The friendship between Ryan Reynolds and John Krasinski extends beyond Hollywood camaraderie; it’s a bond strengthened by family ties and a shared passion for storytelling. As Ryan Reynolds discussed his upcoming movie, IF, he offered heartwarming insights into his children’s fascination with John Krasinski’s daughters, revealing a delightful connection between their families. This personal dynamic adds another layer to their professional collaboration, most recently seen in the highly anticipated family film, IF, directed and written by Krasinski.
Ryan Reynolds on Krasinski’s Kids and the Heart of IF
During an interview with ET’s Rachel Smith, Ryan Reynolds, known for his roles in Deadpool and Welcome to Wrexham, shared an endearing detail about his family life. He mentioned that his four children with Blake Lively are “obsessed” with John Krasinski’s two daughters, Hazel and Violet, whom Krasinski shares with his wife, Emily Blunt. Krasinski, the creative force behind IF, has openly acknowledged that his own children were the inspiration for the film’s imaginative narrative.
Reynolds humorously downplayed the notion that Krasinski’s children directly conceived the plot of IF, stating, “I know Krasinski’s kids and there’s no way they came up with this,” before immediately adding, “No, his kids are literally the most imaginative — incredible.” He further emphasized their enchanting nature, agreeing with his IF co-star, Cailey Fleming, who described them as “magical little people.” Reynolds affirmed, “They are actually magic, yeah. My kids are obsessed with his kids. They’re all friends and they hang out.” This familial connection underscores the genuine affection and rapport between Reynolds and Krasinski, making their on-screen collaboration even more meaningful.
Ryan Reynolds and Cailey Fleming in 'IF'
IF centers around Bea, played by Fleming, a young girl who gains the ability to see imaginary friends and embarks on a mission to reconnect these “IFs” with their original human companions. Reynolds portrays Cal, a character who shares Bea’s unique ability and joins her on this heartwarming adventure. Reynolds recounted the moment Krasinski pitched him the concept for IF, recalling his initial reaction in his kitchen. He expressed slight bewilderment at being approached for such a family-oriented project, given his filmography often leans towards more adult themes.
“My response was first like, ‘Are you sure you want me? ‘Cause, like, most of my movies I’m, you know, stabbing people in the face and swearing,'” Reynolds joked. However, Krasinski’s conviction in Reynolds’ suitability for the role and the profound beauty of the story quickly won him over. Reynolds described his emotional response to Krasinski’s pitch, saying he was moved to tears by the narrative’s beauty and Krasinski’s compelling execution, solidifying his enthusiasm for the project.
From Free Guy to IF: A Budding Collaboration
IF isn’t the first time Ryan Reynolds and John Krasinski have joined forces professionally. They previously collaborated on the 2021 film Free Guy, which featured Reynolds in the lead role and was produced by Shawn Levy, a frequent collaborator of Reynolds. Free Guy boasted a star-studded cast including Joe Keery, Jodie Comer, Lil Rel Howery, and Utkarsh Ambudkar, along with cameo appearances from Chris Evans and Hugh Jackman, Reynolds’ close friend. This prior experience working together likely paved the way for their seamless partnership on IF.
Family-Friendly Sets and Balancing Act
Reflecting on the set of IF, Reynolds noted the family-friendly nature of the production, which allowed him and Blake Lively to bring their children to work regularly. “Our kids they were all there all the time,” he shared, emphasizing the welcoming environment Krasinski cultivated.
John Krasinski, in a separate interview, echoed this sentiment, expressing his delight in creating a film that his children could finally enjoy and understand. He humorously mentioned that his children might have previously perceived his profession as “accountant or something” due to the frequent mention of “the office,” referencing his role in The Office, which they hadn’t seen, along with his other projects like A Quiet Place and Jack Ryan.
Emily Blunt and John Krasinski with their daughters at the US Open in 2023
Krasinski acknowledged Emily Blunt’s established presence in their household with child-appropriate films like Mary Poppins Returns and Jungle Cruise. He saw IF as an opportunity to create a film that his children could connect with, making it a “all-encompassing trip” where he could involve them from the project’s inception.
Krasinski’s Passion Project and Star-Studded Ensemble
IF stands as John Krasinski’s most personal project to date, a heartfelt “love letter” dedicated to his children and children everywhere. The film features an impressive ensemble cast, including Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Steve Carell, Awkwafina, Matt Damon, George Clooney, and Fiona Shaw, all of whom readily joined Krasinski’s vision.
Krasinski expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support he received from his friends and fellow actors. He recounted pitching the movie to them before they even read the script, and their immediate positive responses moved him profoundly. “Everybody jumped in and did a couple lines and I always pitch my movies before anybody reads the script and I pitch them the movie and they didn’t even read the script. They just wrote back, ‘Yes,’ and I’ve never had so many yeses so fast.” He viewed their participation as both a personal favor and a testament to their belief in the film’s core message of rekindling childhood wonder and contributing positivity to the world.
In essence, the collaboration between Ryan Reynolds and John Krasinski on IF is more than just a professional pairing; it’s a reflection of their genuine friendship and shared values centered around family and the power of imagination. IF promises to be a heartwarming cinematic experience, enriched by the real-life connection between these two talented actors and their families.
