their light starting to go out. And I saw that the world started to infiltrate, and that is the definition of growing up,” said Krasinski.
It was at this moment that Krasinski was inspired to create “IF” – as a lasting reminder to his children that the magical world they created will forever be a sanctuary for them, no matter what challenges the real world presents.
The film, however, wasn’t just for her children’s imaginary friends. It was also for the imaginary friend named “Sam Brace” that Krasinski had when he was an 8-year-old boy. He said the name Brace was an ode to the braces he wanted growing up.
The 44-year-old actor said Sam Brace also shared his love of cinema and would often accompany him on walks to a video store and reenact film scenes with him.
“He was my action movie buddy, he was my comedy buddy,” Krasinski said. “We’ve been through a lot, me and Sam.”
“IF” features an all-star cast including Ryan Reynolds, Louis Gossett Jr. and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, adding a layer of intrigue as audiences guess which actor voices each imaginary character. Krasinski said that while writing the film, he would make it with his dream cast in mind – he was lucky enough to get each of the actors he wanted by contacting him personally.
“I called everyone and said, ‘Listen, you have no reason to do this. It’s a film about imaginary friends. It also helps kids deal with growing up and things like that.’ And I said ‘If you want to do it, great.’ I’ve never had a yes so quickly in my life,” he said.
“The Office” Family Reunion
Another actor who quickly signed on for the film was Steve Carell, with whom Krasinski worked on the hit TV show. “The office.” The film was a reunion for the duo who hadn’t seen each other in person since filming the TV show ended. Krasinski said he wrote Carell’s character specifically with him in mind.
“I didn’t know he was going to say yes. He might be busy, he might have other schedules, whatever. And so, I wrote him and sent him the script,” Krasinski recalled. “He came in and I had a big smile and I thought we were going to laugh and he came over and gave me a big hug and looked at me like a brother and said ‘I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you.'”
It was a very emotional moment, Krasinski said.
‘I just cried,’ he said, ‘It meant a lot to me because this is family, you know. I mean, that show, you know ‘The Office’ is family and I’ve always said… no matter where I go or what. If so, I’ll never be known for anything other than ‘The Office’ and that’s the greatest honor of my life.”
Krasinski, who played Jim Halpert on the hit NBC series, said he, along with the entire cast, is excited about a possible spin-off series. He is working with actor Domhnall Gleeson, who will be attached to the project.
“We are all very excited about this world continuing,” said Krasinski.
Although he has not yet been approached for a role in the spinoff, Krasinski remains open: “I would do anything for Greg [Daniels, creator of ‘The Office’]I would do anything for that family, I would do anything for ‘The Office,’” he said.
